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.