Monday, October 6, 2008

We have arrived! It's hard to believe that this is it: that the seed that was planted last January, over 9 months ago, has developed into this reality we are living today. I had no idea what was ahead of us when Denny came home that 'winter' evening, placed his hand on my still-flat tummy, and announced that 'we' were headed to Canada. So here we are, Denny, Dennis Michael, and I, alone in a big city with a metro for transportation, an apartment shared with three non-English speakers (and one bathroom!), and a very, very cold winter ahead of us. I will be honest and share that the night we arrived, after climbing the steepest staircase known to man with baby carrier (and baby) in hand to reach our apartment, I burst into tears. I was completely overwhelmed by the thought of exposing my precious newborn to heavy traffic, old, squeaky wood floors, and a harsh winter air. My fear of every unknown and uncontrollable was blinding any faith within me. Not only was I alone here, but this school wasn't even for me, right? What was I going to do while Denny stayed busy pursuing his passions and learning how to change the world? As the snow piles up, will I just be sitting indoors awaiting Denny's return for the evening? Thankfully, I married a man who was able to see through my supermom act and discern that I was not well. "He took my shoulders and He shook my face" (in the words of a Sufjan song) when Denny reminded me that I was the girl who dreamed of far-off lands and considered the life of a long-term missionary before we were married. Not only was this my dream, but I am not alone here. While Denny will be busy with this school that is helping him develop his passions, our prime purpose on this adventure is to grow together as a family serving the Lord. I am not alone. Last January, the Lord spoke. He was with us then, nudging us onward, and He is still with us now, with me now. Denny is doing this YWAM school, and will mature and learn a great deal from it, but what I somehow forgot along the way was that our God does not just work in schools or organizations. There is a purpose for me, and for Dennis Michael: to support Denny, yes, but far beyond that. This is our journey and I can now confidently say that God has already begun a good work here in Montreal, in the Flanagans, in me.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey guys,

Thanks for sharing your story. Your boldness and faith is an inspiration.

lindsay said...

Oh, Josh, left a message too, so apparently the Murads are rooting for you guys! Okay, loved! the birthday message from Dennis to his cousin. And it was great to see your place and read the post. I miss seeing you guys every week but am so excited for this adventure for you family!

Unknown said...

Denny & Lauren,
We miss you guys around here! Loved the emotion, honesty and faith in your post. Do you have a mailing address we can send stuff to?
Larry

Nalfety said...

hey, c'est trop cool de vous avoir parmi nous. Je suis trop feignant pour vous écrire en anglais, mais cela ne m'empêche pas de vous dire comme je suis content de vous avoir rencontré, et je me réjouis de passer ces huit prochains mois avec vous.

:D

Paige said...

Hey FlanClan!

It was so good to hear from you, Lauren. I'm so glad things are going well and you're settling in to your new life in Montreal--what an amazing adventure! You guys are going to have so many wonderful experiences, and take with you so many memories that you'll have forever. I wish you all the best and am so happy that I can follow along on your blog and hear all your wonderful stories!

Love and miss you,

Paige

P.S. I'm looking forward to meeting Dennis Michael one of these days--what a cutie!!

P.P.S. What's your address up there?