About being home

I’ve been home  (USA home) for about 2 ½ weeks now.  I arrived the day before Commissioning weekend and after a quick lunch with the Jordans and a stop at my townhouse (provided by the territory) drove straight to the hotel (note to self and anyone else in a similar position: don’t go straight from another country to Commissioning!)  We were supposed to have the General but he cancelled and so the territory had to make a new plan, which included Commissioner Gaither and our territorial leaders. The Lord was definitely in the changes.  We started with Officers’ Councils which totally overwhelmed me when I walked into the auditorium.  Thankfully I quickly saw Mark and Carolee Israel, good friends from the South, and I attached myself to them for the day.  Of course, there were many people I wanted to see and talk with.  But, I wasn’t prepared for the small talk or seeing so many at once.  I came home this year because it is my 25th anniversary as an officer and the territory generously brought me back for the recognition/reunion.  We had our official dinner on Friday evening where I had to give the little speech.  Actually, it was fun to prepare for it.  I do love being an officer and don’t mind telling about how God is working in my life.  Maybe I’ll post my speech later.  The Friday evening program was excellent, focusing on missions.  The territory is so committed both financially and with personnel to serve the whole world.  It was inspiring to see the summer mission team dedication.  I already mentioned the Release Party that night but before we went to that, there was a surprise party for Pete McBride (50!!!!) – how fun to be home for that! Saturday we had our private session reunion. It was really fun to be with so many old friends, some I haven’t seen in years.  The evening program included a farewell for Barry and Sue Swanson, on their way to NHQ.  It was great – simple but genuine and just what Barry and Sue wanted.  Sue preached that evening and the Lord clearly used her to say just what needed to be said.  The response was immediate and overwhelming.  One of the highlights for me was to be able to spend some time with good friends such as Bill and Sue Harfoot, the Israels, Catherine and Peter Mount, David and Miriam Gorton and others.  I also got to spend a bit of time with my sister and family.  The Lord provided a little time with some of the people I really wanted to see.  Sunday morning was a holy time for the cadets and the rest of us.  The Lord moved during their covenant service and during Commissioner Gaither’s message.  Again, there were many who responded.  I had a special time of prayer with Sue Harfoot and my sister, Chris which was a real blessing.  I went home from the weekend exhausted but also overflowing with joy and gratitude.  

After a few days in Chicago which included going with Lisa and Cathy to a Cubs game (pathetic team), I went to Michigan to spend time with my family.  They are a busy bunch!  But, it was really fun to just join in to what was happening – softball games, graduation parties and much more.  I love my niece and nephews and am so thankful they still seem to enjoy having me around!  Chris and Steve are also great and I love being with them.  I also love watching them lead the Dearborn Heights corps.  They are good and it’s a blessing to see them.  The corps people are always so friendly and interested when I come home.  Even though I’ve never soldiered there, it does feel like home. They put up with a little presentation from me and seemed genuinely concerned and I believe they do pray for me, which I need.  I didn’t get to stay as long as I’d like because of all of our schedules, but the days were very good.  

Now I’m back in Chicago to finish up Dr/Dentist appointments and try to see some friends.  Of course, they are all busy (who said things slow down in the summer?) but I’ve fit in a few special times with Commissioners Baillie, Cheryl and Bruce Bailey, Eric and Cathleen Himes, Donna Hutchings, Sue Swanson, Viki Payton and Carol Shoults.  Saturday was Matt Harfoot’s wedding, which was absolutely beautiful and I got to see the whole family there.  Then some time with Lisa and the Arnolds.  Yesterday was my only Sunday to be at Oakbrook Terrace.  I can’t adequately explain what an amazing place that is and how important the corps family is to me.  They dedicated at least 21 people who will be going out on some mission work this summer.  They recognized dozens of people who serve the corps in some way and then farewelled 3 sets of officers moving out of the area.  It was my first opportunity to see David and Miriam Gorton as the corps officers.  They are doing a great job and I am proud of them.  The Lord is doing so much in the corps as a whole and in the lives of so many individuals there.  Knowing that I would want to talk to everyone and would be frustrated that I couldn’t, I asked the Lord to put the right people in the right place for conversation.  And He did  - Kirsten Gorton, Lindsay and Danielle Bailey and then the afternoon with the Gorton family which was just like old times.  

I’m sure I’m missing someone or something special that has happened, but that’s about all I can talk about tonight.  2 more weeks which includes a trip to Haiti with my nephew, Ben (FUN!) and then I’ll be home in Latvia.   Until then, I’m looking forward to more blessings and maybe even a little rest (I think that might have to wait until I get back to Latvia!)