final thoughts about home

I’ve been home for over a week and I’m definitely back into Latvian life. Before I tell you about that, there a few post-home in the USA thoughts that I want to record. So many people have asked me questions like, “Did you want to come back to Latvia?”, “What did you like best about being home?”, “Where would you rather be?” and those sorts of things. When I was on my way to Chicago I decided to keep track of some of the things I noticed that I really had missed or just the opposite, which I didn’t miss at all. Of course at the top of the ‘missed’ list are my family and friends. It’s not about my friends here, but if you’ve been in a situation like mine, you know how precious it is to be with people who’ve known you forever. What else did I miss? Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwiches (!), TV in English, driving without fear of being randomly stopped by the police, family and friends, family and friends, family and friends….I was surprised to discover that I didn’t really miss many of the things I was so used to in my former life. Now, what habits did I fall into that I thought I had broken, which maybe implies I did miss them, too? Lattes every morning from Caribou Coffee (take away coffee isn’t popular here), fast food meals while I was driving or actually fast food for most meals (I say that ashamedly – who really needs to eat that way?) What did I find I absolutely do not miss about American life? THE PACE! Doesn’t anyone ever stop, relax and just enjoy life? I know that is an extreme assumption, but it was such a different life from what I have here that I was overwhelmed by the difference. I also don’t miss driving in the suburbs. Or I guess in other words, I really missed walking in Riga. I know that I live a much healthier and calmer life here. When I do go back to the States, I hope that has become such a part of my life that I won’t fall back into those old routines.

The most powerful insight I had this time was about my being away. First, that my family and good friends can survive without me – they are just fine! Not that we don’t need each other, but we are can live productive and good lives and support each other from far away. I also realized that I am dependent on the support from home to survive here. It starts with my family and those same friends, but it extends to so many more people. I didn’t have any idea how many people take seriously their prayer support for me and I’m sure for the other reinforcement officers from our territory. The retired officers are amazing! Even if no one else prayed from me, I would be lifted up by those powerful and consistent pray-ers. I thank God for them. And for the dozens of others who assured me they pray for me. That’s especially true of the two corps that I’m connected to: Oakbrook Terrace and Dearborn Heights (via Chris). I love being there but their love and true interest and encouragement gives me the strength and courage to be away. That’s hard to explain but it hit me in an overwhelming way this summer.

So, here I am with so much to do and already some difficulties coming up. More about Life in Latvia tomorrow.