Moving with the military can be challenging. While it is typically a time of uncertainty and stress, 20 years of military moving has taught me in the midst of these challenges, there will be someone uniquely placed on the other end to provide some assurance and certainty.
I have found God perpetually places acquaintances and friends from the past in my life to provide instant familiarity at new places helping my Family to feel a sense of belonging quickly.
My Family’s overseas move from Germany to Fort Campbell last summer was no different.
Overseas moves have a unique dynamic and the stress of transition seems to be magnified a bit. When my Family arrived at the chapel at Fort Campbell, one of the very first faces I saw was familiar from 15 years ago at Fort Drum, New York.
I immediately felt apprehension leave my person, this familiar face most certainly provided assurance, but she also provided the gift of being known.
So often we take being known for granted. My spirit felt much like in the movie “Elf” when Buddy is told Santa is coming; he emphatically and joyfully announces, “I know him.”
Being known helps us belong and helps us develop ties within our community.
In the months since my move to Fort Campbell, I have been able to be the person God has placed at the other end to provide support and familiarity to Families coming to Fort Campbell simply by knowing faces from previous assignments.
I have crossed paths with two Families from a smaller post in Germany in the past couple of months.
I found one Family at a tutoring center in town with my daughter; I found the other as they walked out of chapel services.
When we find each other, there is joy and reassurance. They are able to ask questions about our much beloved Fort Campbell, and I am able to reciprocate the encouragement I received when I first transitioned here.
The common denominator in all these familiar faces is our chapel community. Our chapel communities have been places where the gift of knowing and being known have tied lives together across the world in ways only God is capable.
Our chapel communities are communities of familiar faces reunited by God’s perpetual placement and impeccable timing.