I've been back in the US for about 10 days now. My flights were uneventful and went off without a hitch. The first leg of my journey was traveled with the Ackers as they came back for Christmas. It was nice to travel with friends and the short layover in London went by faster than I imagined it could with them there too. We had breakfast and relaxed for a short time before I left for my flight to Chicago. The flight from London seemed to take a lot longer than 8 hours and 40 minutes, but I made it and so did all of my luggage. I got through customs easily and was with my family within an hour of getting off of the plane. That's not always the case at Chicago O'hare, let me tell you!
We got home from the airport, I greeted everyone, took a shower, and then relaxed with the family until it was late enough to justify sleeping. I slept for a good 10 hours that night. The next day I hung out and got ready to surprise my youth kids at Bible study. Things went well and they were really surprised to see me. It was a lot of fun and a huge blessing to be back with the kids I love so much!
Since then I've been hanging out with youth kids and trying to adjust. Christmas was good... we hosted my dad's side of the family for Christmas Eve, so I got to see most of my extended family right away. My brother spent the long weekend with us which was nice too.
Adjusting has been much harder this time than it was last time. Or at least harder than I can remember last time being. The relationships that I built are so precious, especially with my students from the Centre and I already miss them. I'm also already missing the laughter of my Sudanese friends and the fun, yet informative conversations we always had. I learned so much from so many people this year. I'm completely blessed and honored to have been a part of so many people's lives. I feel so privileged so have been able to work with the people that I did. Thanks be to God for an amazing opportunity!
I've said many times that the past year wasn't easy and it definitely wasn't. However, I wouldn't change the decision to go. I was clearly called by God for such a time and He didn't say it would be easy. Good thing He didn't say that... because it wasn't, but throughout the difficult times God carried me. He didn't just stand beside me, He carried me. I'm amazed as I look back over the year at how many tricky situations arose and see that it was only by God's strength that I made it through.
Anyway I've hardly begun to process anything and I'm not going to do it here, but something I've been thinking about for the past 10 days is that "home" is a relative term. Yes, this is my home if we're talking about where I'm from and where I grew up. Also if we're talking about where my family is and where I am currently living. Home is more than those things, although those things are an important part of home. Everyone keeps asking if I'm glad to be home. Yes, I'm glad to be with my family and friends, but I've not quite been able to say a resounding "yes!" about being glad to be home. Let me be clear that I LOVE my family and I'm so thankful for them! I haven't been able to say a resounding "yes" because I don't yet feel at home. Sure, things are normal and I'm definitely comfortable, but my heart is still 9,000 miles away. It's still with my students, the orphans, and my friends (family) in Uganda. When I'm in Uganda, I feel at home.
I know that once I get a job and get into some sort of routine, things will change. I just don't want to become complacent and mundane. I don't want to stop serving because I'm here and not there. Please God, remind of this!
One other thing... I'd really appreciate some prayer for my physical health. I'm not feeling well and I don't just mean a cold. However, I don't have any health insurance so a doctor visit will be expensive, but it's definitely needed. Ugh. Pray for complete healing, even now so that tomorrow when I wake up I don't even have to think about going to the doctor. Thanks!!
I hope you all had a very merry Christmas. Blessings!
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