Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
—Lamentations 3:22-23

I didn’t realize how deep the rut had grown until we started to spread our wings again.

Doing the same thing every day can sometimes be a comfort in a foreign country. At least you can count on your routine to be the one thing that is constant.

Our routine is breakfast, homeschool, clean house, wash dishes, wash clothes, make supper, then fall into bed to do it all over again the next day.

We’ve lived in our isolated little town for over three years now. Though small, it is like any other city in the world, with noise, garbage, and unfriendly or looking-for-trouble kinds of people. It doesn’t always feel safe in town, so the kids haven’t been going shopping with me. It takes extra effort for our whole family to go out, so most often we’ve been choosing to stay on our base.

But lately I’ve begun to realize that what has felt safe and routine has also caused us to miss out. We’ve been in a rut!

Debbie, stuck in a rut.  : )

We have been back from furlough for six months already, and last week we finally ventured to eat supper in town again. After a successful night out with only one “habis”—something not available on the menu—it felt good to get out and break the cycle of our routine.

This morning we jumped on our motorbikes and headed on a short trip to remember this beautiful country. We left the crowded city behind and encountered the river, the mountains, and friendlier people outside the city limits.

The Klynstras venture out on their motorbikes.

God is faithful to provide us with new beginnings. Every day, in fact. Sometimes we just need to climb out of our rut before we can recognize them. I am grateful He gives us opportunities to fall more in love with Him daily and helps us find joy in the obedience.

Evidence of a non-routine family dinner in town.