From Leaving Home to Finding Purpose

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.’” – Genesis 12:1-2  

Many are familiar with the story of Abraham, who, at the age of one hundred, became the father of many nations. Yet, an often overlooked part of his story is the very beginning: his call from God to leave his homeland. This single act of obedience set the stage for Abraham to receive God’s promises and the covenant that his descendants would inherit the land. He left his country, Ur, following God's call to a new land that would later be revealed as Canaan. Despite the uncertainties and challenges, Abraham obeyed in faith.

I may not have experienced exactly what Abraham did, but I understand the feelings of uncertainty and separation that come with leaving home. As we grow, we encounter transitions like going to college, getting married, or moving to a new place. Each transition brings a sense of reality and the accompanying challenges. Leaving one's country, especially when God has a specific mission, is a unique and daunting challenge.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. At the age of 21, newly married, my husband and I moved to Baltimore so I could pursue a doctorate in Pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University. We arrived with just two suitcases, minimal savings, no car, and a low stipend that barely covered our rent in the expensive city. Leaving Puerto Rico was unimaginable at the time, but God had promised us new opportunities to glorify Him. He promised a great school and “things we’d never imagined.” We soon discovered that His promise included an incredible ministry far from home.

I feel compelled to share this part of my testimony because I believe the lessons I've learned might encourage others during big transitions. Sometimes, God’s commands come with challenges, and how we respond can determine whether we walk away from a blessing or walk in victory with Him. Though I’m still learning, I hope my insights encourage you to trust in His timing, rely on His provision, wait for His answers, believe in His miracles, rejoice in His goodness, and delight in His presence.

Saying goodbye to my family has been one of the hardest experiences. After ten years, I still find it difficult not to cry at the airport or when leaving my grandma’s house. It’s tough to see loved ones decay with age from afar. But God’s love and grace are sufficient. You can cover them in prayer, call them often, express your love, and declare peace over them daily. This perspective helps me live with hope and anticipation, knowing God watches over us and them. Regardless of the trials, God loves your family even more than you do and will care for them as He does for you (Matthew 6:25-34).

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in Him.” – Psalm 56:3 

Being different can draw attention. As the only Hispanic and Christian student in my program, I felt out of place and invisible at times. People often made assumptions about my background, and this feeling of alienation extended beyond the classroom. Initially disheartening, this experience became a reminder of my responsibility to represent my culture positively and to approach others with love and respect. God created diversity for a reason, and embracing it can help us bring hope to a world dealing with hurt, anger, and discrimination.

You have an opportunity to introduce your culture into new spaces, break stereotypes, and highlight the positive aspects of your heritage. Remember, God has placed you where you are for a purpose. Be bold and confident, knowing He is with you.

Moving to a new place is challenging, and my experience in Baltimore was no exception. We faced financial and emotional struggles, including unexpected expenses, homesickness, and job instability. There were days when our bank account was in the negative, and my husband struggled to find employment. Despite these difficulties, God was continually present, providing for us through unexpected sources and teaching us the meaning of Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. To this day, I can testify that God has provided for our needs abundantly.

“For the LORD your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing.” – Deuteronomy 2:7

 As time went on and our financial situation improved, I continued to struggle with separation anxiety for missing significant moments with family. I often felt worried about them and overwhelmed by blame for not being there. However, Psalm 94:19 reminded me that God’s joy and consolation are enough to overcome my anxieties. I realized that feeling anxious was preventing me from seeing the big picture, the mission that He put in our hearts from the beginning. God is in control of every situation, including the next time you are taking a trip home to go see your family. Our role is to pray, trust, and obey, not to let anxiety derail our mission.

 “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” – Psalm 94:19

We can’t always understand God’s ways, but His plans are perfect. Despite the difficulties I faced, I’ve seen how God’s timing and promises are better than my own expectations. From the birth of our boys to my husband’s job and our ministry journey, God has orchestrated every single step in a beautiful way. My professional life, my husband’s calling, and our ministry in Virginia have all come together in ways I could never imagined. We have found our purpose in the land He has planted us. 

While not everyone is called to leave their country for ministry, we are all called to share the gospel. As Pastor Dale Donadio wisely said, “There are times God brings us to the unknown and He does it for the express purpose of teaching us to rely on Him.”

Whether far from home or facing other challenges, trust in God’s purpose and provision. He will never forsake you. Embrace His call, rely on Him, and move forward with courage.

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8