I have not worn a proper winter jacket in nearly two years. Not because I lost it, and certainly not because I forgot how cold it can get—winter has simply never caught up with us.

In the spring of 2025, we arrived in the U.S. for our training. As it concluded and the seasons were ready to change, we returned to South Africa, welcomed once again by spring in our southern hemisphere home. Somewhere in between, winter merely had never been.

Winter usually has a way of slowing life down. People pull jackets out of cupboards, evenings get a little longer, and routines settle in. Our past two years, however, have looked a bit different. Instead of cupboards and closets, we have mostly lived out of suitcases. Instead of settling into one place, we have had the privilege of staying in the homes of friends, family and strangers who quickly became friends.

Living this way teaches you a few surprising lessons. You need far fewer things than you think, and after packing and unpacking the same suitcase enough times, you become very familiar with what really matters. You also learn to navigate other people’s kitchens, remember where the mugs live, and—if you are driving—perfect the art of luggage Tetris.

Through it all, we have been reminded of how generous people can be. Opening a home to someone, even briefly, is no small matter, and we have been the grateful recipients countless times. It has made these two years feel full, even if winter never came.

Although seasons are now changing here in South Africa, we have yet to experience the significance of settling in. As we continue our preparations to launch, the hunger to serve and establish roots only grows stronger. Please partner with us as we continue to pray for our visas, the people of Czechia, and our own hearts and characters.

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