By Faith Galgalo
Transitions are never easy. The mind is in a constant race as one encounters new experiences and places, new faces, and unfamiliar rhythms to life. Transition also, and almost always, portends uncertainty and fuels feelings of anxiety. Yet in moments of uncertainty, faith has a way of throwing us an anchor of comfort and assurance. God reveals his presence, and sometimes even in the most unexpected ways. His goodness and mercy are palpable in simple acts of encounters, which inspires us, enriches our experiences and strengthens our confidence as we discern purpose in every connection, in challenges and opportunities.
At the time I write this, it is exactly a month since I arrived in America and started as a Louisville Fellow. The initial excitement has slowly given way to practical demands of necessary adjustments, including contending with the huge time difference, cuisine choices, learning to drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, and not least, adjusting to a new environment and making new friends. I am ever so grateful for these experiences. I deeply appreciate one thing that has remained constant in my life: the goodness of God that refreshes my faith and inspires my sense of purpose. I am so grateful for the unity among those who look to the cross and share one faith.
As I continue to settle in, I am learning a lot from the life of the Church here; the daily office, shared reflections, and the wisdom behind the sharing of the sign of peace with one another every Sunday. These moments remind me that the faith we share in Christ transcends our cultural differences, race or localities, becoming for us a living bond that connect us wherever we are.
Leaving Kenya, family, and home behind was not an easy choice. I had a period of discernment, asking God to guide me in making the right decision. The opportunity to apply for the Louisville Fellows Program came at a time when I had prayerfully began applying to different universities for the purpose of further studies. I struggled with the decision to put this on hold, not sure at the time whether I was doing the right thing. Even after signing up, I had moments of doubt. I wondered about how I could adjust and what this new season might hold. But it has been good so far. Yes, it has been stretching and humbling, but also deeply rewarding. Each day as I step into this program, I continue to pray for direction and clarity about where God is leading me and what God intends I could do with the experiences I am gaining.
My time at Home of the Innocents has afforded me an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the goodness of God. Through my church in Kenya, I have had some experience with children with special needs. I do not take it as a coincidence that I am again working with an organization that serves the most vulnerable members of the society. I am yet to figure out what it is exactly that God is calling me to learn or do, but this is clear in my mind: that I love the work I do with this organization, especially the grant writing and policy work that align so closely with my academic and professional background. Learning how policy differs here has been unexpectedly exciting; it compares to sitting in a favorite history class, discovering stories, systems, and choices that shape societies. Through it all, I have seen how purpose and compassion intersect, and how faith can illuminate even professional paths.
The church and the symbol of the cross hold the same meaning wherever I go: Christ died for us, and we are one body, for we all share one bread. This truth, planted in me since childhood, has been a steady compass through each change and transition in my life.
I have experienced the goodness of God in the warmth and generosity of my host family, whose kindness has made this new place truly a home away from home. I have seen it in the laughter of children during my volunteer work at church. These moments remind me that God’s love is most visible in service and compassion.
I have come to understand, through these experiences, that the goodness of God is not just something we read about; it’s something we encounter daily in people, in small acts of kindness, and in the quiet assurance that we are exactly where we are meant to be.
As Psalm 27:13 beautifully says, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Or as my favorite psalm, Psalm 23, says in verse 6: “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Indeed, I see it unfold each day, one encounter, one grace-filled moment, at a time. His goodness follows us even in foreign lands, and enfolds us in even the strangest of places, and sustains us even in moments of uncertainties.