Home Base
- Apr 17, 2017
- 3 min read
It takes a leap of faith to have a heart of Isaiah 6:8 and just GO, and in my case, that was Africa. But in my opinion, it also takes a leap of faith to do the reverse and go home. I was called to go, but I was also called to leave.
A few months ago, I said "see you later!" to my home and my home home and moved to a different continent. In all honesty, it wasn't that difficult. Yes, I was sad because I wouldn't be able to talk to those who were closest to me at any time I wanted, but I knew I'd be back and I'd see them soon.
I think in the back of my mind there was always the thought of, "who do I matter to? Who's going to reach out? Who will I reach out to? What will it be like when I come back?"
And may I just say, and probably the purpose of this blog to brag on my friends and family back home, I have the most incredible people in my life.
In being here, I've found an even deeper appreciation for my the relationships I have. When you're put in situations where you work directly with people who are surrounded by dangerous influences, unhealthy relationships, and simply unwanted company... you start to reevaluate your own friendships and relationships.
My biggest "fear" wasn't leaving, it was coming home.
Finding my new American rhythm with the people who have "gotten used to" me being on the other side of the world is a little scary. For the past year, my "excuse" to almost everything was, "...It's fine. I'm fine...I'm going to Africa!" And now, being just over a week away from getting back on a plane and head back to home base, its a little nerve racking.
But I think the thoughts that keep me sane or much fewer memories, but pictures. African wifi isn't the best. And for someone who isn't much of a texter, Facetime is the way to go. It was always difficult, and our internet was never dependable, but when it did work out, it was the best.
I didn't realize how difficult it would be away form home on my birthday especially since I'm usually not someone who's big on birthdays, but I have an incredible cohort and father and brother who were HERE with me for my birthday. Celebrating with them made the 10,778 miles not seem so far away.
Other things like getting selfies of my dog and the random "I walked into a really cute boy today I wish you were here to see how gorgeous he was" texts oddly bring my so much comfort. One of my particular favorites was getting a link to a much video my Alphies sent me that almost brought me to tears.
Bet On It- by Christian Arce & Kalin Elizalde
I love it here, but I'm ready to be home.
I'm ready to be sleeping my friends couch for two weeks (Jill, Julie, and Sarah... I hope y'all are still cool with that!).
I'm ready to cook again. And to drive! But its going to be weird especially given the road here are especially different than they are in the states.
I'm ready for coffee that's not instant.
I'm ready for there to not be a ten hour difference and get texts at 4 AM because my friends "forgot".
I'm ready to be able to pet a dog and not be afraid of whether or not it has some sort of African disease.
I'm ready to be home and just sit and be with my best friends.
I'm ready to be home home watch Americas Next Top model with my little sister or Futbol with my papa, or going on Target runs with my mama.
I'm ready to see my brother marry the love of his life and have a legal big sister.
I'm ready to look at Find my Friends and not be thousands of miles away & be on American soil in less than a week.
Comments