We received word late on Tuesday that we could come home. We've spent splendid moments together, as a family.
We are beyond blessed.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Here's Mica sleeping in his OWN BED! Isn't he sweet?
The first night at home, I couldn't sleep. Tears rolled down my cheeks (and into my ears; I was on my back). My joy was so palpable. Firework-light-up-the-whole-world's-sky-joy.
When I struggle
I remember what I love,
what motivates me,
feeds my spirit and
keeps me keepin' on.
Music is a salve, a balm and a connector, motivator and spirit-lifter. Sara Bareilles - Love Song
I've been away from home for four weeks. Thats 28 days. 17 of those away from Malia. 24 of those days I've been with Mica! Eight of those days with Kevin. We hope that Mica and I can go home sometime this week. Clock ticks slowly.
Sandy hawks perched on telephone poles,
brown harvested corn fields,
frolicking calves journeying home through fields and
laundromats comfort me.
(Yes, that is Mica helping me with laundry.)
I love how technology connects us, even while distance separates us.
I'm thankful for welcoming churches and inspired pastors. Grace Chicago has been an important, comforting landmark in this journey.
I'm thankful God transcends space. We humans are so impacted by space, those we are close to and far away from. Environmental space impacts mood. Warm, yellow sun rays stream brightly through window panes on balmy December days.
Museums are a God-send. Packed full of information, animals, fish, stories, data. Wearing Mica in a sling as he quietly, happily grunts with each step I take.
T-Rex skeleton,
Sudanese culture made real,
Egyptian tomb with heiroglyphics,
thousands of North American birds
Woodpeckers
Herons
awkward seahorses,
sleek dolphin skin;
all endlessly fascinating.
Help to occupy my mind and distract me from longingly, aching for Malia's chirping questions, bright eyes, silly sideways glances and endless laughter. Distracting me from longing for a dear friend's embrace, for Kevin's listening ear and comforting presence.
(Yes, that's Mica peacefully sleeping as I meet Sue the T-Rex.)
Grocery stores,
neatly organized aisles,
crisp displays,
exotic and mouth watering tapenades,
bright fruits and crunchy vegetables,
velvety chocolates,
yeasty bread and
creamy hummous
all bring a simple order to a unfettered existence.
Family and friends provide community. I was painfully reminded four short weeks ago that not everyone is blessed with this community: authentic, kind, supportive, joyful, listening.
Faithful.
Thank you God for unbelievably good people that make me want to be a better person,
tread more carefully on this planet,
support those in need,
show compassion, joy, love
and make me thankful to be raising children in this world.
