"The Art Of Coming Home"

I have never pictured myself an artist. Micheal Angelo was never in my list of "want to Be's." However, I am finding it fascinating that the title of this book I am reading is "The Art Of Coming Home." It is a book from CMF that I was encouraged to read and at first I thought ok I am now in that really odd category where I have to have a book that tells you how to come home! But, I have found it informative and the phases of re-entry are helpful to read so that you realize you are not as odd as you may feel. Using the word "art" in the title also gives me the freedom to know that just as every piece of art could have the same subject. But, every piece of art is a unique creation of similar yet different strokes. Many of the phases of re-entry I would say that I have experienced or currently in but my journey is similar yet unique. I am a unique creation on a journey who has returned from a land that is sometimes called, "the ends of the Earth."

So today you can have a chuckle at the 10 Ways International Residents Know They Have Readjusted to his/her Passport Country:
1. You've stopped carrying toilet paper with you wherever you go. (check)
2. You no longer eat all the hors d'oeuvres at dinner parties.
3. Some of your clothes are not out of date. (Kinda a check)
4. Other people no longer avoid the dish you bring at pot-luck dinners
(no one will let me bring anything!!)
5. You have a friend who was never an international volunteer. (check)
6. You occasionally stay in a hotel when you are in a strange city.
(Haven't been in a strange city yet.)
7. You dream in your native language. (check most of the time)
8. You use tissues to blow your nose. (check!)
9. You occasionally use public transportation instead of walking. (check)
10. You're not afraid to swallow water while showering. (check)

Funny but kinda sort of true! There are many things that are challenging having a home in two very different cultures! I try to be aware of the positives and negatives of both places. As well as understanding why certain things of both cultures stir emotions. That helps me create balance of living where I am today. Many like to ask, "what is the thing you love the most about being back?" Something to eat or place to eat at? Going to the movies or having entertainment?My answer without any hesitation are the treasured simplistic moments with people! Sitting on the couch talking with friend, rocking my niece in the recliner, chats with my siblings, talking over a bowl of soup with my mentors and friends, stopping in to see a parent, having a cup of tea with someone who I wonder if they know me better than I do, or a hug in the church hallway. So, I am storing up these treasured moments so when the day comes and they tell me I can leave home to return home. This art project will be complete and I'll be ready!

Prayer Points~

• Please keep my transition in your prayers.
• Our teammates the Washs' leave Saturday for Tanzania
• I am working on visits with individuals and churches who might be willing to partner with me in the ministry to the children of Tanzania!