Today it finally hit me that I am not going back to Dakar. I got to have lunch with a dear friend of mine, Eli, who spent the last two months in Turkey. He shared with me some of his experiences and I was also able to share some of my own. It was the first time since being back that I have really processed anything aside from other "issues" that I had to deal with upon my return to the States. And I realized just how much I miss it. I am going to Chicago next week to see Cori off...but not to go with her. I wondered when I left Senegal if it would hit me right away or in August when I should be returning that I am not...now I know. I am homesick for Dakar...I am homesick for the culture...the little things that meant the world to me...and for my "family" there.

All that being said, I am thankful for this ache in my heart...it reminds me that what I am really homesick for is my real Home. I look forward to the day when I will be Home and there will be a sweet reunion with all of my brothers and sisters from around the world...no more moving...no more goodbyes...and no more tears. And we all get to be with Dad in our Home there. So whereas I miss Dakar, I long for my true Home.