Cadence.org/Lambert.K

Katie LambertSERVING WITH CADENCE INTERNATIONAL

MAY 2020

This spring. . . It’s hard to know what to say about it.

We’ve been in the middle of a pandemic together. We each have our own stories as we talk about the spring of 2020. We are walking roads none of us ever imagined. We have experienced loss. We have grieved. I know I have cried a whole lot, been anxious about what tomorrow holds, and have grieved and struggled throughout this spring.

I do have some news to share with you, but first, we need to rewind to the summer of 2019.

I was on a team retreat with coworkers and was sitting with a couple watching a beautiful sunset the second night of our time together. They began to ask me questions about life and ministry, which led to whether I had considered taking a home assignment (this is when missionaries go back to the States for about a year to focus on refreshment, connect with their support team, and prepare to head back onto the mission field).

Over the past five years on Okinawa, I have struggled with exhaustion. Some weeks or even seasons I do fantastic, but those can be few and far between. I often have a foggy brain, ministry days take EVERYTHING out of me, and it can take me days to recover, just to start over again. My love for what the Lord has called me to has not diminished, but I have spent days on my couch grieving what I wish I was able to do.

Over the seasons of exhaustion, I have slowly learned what I can and cannot do; what is acceptable to lose energy over and what is not. It has been a hard struggle with a steep learning curve.

Knowing all of this and having just passed my fifth year of living on Okinawa—and almost six years on the field altogether—the idea of home assignment began to sound refreshing. Through MANY tears over the next couple of months, the Lord graciously pointed out that this was something I needed. After my stubborn heart finally accepted the decision, I made plans to move back to the States for home assignment this summer.

With all that said, this spring has been a rollercoaster of emotions as I have grieved both the losses COVID-19 has brought on and also a move back to the States, which means saying goodbye to a place I’ve called home almost six years and the family I’ve made here.

Katie LambertKatie.Lambert@Cadence.orgCadence.org/Lambert.K

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SO, WHAT IS IN STORE FOR MY HOME ASSIGNMENT?I will head back to the States in June, as my flight has not been canceled yet. I’ll be moving to Denver, Colorado to live with my brother and sister-in-law for a little bit. I will get to meet my niece and get some nephew cuddles, which I am excited about.

The first part of my home assignment will be set aside for rest and pursuing doctors to help figure out what is going on. The doctors on Okinawa haven’t been able to agree on whether or not I have depression or if I should be on anti-depressants, and the lack of clarity has been hard. I will also be figuring out a new normal for myself and learning how to continue doing the ministry the Lord has called me to.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT ME?I cherish all your love, support, and prayers during this time.

Prayers• I have both dreaded and been excited about this move.

I am leaving co-workers who are like family here on Okinawa, and my heart hurts thinking of that. On the other hand, I am excited about health, rest, time with family, and space to recalibrate my life a little.

• I will be looking for the right doctor willing to listen and help me figure this out.

• Be praying as I raise support as well.

FinanciallyDuring my time in the U.S., I will be taking time to raise support so I can be fully funded to go where the Lord leads after this year.

This is a lot of information, a lot of change, and as I write this, a lot of emotions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me on any of this. I would love to get time with you or set up a call to hear how life is going on your end as well.

I have been so incredibly blessed by each of you over the past six years. Your prayers and financial support have helped us minister to these students and the military, first in Stuttgart and then on Okinawa! Thank you for being partners in ministry with me.

Katie