I spent 3 weeks of this last July in the US. The original plan when I moved to Thailand was not to return home for the first two years, so this trip was bonus. My main reason for going was to attend a family reunion for my Dad's Mom's side of the family - the Wiebe's.
When I arrived in NYC after a 40 hour journey, I was, of course, exhausted. My family quickly settled into the apartment we were to rent for one day, and I didn't waste any time claiming a bed. I assessed appreciatively the brand new sheets, down comforter, and fleecy throw blanket. After a really wonderful, hot shower, I sank my aching body into that bed. I then proclaimed that this bed had earned a status equal to homemade vanilla ice cream and was henceforth to be called "heaven on a cloud".
In retrospect, I have decided that this experience - that of melting into comfortable familiarity and being completely held up - that moment captures for me the essence of the entire trip.
attending the beautiful celebration of Sean and Angie's marriage
hanging with my backseat buddies from Buffalo to Kansas City
worshipping God with 70 members of my extended family on the Wiebe side
talking, swimming, laughing, and eating with the Friesen clan
reveling in Kansas sunsets - and moonrises
making the mandatory pilgrimage to the home of the crumbly burger
relaxing with Grandma Peterson and Aunt Jan (and Yuki)
savoring foods I've been missing - sandwiches, homegrown lettuce, peaches
celebrating my birthday with friends - and this exquisite fruit pizza
walking to Family Tree restaurant with my dear parents for some open chicken souvlaki magic
shopping at Target with Mom for my list of things-you-can't-find-in-Thailand
enjoying the beauty of summer in Buffalo
catching up with a few dear friends at a party organized by the lovely and ever-creative Beth
singing hymns with Will at the wheel
breakfasting with two of the most faithful prayer buddies on the face of the earth
hugging my family, and hugging my dog
Back in Thailand, my friend, Dr. E, asked me if I missed my family and friends back in the US - if it was hard to come back. I replied immediately with an adamant "yes!" Yes, I miss them enormously. Goodbyes are the most miserable thing this side of heaven. And yes, it's hard to be away from what is familiar and comfortable - people, places, tastes, weather patterns, pianos, and fuzzy puppies that I love. It would be tragic if it didn't hurt to leave.
But I know that where God wants me to be right now is in Thailand and Burma, working with Partners to live out the Gospel among the Karen people here. There is joy in obeying that call. And there is much to love here too, albeit in a different way. What it comes down to is not what is lost but what is gained, and that it is being gained for Christ.
