THE "IN BETWEEN"

Dave Terranova
Aug 30, 2017
3 min read

Stepping off the plane at Newark airport I am suddenly hit with the warm summer air, almost surprised, I remember its summertime here in New Jersey. Being "home" is a funny feeling when you have been gone for such a long time, in my case, 7 years living in Panama. Arriving to my home on the Jersey shore, riding my bike down to the beach and seeing it packed with people in full-summer mode felt very strange. For the first few days I did not feel like myself and was experiencing a combo of culture shock and some sadness knowing that a chapter has been closed in my life and not knowing the next time I will see some of my closest friends. I had a lot of time to think and pray through the early stage of my transition home. I also have wonderful parents that understand the struggle of coming off the "mission field," they were able to provided me with helpful council and encouragement during this time. It has been nearly a month now since I got back and God has given me a lot of peace about being home. I see this "IN BETWEEN" time as a special opportunity to draw closer to God, seeking more of Him through His Word and prayer.

With the closing of a chapter always comes the beginning of a new one, but what happens "IN BETWEEN" is also VERY important. The last chapter of my life took place serving Jesus in Panama City with Christian Skaters, making disciples in the skateboarding community. I now am approaching the next chapter which is my move to Barcelona, Spain as a missionary to the local skateboarding community. But I cannot just jump right into this next chapter, there is a lot of prep work that needs to be done. This next step as a missionary has inspired me to go deeper in my pursuit of Biblical knowledge and personal understanding of the Gospel (The Message of Jesus). I am taking this time to spiritually prepare to face a whole new culture and worldview as I head to Europe.

BREAKING NEWS, I have an office job...

Being a full time missionary I have the privilege to partner with individuals who desire to invest in the ministry God has called me to. This is a great blessing because I get to build a team of faithful supporters to join me in this mission through their prayers, encouragement and financial support so that I can do what God has called me to do. With this comes my new office job, I spend many hours a week sitting at my desk connecting with current supporters and working to meet with potential supporters. Phone calls, emails, filling out visa applications, preparing for presentations, is all part of the "IN BETWEEN".

ALMOST HALF WAY THERE

Before I can leave for Spain I need to reach $1500 a month of comitted support. But before I can even apply for the Visa for Spain, I need to have $1000 a month support coming in. I am currently receiving $600 a month support. God has been so faithful already and I know he will provide the rest. By Gods grace I aim to be fully funded by the end of September.