As I sit in this Fredericksburg, VA coffeehouse, I must admit that my head is spinning. I am thinking about life 12 months ago today. Life has changed more than the “September 4th, 2013 John Gunter” could have imagined.
On September 4, 2013 I had just moved into my new apartment in Asia. It was the best apartment I had ever lived in while in Asia (though the sudden mold infestation would soon change my opinion). I had a roommate for the first time in three years. I was happy. Several good friends had JUST arrived in my city from America whom had been working to get to Asia for several years. I was THRILLED to have them on the ground and in my Asian home town.
I honestly thought I would be in that city for many, many more years. I had arrived in Asia to live in August 1999. Fourteen years later, I was in a great place. I saw nothing on the horizon which would keep me from living and working in Asia for the remainder of my professional career.
Then IT happened. A phone call from America in October.
This was followed by months of prayer, seeking wisdom, professional investigation, personal introspection, more prayer, two visits to America, and then finally a decision to move from Asia back to America.
On Monday I will fly to Los Angeles, California, my soon to be new home. I will spend the following days looking for an apartment, buying furniture, and generally setting up shop.
In mid-September, I will fly back to Asia for a month of “closing up” my life as a full-time resident of that great country that is filled with wonderful friends, a lifetime of memories, and a people whom I have loved for more than 20 years.
This entire process of deciding to leave Asia for this new calling in Los Angeles has easily been the toughest professional decision of my life. However, the Lord has been abundantly gracious in making His will clear throughout. For this, I am eternally grateful.
SO here I sit in a coffee house in Fredericksburg, VA absolutely brimming with emotions which are all over the map.
Above all, I can identify four emotions I have in moving into this new phase in life.
First, I am honestly grieving that I am leaving my life in Asia. I have had a wonderful 15+ years of investment in a people, place, and culture which all feel very much like home to me. I left America as a 27 year old boy looking to do two years in Asia and then go to business school. I am now a 42 year old man as committed to Asia as I have ever been. The Lord’s ways are often not our own.
Second, I am filled with excitement of what lies ahead. The opportunity in Los Angeles is one of which I am honored and grateful to be a part. I need to wait until after I return from Asia in November to write of the specifics. However, suffice it to say, I am grateful to be entering this new and challenging venture I am being called to.
Third, I am fighting anxiety as I move forward in moving from Asia to Los Angeles. Personally, my life has been invested in one people and place for my entire adult life. I have been all in. Since deciding to move to this specific part of Asia in summer 1997, there has probably not been a single day which I have not actively talked about, cast vision for, and/or prayed about this region of the world.
Even before I moved to Asia at age 27, I knew it was coming. My four years of working in Atlanta post-college and pre-Asia were essentially a time of preparation for my life in Asia. From the summer of 1993 until I moved in August 1999, I knew I was on a collision course with this great land. I was excited to get there and largely invested those four years in preparation.
Professionally, I am good in Asia. I am competent in Asia. Much of what I am best at professionally is specific to Asia. Now I am starting over, or so it seems, both personally and professionally. In all of this, anxiety has set in, from time to time, over the past few months. I’m certain this will continue to be the case for the next few months, if not the next few years.
Finally, as I sit here processing my move to Los Angeles, I am filled with HOPE. Honest, heartfelt hope.
I am confident of the Lord’s call of me to LA for this job and to do life with this group of people. Though I cannot picture big chunks of what my life will be like in the coming months and years, I know the Lord is in it. In this, I know it will be exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I need to be doing. In this, even in the midst of the grieving and sporadic anxiety, I am exceedingly HOPEFUL.
So there it is. I am moving from Asia to Los Angeles. The move will start on Monday and be complete by the end of the year.
Please pray for me in this adjustment.
As always, thanks for reading and interacting with me through this blog!
SO excited for you (not only to have you in the states) but because this is what God has led you to do and His direction is always the best! Your work in Asia has been multiplied a million times over Gunter and I know you will have peace to leave it behind while still holding it in your heart.
This new church has no idea what they just got in a leader!!! We wish we went to that church! Asia as well as other parts of the world will be blessed by you. You got this!!!
Thanks Erin! Seriously, I have thought of our dinner back in January and your words regarding this job often over the process of the last few months. Thanks for being a great friend. . . look forward to seeing you guys on Saturday!
Man…wow. We need to talk again. Keep me updated, and I’m looking forward to reading more on here.
Look forward to talking, my friend. Been too long.
Oh I remember that feeling so well from back when I suddenly up and moved to Mexico! Amazing isn’t it?
By the way, I hope you’re sitting in Hyperion…best coffee shop in town!
Hilarious! Actually I was at Blackstone today, though Hyperion is my favorite also. Just wanted to be in the comfy chairs of Blackstone today, though!
I am so excited for you, especially since you are being led by the Lord. I understand what it is like to move to a new place. I moved to Dallas from California in 1992 and it was very difficult. I then was called back to California 12 years ago and again it was so difficult leaving behind many, many friends. It was easier knowing that the Lord led me to both places. I would be happy to help you in any way I can here in Los Angeles. I know a lot of good resources for housing, jobs, etc. and can show you around. In the meantime, I will be praying that you have a smooth transition! Blessings!!!!
Thanks for the offer and for your story of moving here! Actually, I do have a job and a bunch of folks helping me move in, but I really do appreciate the offer. I will write in later posts about exactly what I will be doing and where I will be working when I get back from Asia. Thanks a ton, Heather, and look forward to meeting you one of these days!
Shelby and I just talked about how much our anxiety is triggered by the unknown. We like to have a plan and vision of our future.There is comfort in it. The irony is that seldom does our vision of the future resemble the reality of what it will be. When our plans are new or unclear, we can’t visualize what a day five years from now will look like, and we panic.Does my life look like I thought it would five years ago? Not even a little Realizing that and acknowledging God is ultimately in control is the truth that helps me process my anxiety attacks. Praying for you through this process.
Great words, Paige. Seriously, I hope you guys will come out and visit me when I get set up. Would love to host you guys!
I am excited for you John…it will be an adjustment!!! I know that Conrad Quiros will be happy to see you after so many years..
God will be faithful to use your experience and skills as you move into a different role
Carol, really looking forward to getting out there and seeing Conrad more. We had breakfast when I was there two times ago. Really fun to be serving alongside of him here in the future.
Hope you are well!
John, I am so happy and excited for you, I pray that you have a smooth transition in your new job. God is Good!!
Hugs!!!!!
Thanks Jane. . . great hearing from you, as always!
Yeah! 🙂
SO excited for you and this new journey God has before you!!! We will be praying for you throughout your move. I’m sure it will not be easy to leave Asia, but God continues to have great plans for you! What an exciting time for you…and your family here in the US 🙂 I always enjoy reading your blog so I’ll be looking for updates throughout the process to continue to know how to pray for you.
Thanks Pamela. . . my Mom literally started crying when I told her about the job. “It feels like you will be next door!” I think she had given up hope that I would ever live in the continental US again.
Great hearing from you!
Praying for you as you begin this new chapter in your walk with the LORD.
one of my favorite verses from Living Bible Isaiah 43:5 “DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I AM WITH YOU,”
Thanks Mrs. Clarke. . . as I type, I’m sitting here with Craig. Love you guys!
If you pass through SC on your trek out west, let me know!
Praying for you through this transition. Look forward to hearing more about it. I think back often to those good ole days in Asia with you!
Thanks Joe. . . great hearing from you. Hope you guys are doing well!
27 year old boy?
Jeremy, you knew me then. I think you will agree with me if you simply remember where I was in life!
Gunter, great news. Missing the thought of you in Asia and all you mean to that place (and my connection to it). And hopeful and excited for those in LA who will be blessed by you being there. To think of the people in LA who don’t know what a great friend they’ll have in a few months. Always enjoy seeing you regardless of how infrequent – hopefully, we can cross paths at some point soon in Atlanta. Congrats on the great news!
Chris, man, it has been WAY too long! I really appreciate your words and friendship. Definitely look forward to reconnecting one of these days.
I was just praying for you. Read this verse recently from Psalms 90 “Lord, you have been our dwelling place through all generations…from everlasting to everlasting You are God”. I love how no matter where we live, our “dwelling place” is the Lord & He is our home. Praying you through the changes in your life over the next few months & that He will bless you abundantly!
Thanks Kelly! Actually, that was my Grandmother’s favorite passage, so it means a lot to me also. Thanks!
John, I am praying right now for your transition back to America and into your role in LA. It is a major change and I’m glad to know you are sensitive to what’s going on for you on the inside. Thanks for being so transparent. I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for you into the future.
I have long thought that the city most like Atlanta is Los Angeles …. young, energized, SunBelt, very mobile. I wonder if this might soften the transition, at least a bit.
Please get me your contact information when you have it. I am in So. Cal. fairly routinely for business reasons and would leap at the chance to visit.
Grace and Peace, Scott
Scott, as always, great hearing from you. I actually tried calling you this summer, but have a dated number. Let’s definitely make getting together on one of your LA trips a priority, as I would love to catch up on life. It’s been way too long. Thanks, my friend!
Congratulations on your new adventure. I can relate to new beginnings…there will be for sure some culture shock, from Asia back to America but I’m sure you will be able to adjust well. It will take time. I’m sure also that God will use what you have learned in Asia also in L.A., you never know. I will keep you on my prayer list. Regards, Carmen~
Thanks a lot, Carmen. I appreciate your prayer and for letting me know.
I also hope that some of the “survival” skills I learned in Asia will be applicable to my new environment. Thanks and have a great week!
Praying your transition goes well. A little jealous you will be enjoying the CA sunshine. I miss it!
Thanks Laura and I look forward to reading your thoughts on healing from your initial time overseas. Thanks for putting it out there and allowing others like to to learn and grow through your experiences.
Also, looking forward to your home state!
Thanks for your encouragement; while it’s been good to start writing these posts, I think I’ll definitely be a little anxious each week when I hit publish.
I completely understand. . . proceed as you are comfortable doing so, but also know that your story is being greatly used to edify, encourage, and teach many of us!
Hey John, it’s never too late for a Fresh Start. I doubt that I’ll see you anymore with you being in LA as opposed to East Asia. The probability was probably greater in East Asia as we continue to be invited to the region for more Fresh Start. We don’t have any relationships in LA except for a film producer who from time to time makes video’s for us. I’m praying for your transition and for you time of good bye’s in East Asia. I can imagine that will be bitter/sweet!
Brad, you are always there to encourage and speak Christ into my life. Thanks for your heart and persistence in being a friend to myself and many others!
LA is just another Asian city w/ Latino twist…no more complaints about early draft.
Yuh, we are FINALLY back as co-residence of the same state again! I know you are thrilled beyond words.
Also, I am going to win AGAIN in ff this year. Good luck in second place.
Our family will be praying for you as you transition to life in LA, and we hope to visit you sometime soon! If you ever visit the Bay Area, we welcome you to stay at our place!
Thanks Joce. . . we need to get Iris and connect somewhere in CA one of these days. It will be like the days in good ole’ Student Service Building.
Good luck to you John. Hit me up if you ever decide to visit the islands.
Thanks Brian. . . hope that will work out!
Excited for you and this new change the Lord has brought into your life, John! Praying His great peace completely covers you and that all anxiety and any fear will be gone in Jesus’ name!
Thanks Natalie. . . thanks for your prayers and great hearing from you again!
John,
I’ve been reading a great book that could possibly coincide with your upcoming shift. “Falling Upward” by Rohr…let me share a quote from a chapter talking about the “the second half of life” Lets face it you are getting closer to that mark…
“There is a deeper voice of God, which you must learn to hear and obey in the second half of life. It will sound an awful lot like the voices of risk, of trust, of surrender, of soul, of “common sense.’ of destiny, of love, of an intimate stranger, of your deepest self, ….the true faith journey only begins at this point.”
Wow, thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely look into this.
Great hearing from you!
John-that is really exciting. I wish you safety and a lot of joy as you head to LA. I have a close friend there if you need a connection and folks to help you get settled in. There are a lot of great things coming your way, I am sure. Take care, Stephanie
Thanks Stephanie!
Welcome back out to Southern Cali, John! God has used you in an amazing way in Asia. He has gifted you with so many talents and gifts, we know you will continue to be used in a mighty way as you step into the next exciting chapter of your life. So happy for you!!
PAULA, I can’t wait to see you and FINALLY meet your husband! When I get settled in November, let’s definitely find a time for a meal or something.
Welcome home Jonny. You’re going to love LA. The clean air, no traffic and the nicest people in the world. There’s also some amazing food in LA – some call it the culinary capital of california. One of the best places there is a little restaurant named Applebee’s. It’s got these great imitation ribs unlike anything you’ve ever seen or tasted. The best burgers are at this little shack called mcdonald’s. There might be a few of them. Also, the best coffee in the universe is there – just google Starbucks. That’s about all I got for you today bro. Hang loose and blessings!
Hi there, I chanced across your blog as I was reading A Life Overseas. I just wanted to thank you for the candor with which you write, and for being willing to honestly process life with all of your readers. I suppose there are in fact plenty of folks like yourself, living the life overseas, whose blogs are sprinkled across the interwebs – and I would be ever so heartened if I read them more often! God Bless. 🙂
Thanks Larissa, great hearing from you!
John,
It’s been quite a while since you last blogged. I’m sure your move back to the States and your new ministry position are keeping you very busy. As a regular reader of your blog, I just wanted to let you know that I miss reading about “life from your vantage point.”
Hope you’ll be blogging again soon :).
Thanks for checking in and for the discouragement on the blog!
Honestly, I have missed writing. When I arrived in LA, I was highly encouraged to have set aside all non-essentials in getting used to my new life and job here in LA for the first 6 months. I am sticking to this. It was very wise advise. Life have been rich, but overwhelming at times. God has been good, but this life shift has been meteoric in all senses.
I HOPE to get back to writing in May and then slowly ramp back up. I look forward to it.
Thanks again for the encouragement and kind words! John
So glad you’re taking a break from writing to focus on your new life. Just had to share I recently started a new job with a guy named Jereme who looks like your twin from the pics you’ve posted. Reminds me to pray for you often. Thanks for being a cyber role model to so many of us and for your unwavering faith. Praying that God will give you the desires of your heart.
Hey Kelly, thanks for the words! Yeah, I am still in the midst of a writing break. I HOPE to start back the first week in September, but still not certain. I miss writing, so I’ll get back on it eventually.
Thanks for praying and the encouragement!