I left home at the age of seventeen to come to the U.S. as a foreign exchange student. During the year I had a few moments of homesickness — a few times I wanted to give up.
Moving to the other side of the world was difficult. Once the initial excitement wore off and things seemed to be going fairly normal, homesickness kicked in.
I spent many sleepless nights crying, but God showered me with His amazing grace by placing me in a pastor’s family.
After few days I called their home my home.
They treated me with such love. At the dinner table I felt like a family member. When we were out for a meal or a movie, people had no doubt that we were a family — until my accent gave me away.
I began going to church on regular basis. My English wasn’t good enough to understand the Scriptures, but my family had the entire Bible in my native language.
When I started reading the Word of God, my faith came alive.
Church became my home. I knew that I did not have to be someone else. I could be myself. So many people at church showed me the unconditional love of Christ.
Leaving the U.S. was hard. I returned to Russia — the country where I spent first seventeen years of my life. The year went by fast, and it was time to leave for Canada.
My host family had introduced me to a lady in Canada who is from the same city where I stayed for my post-secondary education. This lady shared with me the church she attended, so I had a church to attend before receiving my Canadian visa!
My experience in Canada, though, has been different because I didn’t have a family to look after me. Homesickness kicked in full power during my time in Canada.
Yet, God was so merciful and gracious.
After my first week of classes, I went to the church. Then the college and career group invited me over for lunch. Mealtime is one of the best fellowship times!
I have been living in this country now for the past seven years. And I haven’t been alone for Christmas once. So many fellow believers in Christ are willing to open their doors, listen to my countless rants, share a meal, or just simply be there whenever a need arises.
My experience has shown me the truth of Paul’s words:
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” {Philippians 3:20, NLT}
The distance between two continents seems like the distance between two separate worlds. The way from my head to my heart seems almost as long.
It took me almost nine years to understand that our true home is in heaven with Jesus.
It doesn’t matter where we are in the world. It doesn’t matter how far we are from our families, friends, and familiar settings — our real home is in heaven.
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Leave a Comment
Angela says
This is so true. I have spent my life moving from place to place. I want to appreciate the beauty and blessings in each place I live without becoming too attached. Heaven is our real home.
Shelli Littleton says
Beautiful, Irina. I’m glad you had a wonderful experience and were treated kindly. Because you are so right … Heaven is our home … and our brothers and sisters in Christ are our real family. It’s real. Blessed by you.
Brenda says
What a sweet testimony. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
RinnyG says
Thank you so much for your comment. God bless you.
Irina
Natasha says
Thanks for the reminder! About a month ago I moved away from home and while there has been grace and beauty this month has been one of the hardest times of my life. I have been thinking about how God is my truest home. I have begun attending a church here and even though I don’t have relationships and strong connections yet, already the people at that church have blessed me with their hospitality, genuineness, and welcoming presence.
RinnyG says
Thank you for your comment. God bless you.
Irina
Beth Williams says
Rinny,
God blessed you with a great family! The school I used to work at had an exchange program where faculty and staff were asked to “adopt” a foreign student for the year. You could help them navigate the terrain, buy groceries, with classes, etc. You were there for them. The student could live in a dorm or with you depending on what each wanted. I find that helps the foreign students to navigate around a strange country and area.
I also had a good experience in college. I moved out of state and away from parents for college. A nice family down the hill decided to adopt me as their own. The first night I got dinner brought to me. If they went out to eat I would be invited to come along. They made sure I had what I needed. Nice to know that there are Christians living in this world!
Thanks for the reminder that this earth is not our true home! We need to look forward to our eternal home in Heaven praising Jesus for our salvation!
RinnyG says
He had indeed. God found me when I wasn’t looking for him. In fact, when I was going to the States, going to church was the last thing on my mind.
Ministering to students is one of the best outreaches, especially international students. God bless you,
Irina