Trust & Faith: Two Peas in a Pod!

Recently I was given a true story expat book to read (which was outstanding) and that, along with the recent almost-Father’s Day for my hubby as well as some “expat challenges” my husband and I have recently experienced as a couple, gave me pause and I just want to share:

I am so lucky that God brought my husband to me. Seriously, I really am. He makes me a better person. He is my partner in crime, my rock, my heart, my soul, my best friend. I couldn’t have dreamed up someone more perfect for me if I tried. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying he’s perfect….seriously, he’s not. I mean, who is? I’m not, he’s not, our marriage is not, and we are both quick to admit that. We have our struggles just as much as the next person. But we are perfect for each other, which makes all the difference in the world. It makes the valleys easier to get through  & the peaks so much more fun…to be able to laugh at ourselves and with each other along the way.

Being an expat is hard work, and quitting my job to support my husband’s dream of working internationally is a big commitment and a big sacrifice, for us both. Yes- it is a choice that we consciously made. Along with that choice comes a lot of emotions- both with us as well as with the family & friends its affected along the way. But you know what, I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world, as its growing us and molding us into the people will we continue to evolve to be for the rest of our lives, and its opening up our families & friends’ hearts to adapt & compromise with us, not an easy task, believe me, I recognize that!

He is the sole breadwinner now, which has been a very hard pill to swallow- I’ve always been able to take care of myself and “bring something to the table” so to speak, so this transition for me, has been a rough one. Its been over a year now and I getting more and more used to it, and he’s been nothing short of amazing at never throwing my joblessness in my face. In fact, he’s done quite the opposite. He’s supportive of my blog & of the slow trickle of money its bringing in, he’s aware and conscious of what I do to keep our household & bank accounts in order, and he’s always encouraging me to follow my dreams- whether or not it leads to more income. I’m blessed to be in such a mutually supportive relationship. We also both realize how blessed we are to be able to live on 1 income, something of a rarity these days, though as expats not so much of an option as it is the way it is, at least in Malaysia. He is also incredibly excited & supportive of my new job as a mommy, which should happen any day now :).

A huge part of our relationship is faith & trust. We both trust each other completely and without reservation & we have faith both in God to lead us down His path for the rest of our lives, and also faith in each other to be each other’s everything. In regards to trust, I’m not talking about “cheating”, but about every little aspect of life. We trust each other, we defend each other, we rely on each other, and this whole “expat” experience has brought us closer together in ways I never dreamed of, especially on the day we both said “I Do”. Our faith in the future is what keeps us on the right path, because who knows when this door will close and what door will open in its place.

So from the book I recently read- “Halfway to Each Other” by Susan Pohlman, my 2 major takeaways are this: Faith & Trust. This true story is about an American couple whose marriage is on the brink of divorce and they decide, on a whim, to move to Italy for a year with their 2 teenage kids, to give their marriage 1 last shot at working. Now, my marriage is not on the brink of divorce or anything, but the book was still so insightful in many ways and can be applied to anyone’s life- expat or not.

There was a great quote at the end of the book that really stuck with me:

“Surrender is a process. I must remind myself every morning when I awake that the day will unfold as it is supposed to. That it is my job to use my talents where I can. It doesn’t mean I jump for joy as I juggle the often unpleasant intricacies of life. It means that I have complete confidence that God is taking care of business so that I do not have to”.

Love.this.so.much. Great reminder for us all, regardless of age, marital situation, living circumstances, job struggles, family relationships, and on & on.

Without Faith & Trust, life can be a muddled mess. I remember back to the days when God was not a part of my daily life, when every day I struggled to find meaning and direction, blindly choosing options that inevitably would lead to a dead end. What a stressful time that was for me! Now, its different. Sure it’s still confusing and stressful at times, but in a different way.  Not only am I not alone & I have God with me, but I also have my loving and supportive husband also on my side. And that makes all the difference in the world. Because like a wedding song of ours-  You & Me by the Dave Matthews Band, “You & Me together, we can do anything”!

Until next time, continue to follow your dreams…not matter how out-of-the-box they may be~

Kimbra