Home

After being away from home for a little over seven months, I didn't know the extent of nostalgia I would encounter until the waves of emotions consumed me to the point of numbness when we actually arrived. I couldn't wait to come back to the Midwest, my forever home, but I was not ready for how surreal it would feel to drive the long and wide open highway of 35W that Thursday morning. I wasn't ready to breathe the clear air of the spacious farmland of my parent's home. I wasn't ready to see my parents, siblings, and in-laws and actually hug them and feel the warmth of their bodies after so long of solely observing their pixelated forms through a laptop via Skype. I was speechless when I witnessed the breathtaking views of a Kansas sunset as the brilliant colors exploded across the sky and changed from moment to moment, stretching more than 20 miles in any direction along the horizon. So much that I wasn't ready for, but only because I didn't realize just how deeply I had missed everything that makes up what I call home.

The shock factor wore off as the tears dried and I sat down to breathe deeply of my homeland. To drive on roads that held so many memories worked muscles in my brain that hadn't been exercised for some time, but it felt like riding a bike after not doing so for some time, and it just came back so naturally. It felt like a dream, but knowing that it wasn't, knowing that it was true reality brought joy and warmth to my heart.

It was such a blessing to spend time with family and see the beauty in God's design of it. God designed family to remind us of our relationship with Him as His children, something that I came to realize means much more to me than ever before. You are still family no matter how many miles may separate you, and the history and connection you share is timeless. Hugs hold something almost like electricity, giving life. Late night conversations about life's passions, dreams, and struggles are shared in the safety of home, refreshing the soul. Ah, it was good to be home.



Our little guy did so well too, travelling 2+ hours in a plane one way, 9 hours in a car one way to KS, and meeting so many 'new' people that he was re-acquainted with. He was the center of attention and I think he realized that pretty quickly as the grins, giggles, and showing off began to surface.


Not only did we make this a trip to see family, but we also carved out some time for dear friends. As I partook in fellowship with women who have held significant roles as friends and mentors in my life, I began to realize how deeply each one has impacted my life. And as I spent time with them, my cup began to overflow. Even though I felt as though I barely scratched the surface of 'catching up' from the last 7 months, somehow, deep meaningful conversation still happened. I felt the twinkle in my soul revive as we poured our lives out to one another, encouraging one another in our different callings of life, continuing to deepen friendships that will last a lifetime. I remember one day returning to my in-law's home, cheeks sore from smiling and laughing so much with all of the women I had met with that day. God is SO good and I am one blessed woman.

Our trip was nothing short of a whirlwind as we tried to see as many people as we possibly could in the 2 short weeks we were back in the Midwest. We weren't able to see some people for as long as we desired and others we didn't get to see at all, but we did our best and tried to be at peace knowing we only had 2 weeks to fit it all in.

And now, as I sit once again on my couch in our beautiful home in Bethel Park, PA, I know that this too is home, the place God has planted me to bloom for His glory and to share with these people the love He has for all of us. I do miss my home away  from this home, but God is good and I am ever so grateful for the privilege to at least visit there for a while.