A memory popped up on Facebook this weekend that caught me off guard. Five years ago, I first visited Derry for a few days. I had walked around the town for a few hours or so on previous ventures, but this was the first time I stayed over. It was about 10 days before I had to leave Ireland, and I was completely heartbroken. I came to Derry to get out of Sligo for a few days and try to sort through the big emotions I was having before going back to the States. I found this café in a gorgeous park and settled in for some time with God and my journal.

Now, five years later, I’m living in the city, and this is still one of my favourite spots here. What a journey the past five years have been!

As I waited for yet another visa renewal to be approved during the last couple of months, I couldn’t help but think of the situation five years ago where I awaited a decision that did not turn out the way I’d hoped. Wounds of rejection that were inflicted during that season have been infected for far too long. I thought I had dealt with all that happened then, but during this recent season of waiting God has gently picked the scab on those wounds and I was a bit surprised at the “junk” that had been festering there.

It’s been a painful couple of weeks allowing all the lies and doubts and disappointments to “drain”, but God has been so present and gentle with me in the process. Just as I began to feel like all the “infection” was out and healing was finally happening, word came through that my visa renewal was approved. The answer was slightly later than I had hoped, but the delay allowed God to deal with those parts of my heart that were still bound in the hurts of the past, and for, that I am so grateful!

I’ll be flying back to the States on the five-year anniversary of the flight that carried me away from the life I’d built in Ireland. The arrival of my visa means that I get to make that trip and go visit my parents, but this time I know that I also get to return to this place I love.

Sitting with that coffee five years ago, it felt like my life was falling apart. Sitting here now, in sight of that same café, I’m so grateful for the journey that’s allowed me to call Derry home. Sometimes life brings disappointments and pain, but I am reminded again: God is always good!