I have been back in the lovely land of air conditioning and dishwashers for about 3 days now, but these past few days have not lacked emotion. The goodbyes were crushing, the U.S. overwhelming, and the hellos oh-so-exciting. Through an abundance of change, it brings my soul peace to know that my God is the same no matter where I go. There is peace in uncertainty, and there is peace in knowing because the peace of the Lord has nothing to do with circumstances. Nevertheless, it isn't easy for the heart to come home to a place that doesn't exactly feel like home anymore, or for the high expectations of reentry to just be brutally disappointed. My heart is weary, and it doesn't feel light. These streets and houses and restaurants hold all sorts of memories of heartbreak and sadness and discomfort that I haven't thought about in months. In a lot of ways, my homecoming has been a sort of open wound. Through it all, God is constantly reminding me how He has grown me and renewed me; that I am not the same girl I was nine months ago! And that is so so beautiful!! I don't think it's a coincidence that oftentimes the hardest seasons of my life are also my favorites, and my hope and prayer is that this season follows that trend. The pruning is worth it people!

A few more things: Even though I haven't been the most consistent on my blog, it's still a bit of a hard goodbye for me. So we are doing it less like a bandaid and more like the turtle, slow and steady. I do have a few videos/audios/photos I'd love to share as I begin the processing stage of reentry, so stay tuned!

The last nine months have taught me an abundance of things, one being that I truly have a heart for international ministry (specifically in Africa). I am planning to go to school this Fall, but am praying and keeping my hands wide open for ways to continue in the international mission field in whatever way that looks like. My brain doesn't have a ton of ideas, but I know that my God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than I can imagine when I allow Him to have the driver's seat. That being said, if anyone reading this ever comes across a need or opportunity like I've described, please let me know! Open hands and an open heart from my side!

Thank you for all the support you've poured out onto me this past year. I truly believe reading my blogs is a love language in itself. In the most realistic sense of the phrase, I could not have done this without your help. God has used you to open doors in my life to bring my soul back to life, and for that, I will always be in a posture of gratitude and jubilee. To the King!!