“There’s no place like home…”

Three months. That’s it. In three months, I will be packing up the life I have known here in Cola for these past two years and will be returning to a place that I have called home for a good many years. There were times when it felt like home…but then there were times when it did not. But I have determined in the past month that it is hard for it not to feel like “home” when everyone you love from there is telling you, “I’m so glad you are coming back here!” I always try to tell those I love that I love them. I always try to let people know that I am glad that they are in my life. But to be on the receiving end of this is a whole different ball game. I’m sure some people mean it more than others. But the fact remains that some of them really mean it…and that feels better than just about anything in the world.

I went home this past weekend for the wedding of a friend as well as for some quality family time. The highlights? Here are just a few: Seeing Crazy Aunt Mary and finding that she hasn’t changed all that much…which I love. Hugging my niece. Shopping with my mom. Wrestling with my dad. Dancing with my friend Lucas because he was my “spouse” for the evening. Holding my friend Tracy’s 4-year old for most of the night. Putting on make-up with my friend Brina. Sitting next to my long(est) time friend, Kev, and realizing how wonderful I think she is. Seeing my friend Jerry finally get hitched. Talking with Ben and discovering that he’s just as fun as he ever was. And holding Micah’s beer while he reinacted Chris Farley’s hair craze (both of which are entirely out of the ordinary!). Hanging out with my other family, the Russell’s and making little Kathryn laugh. Watching a movie with Crazy Aunt Mary and ordering way too much pizza. Taking a walk at Sugarbottom with Brenna…my favorite place and person. And getting hugs from each and every one of these people and more.

"How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back. There are some things that time can not mend. Some hurts that go too deep... that have taken hold."

-LOTR

This is a quote that I used when I was in Senegal and I no longer knew what “home” was and I was in a lot of pain. I still get confused…but as I consider this move, many thoughts come to mind. I’ve changed quite a bit from when I left four years ago. Everyone else has also changed. I can’t go back to the old life I have there because the only place it exists is in my mind. But the beauty of life and friends who love you no matter what is that a new place can be made. Sure, it will take time and patience…but these are the people who have been with me for a majority of my life and whose love runs as deeply as mine. We speak the same language, regardless of how long it’s been since we really talked. So where as I can’t pick up the threads to an old life in Iowa…God will weave new ones into this ever growing tapestry called my life…and for that, I am really excited.

I love all of you guys so much. Thanks for everything these last 17+ years.