Home Again

Today was my first full day back in our home town in Africa, so, of course, I had to go to the market, not just to buy all the fruits and vegetables we needed, but also to greet everyone I've been missing, since we’ve been gone to the US for two months. Nearly every conversation (with about a dozen people, in either the local language or trade language, depending on the person) went like this:

Me: Good morning!

Vendor: Good morning! Well, where have you been?

Me: I’ve been to my home country to visit my family.

Vendor: Are they well?

Me: Yes, they’re well.

Vendor: And, your father, is he well? And your mother?

Me: Yes, they’re at peace.

Vendor: How are your children that live in America?

Me: They are well; would you like to see pictures? (at this, others gathered around my cell phone for a look)

Vendor: They are very handsome. Are they working?

Me: Yes, and studying at university. God is good.

Vendor: May God bless them to grow old and prosper.

Me: Amen!

Vendor: So, how are you finding the heat?

Me: It is SO HOT! I wish I could bring the cool from my country in my suitcase to share with you!

(At this point, the teasing starts about how I’ve gone soft and no longer am used to the heat… and I tease that they should put air conditioning in the market so that I won’t be sweating so much.)

I did enjoy getting to our local gas station on the main highway, since it has a small air conditioned shop where I can buy cold drinks, cheese, ham, and the NECESSARY chocolate. And, they happened to have not one, but TWO cans of my favorite: blood red San Pellegrino! (Very special treat, since I didn’t get to have any while in the US)

It was so good to catch up with everyone, and ask how their families are doing… if their children passed their tests while I was gone and what they’re doing next, etc. Honestly, though it’s terribly hot and humid and I was covered with sweat, it was the absolute highlight of my week.

When we arrived a couple of days ago in the capital city, none of our luggage arrived with us. And, for all of our phone calls and my husband’s two trips to the airport that day, no one could give us any information. And, many calls since we’ve been home have been met with no more information about where our luggage could be.

Yesterday, I moved our two younger children into the dorms at their boarding school, with the things that we were able to gather together at home. I barely had time to say goodbye, because they were so happy to be with their friends again, and KNOW that they will be able to be in one place for longer than a week (it was a crazy home assignment!).

Though I’m grieving to be in my home without my children, and wondering where on earth our luggage could be, God’s grace in reminding me why I’m here has been just what I needed. I love my people. I prayed that He would give me compassion for the people like He has. And, as always, He is faithful. My heart is home, because I’m right where He’s called me to be.