Home

Coming home for two weeks was a whirlwind of wonderfulness, if I can even say that. My heart needed to come home. I needed to see my family and friends, and reconnect with my "home base". I am so thankful that I had this opportunity, and God brought it at just the right time.

If I can be honest, it's been a difficult few months. According to the news, it has been the darkest winter that this area has seen in 40 years, and everyone has been affected by it. Going into the winter, I really didn't think that it would affect me too much, as I've always liked winter, cloudy days, and rain. I fell in love with the snow, and enjoyed wearing hats and scarves every day. But the months dragged on, it was cold, and the snow wasn't so beautiful anymore. There were days when I didn't want to leave my house, I didn't want to go to work, and I didn't want to spend time with my friends here. I just wanted to curl up in bed under my covers and shut out the world. I didn't feel at all like myself. I know that much of this was part of the dreaded "transition" word that we missionaries use to describe the acclimation process. It takes time to adjust to a new way of life in a new place with a new job and new friends. Everything has to be re-learned, and it can be exhausting to get dressed, walk out the door, and face that fact every day. I absolutely love experiencing new things, and am very much enjoying the process of becoming more familiar with my new home. But some days I just missed the familiar.

There were so many things that I enjoyed about coming home, but they fit into 5 main categories. :)

1) The reason for my visit- my best friend's wedding: It was a beautiful wedding, and I could not be more happy for the bride and groom. Wendi and I have been friends for 15 years, and this event was something we've been thinking about for a long time.

Bridesmaids! 

The beautiful bride and groom.

2) My sister's 21st birthday: She decided that she wanted to celebrate at Disneyland, since we were down in Southern California, and we had a wonderful time. The park was busy, as it was spring break for many, but we had a great time anyway. I had missed my sister, and it was so nice to have a few days of just us.

3) My family: Seven months has been the longest that I've been away from home. Getting the chance to spend time with my parents and my sister was so wonderful, and they were so nice to me as I tried to battle jet lag, when I accidentally said words in German instead of English, and ran from store to store to purchase the things I can't get in Germany. I can't wait for them to come see me here this summer!

4) Friends: I know that I was only home for two weeks, but I am so glad that I got to see so many of you. You all mean so much to me, and it was such a blessing to hear about how you are all doing, and to know that you are praying for me. Thank you to everyone who came to my house on Saturday the 30th! I know it was a difficult weekend to have it, being that it was Easter weekend, and I really appreciate those of you who came and/or contacted me about it. :) I also had the opportunity to go to my church, InRoads, for Easter, and to Fremont Christian to see coworkers and my students from last year. They've grown so much, and it's so good to hear how they're doing in 6th grade.

German treats!

5) Soaking up America: It's amazing to me that after just seven months of living in another country, so many things look different to me. I found myself surprised by all the little things I was noticing, and by the "German" things I kept trying to do. I also probably went to Starbucks more in the past two weeks than in the past seven months, which makes me laugh. 

Overall, it was great. As much as I would have loved to spend more time with family, I was ready to come back when the time came, and know that this is where I'm supposed to be at this time in my life. I just have to wrap my head around starting school again tomorrow!