We are home from Africa and I am, almost, “Fully Alive”! I am writing this at 4:00 am in the morning. That might tell you that I am still in a bit of a fog from the excitement of the trip and the journey back home, or away from home…
When you are young and growing up in your parent’s house, you take it for granted. Most of us, even if life was good at home, wanted to get out as quickly as possible! It isn’t until that morning you wake up and feel that aching in your stomach that you never knew that home was home until you left and came back again… it is a process that we all must go thru.
That is exactly how I felt coming back into Swaziland. It was like coming home, again. I am not sure I missed the trash in the street’s, the men peeing on the side of the road, the cow’s, donkey’s, goats, monkey’s and chickens walking in front of my car! I am not sure I missed the water not working some mornings, the electricity going off consistently or the same tasting food everyday.
I certainly don’t miss finding abused children or mothers every day or finding out that another of your African brothers or sisters is dead from AIDS today. So, why the aching in my stomach?
I guess it’s like any home… at some point you embrace the good with the bad, it makes you who you are; that doesn’t change that it is still home…
More on the trip later.
I can totally relate, Gary. The first night back in Africa I remember saying to God…”what am I feeling?” and I immediately then thought, “I’m home”. And that’s how I felt the whole time we were there. I was back home. And now I miss it terribly.
Praying for the Nsoko project and the beloved ones in Swaziland.
I’ll be sharing your blog post at my blog and on facebook.
Looking forward to reading more about your time back “home”,
Elysa
I believe it is the fact that home is neither here nor there that makes our hearts ache for both. It is the relationship and the Kingdom we bring into each of them that ties them to our hearts. It is not the places we miss, but the love we shared there.
We’re inspired by the work you’ve done and continue to do! Welcome home, Blacks. We’re excited to hear the details and share our tears and laughter with you!
Gary still my hero..
Glad you were able to go back so soon. Look forward to seeing you in a few weeks.
glad you had a good trip – lookin forward to seeing ya’ll soon.