Not Home Yet

Well, you knew it had to come to an end. But 8 days of continuous entries-- that's pretty good for me! We are leaving tomorrow for the US! Unknown internet access and frequent travel means that the slow-down will be pretty standard for the next 3 months.

I've gotten lots of packing practice over the years, but it seems that no matter how much time you have, it always comes down to the wire. I was talking with Kathryn earlier this week about what we were going to do when we get back "home."

She said, "I'm glad you called it home, mom, because I think it's my home too. You know, mom, it is what my passport says. I am an American citizen!"

To Kathryn, the US is a "candy country"-- full of special outings and desserts at every meal. If you think about it, this makes sense-- everytime we go, it is a special time. Reconnecting with friends and family, birthday parties, vacations...it's not 'real' America that she remembers but 'US on steroids.' We had a great discussion about how home is not always a geographic place, but rather for her, it's where her mommy and daddy are. It might not be a full-proof definition, but it conveys that though we are often away from our physical home (wherever that may be) she belongs with us wherever we are.

It reminded me of a story Dr. Hannah once told in a class one day.

A missionary couple had served in Africa for 50 years but returned to their homeland due to failing health. As their ship sailed for the US, they realized they happened to be abroad the same vessel as Franklin D. Roosevelt. When their ship arrived at port, Roosevelt was met with streamers, a performing band and an entourage of VIPs to escort him to his next destination. The missionary couple, who had been unable to have children and whose known relatives were deceased, walked alone from the platform without greeting and hailed a taxi. As they rode, the husband began to feel a bit discouraged and sorry for himself. Coming home after all those years of service, and not a single person holding their name upon a sign? And then, as if a gentle hand upon his shoulder, he heard the Spirit's words spoken softly within his heart, "My son, you haven't arrived home yet."

So what's true for Kathryn is the same for her mommy too. Though I feel I have a long way to go in growing into this reality... home is where my Father is.

My Eleventh Girl

It’s a quiet evening in the middle kingdom. Aside from the little girl upstairs tinkering out her daily piano practice to the tune of Nobody Knows the Trouble I Feel.

Tonight as she was getting ready for bed Kathryn says, “Mommy, I’m really interested in electricity now. Because you see how these wires are hanging out? When I touch them… BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ (Just kidding Nana!) …nothing happens. See?”

“Let me see that.” (She’s right. The on/off switch of the night light hangs loosely by its wires. The top part is covered with (name of plastic wire cover stuff), but at the end there is exposed 220V wire.

“Kathryn, I think God was protecting you, because you could have gotten shocked.”

She gasps. Pauses to take it in. I see the wheels turning.

“Mommy, I could have died. I wonder why I didn’t die.”

“I guess God still has reasons for you to be here!”

“Mommy, I think there is a reason I didn’t die. I think He has something really important for me to do here!”

“I’m certain He does!”

“Well, If you’re certain, then what is it?”

“He hasn’t told me what it is.”

“Well, once I know, I think I could write a new chapter in the Ten Girls Who Changed the World book! But then it would be Eleven Girls!"