“Home” Again: The Slow Re-Entry

It’s been around eight months since we returned from Malawi, and yet it feels like life is only just beginning to settle down. Many of you have followed our journey since 2019, when we moved continents to live and work in Mzuzu. Some of you may only know us from our picture on the Mission Partner map in the crush hall! We are grateful to all of you, old friends and new, for walking alongside us and praying for us as we have transitioned back into Scottish life. Here is a snapshot of what we have been up to over the past wee while…

March – Return to the UK 

We left Malawi excited for the next stage of our family’s journey – Gary had accepted a job at the Scottish Bible Society, and we were looking forward to reconnecting with friends and family back home. At the same time, we grieved for the home we left behind. The mix of emotions was difficult to process (and still is) – but we learned it was important to acknowledge them all, talk about them with each other, and be grateful for all we had experienced and learned.

April – New job and an unexpected move

After spending the first few weeks in Edinburgh wrapping up work with the Church of Scotland, we were ready to move back to Lenzie after Easter in time for the new school term. But God had other plans. It soon became clear that we wouldn’t be getting into our house anytime soon, and so we decided that Gary would stay in Edinburgh to start work while I took the girls to my parents’ in N. Ireland. We could have pushed to find a way to stay together and get the girls started in school, but we felt God was telling us this wasn’t our problem to fix. We needed to trust in His timing and purpose. 

As it turned out, Gary appreciated being able to focus on settling into his new role, having been thrown in at the deep end with a trip to Indonesia crammed full of meetings. The time with my parents was also a blessing for the girls and me, helping ease the transition back into UK life and culture. Extended time with the grandchildren brought lots of joy and laughter, and they were a welcome distraction when my dad received a cancer diagnosis.  

July/August – New school and a step closer to home

We returned to Lenzie and Kirkintilloch Baptist Church in July, deciding to rent a house so the girls could get registered for the new school year. We were thankful to finally reconnect with friends, and for the children to take part in the Holiday Club. We are constantly amazed by the resilience God has given our children, and starting at their new schools and nursery was no exception. We are so proud of the way they have navigated this season of change. When I have found things difficult, and my faith is stretched thin, my girls are often a source of strength and encouragement.

September – Home at last

We were grateful to finally move back into our house at the beginning of September. A special thanks to those who helped out practically. The move brought a fresh wave of emotions – excitement to be in our own home, but a reminder that this was for the long term and that we would not be returning to Malawi. 

And so a new season begins. A chance to put down roots once again and follow where God leads. We know that wherever we live, nowhere is truly “home” for those of us who are citizens of heaven. Who knows, one day God may call us to up sticks and move again. But for now, we are happy to be back!