A Letter To Home

Dear Home,

            I will be back soon. I know we’ve been apart for three months, but I’m coming back in just a few days. I look forward to familiar hugs, a comfortable mattress, and my favorite snacks. I really have missed them all, but I must let you know that I haven’t missed a lot. [be grateful I’m coming back]

            Expecting to miss every ounce of familiarity you have has left me dumbfounded as I have found a new normal: new tastes, new smells, new hugs, new friends, and new family. This nation and its people have captured my heart. The children of Sarah’s Covenant Homes are simply immaculate, so loving and rewarding to work with; the staff and other volunteers live selfless lives, day in and day out, with charm and laughs; our church family deeply influence their worlds around them with Christ’s love; even our auto driver has been a blessing! [please appreciate the connections I’ve made that will last a lifetime]

           God knew what He was doing surrounding me with these matchless beings as He grew me. And whew, have I grown. I’ve been stretched, challenged, pushed, even sometimes lovingly forced to be better. It doesn’t feel like the tiniest particle of me is the same as it was when I left you, Home. I have learned so much about myself here. [if you desire to know the new me, be inquisitive and intentional]

           One of the biggest things I’ve been able to grow in is having an intimate relationship with My Creator. He cares about me, and wants to hear me, wants to do life with me! Every day, be a part of every breath. I know I left you wanting this, but it actually happened! Who would have thought that My King wanted to give me the desires of my heart? Well, Home, he does and he is! Daddy is opening my eyes to desires I forgot I had and filling me with new ones. All while he opens opportunities’ doors, as he had planned. And the glimpses I’ve seen are miraculous! [so ask questions, and pray for my desires to be His and my feet to be guided]

            I know this is a lot, and maybe not what you expected from me. Upon returning, you may have wanted me to greet you with a smile, a hug, and say “Yeah, my trip to India was great! How have you been?”, just carrying on with life as we know it. Bear with me, because that is not going to happen. I am changed, and I intend on living life as if these last three months happened. I care about you, and I have missed you. So as much as I’ve been looking forward to time with you to catch up on your last three months, please care about my time in Hyderabad, India! Take time to sit down with me and hear how good God has been to me and my team; let me ask you for prayers as I transition; let me pray for you; most of all, please don’t feel like you don’t know me anymore.

          We have been apart for 90 days, but I cannot wait to continue our relationship. Most of all, my heart’s desire is for us, you and me Home, to be eternal. For us to last in my heart, you know? I don’t want you to be a be, my red brick house, or my mom’s hug. I want you to be wherever The Lord has called me. For you to dwell within me, not around me in one location. I may be coming back soon, and it may not be for long, who knows. I do know though, that this time apart has been good. Not just for me, but I appreciate you more. I look forward to your chilly crisp air, your awkward family gatherings around a turkey, and your relentless care for me.

I’ll see you soon.

Love,

Me