A Six-Month Anniversary

A friend reminded us the other day that we have now been back in America for six months. He had returned to the states the same day we did. I realized a lot had happened in six months. We're settled into our house, CDK has completed his first semester, I've settled in my job, we've found a church, made new friends, and seen a lot of friends and family.

As I sat in my office this morning a realization came to me. I realized I still have so much of my "overseas life" in me. Here's a small example: I heard several cars honking outside and I thought "There must be a wedding party" (after a wedding in the Middle East everyone that attended the wedding would drive around town and honk wildly). Of course I quickly snapped out of that thought and remembered it was just the busy street outside my window.

At the same time I also realized how thankful I was to have that "overseas life" as a part of me. It forever changed me, just like any major life event can change a person. It changed me in many unforgettable ways and it's now part of who I am. It wasn't always easy, and there were days I wanted to be anywhere but there, but to have the experiences, life lessons, friends, and opportunities those two years provided is immeasurable and invaluable.

Thank you Father for all the opportunities you have given me in life, in many countries. You are my rock and sustainer. You used those two years to point directly to who you are. I pray that the rest of my life I will be constantly pointed to who you are and point others in the same direction.











This picture was taken about a month after we arrived in the ME. We're still very "green" at this point, and who knows what color we are now!

Below are some things that briefly transport me back to that country, a few thousand miles away.

• Sometimes I cut people off while driving, they honk and get mad, and I think "What's wrong with them?"
• Sometimes while making my grocery list I think "Will they have [insert American food item here] at Plaza today, or will I have to go to Cozmo?"
• Sometimes I leave my house and think "Oh no, I'm not dressed conservatively enough today."
• Sometimes when I think about where I want to go eat for dinner, I quickly realize I can only get there by plane (Today feels like a good day for Kalha!)
• Sometimes I wish I knew when the next time was that I would be able to get on a plane and go to a new country to see how God is working there.
• Many times the only words that enter my mind in response to someones statement are "Inshallah" (If God wills) and "Mumkin" (Maybe).
• At least once a week I stop and watch my screen saver at work and smile at all the pictures of our life in another land.
• During busy weeks I wish for the simplicity and slow place of the life we had there.
• Almost every morning I wake up and thank God for the central heat I now sincerely appreciate!
• Every time I hear news about the Middle East, I watch intently and listen hard to see if I can translate the Arabic before the announcer starts to translate it.