-Home is where the love is-

As my time here in Africa comes to an end all I can think about is going “home”. Often, after thinking about home I realize that I don’t actually have a “home” to go back to. Then I realize if home was a building or a house this would be true. One thing out, out of many, I have learned is that home is truly where you heart is.

The Word tells us, “Where your treasure is you heart will be there also” or something like that (Matthew 6:21).

 Being here away from the people I love has made me realize that my treasure is in those who have showed me love, even when I didn’t deserve. It hasn’t always been the “cuddle on the couch” love sometimes it has been love express through tears and hard words. But all along it has been love.

What I'm leaving :( <3

Then I realize that my treasure is also in the people I have come to love unconditionally. The kids I am hugging one minute and beating with a cane the next; the little boy who draws me a picture during the day, and pouts at night when he goes home; pastors, teachers, preachers that God has allowed me to meet and come to love.

So when I think about home I think about love. So where is home?

Is it here in the middle of West Africa? A place where there is never a guarantee of running water, power, or even a toilet. This place where no matter where I am I can always find a kid to show the love of Christ. This amazing little country with the most amazing people and the bumpiest red dirt roads I have ever witnessed. Is this my home?

Or

What I'm going home to :)

Is it in good ole Anderson County? The place where I was born and raised, a place where everybody knows and loves me even with all of my flaws. A place where I can curl up on a couch, watch tv, and never have to worry about giant bugs eating me. A tiny amazing place that barely shows up on a map but has the people I love most in the entire world and the best sweet tea I have ever drank. Is Anderson my home?

I find myself torn. Only 18 days until I leave the people I love to reunite with the people I love. When I got on the plane 4 ½ months ago I never knew it would be possible to love another place like I love Anderson.

I guess I have 2 homes now. Two places that no matter where I am in the world I will always yearn to be closer to the people who have taught me love.

In Ephesians it tell us, “And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.”

Funny he has made it known, but it is still a mystery.

Living in the mystery is the hardest part for me, knowing God has a plan but not knowing what it is.

Being content, and knowing that no matter the situation he works all things out for good.

It is time for me to prepare to enter a new season in my life.

I am returning to the USA on August 9^th, 2012. I am very sure leaving my amazing Ghanaian friends will be one of the hardest things I have ever done.

As I travel back to America I have no idea what I am traveling back to. I don’t know where God wants me to be, but I am praying for him to reveal the “mysteries of his will” to me.  Two of my biggest prayer requests are housing and transportation (I sold my car before coming to the field) where ever he wants me.

Trusting His Word. Believing His promises. Waiting on His voice.