Yes, in some ways a part of home will always be in Southern California. But, as I move and invest my life in different parts of the world I am finding new temporary homes. (Of course my HOME is in heaven...something that becomes more and more real as home becomes a more relative term.)
Yesterday, after the evening service, I was standing with a group of people and then was introducing myself to the guest speaker we had. After explaining to him where I was from and how long I had been here he said, "Well, welcome to Rwanda. I hope you like our country." I just sort of smiled, but someone else immediately chimed in and said, "No, she has been here for some time. This is her home."
And it is true. As I drove down the roads today I realized that in about a month I will no longer be seeing pretty much everything that I see on a daily basis now. And I will miss these things, even for a few months.
If I haven't learned or accomplished anything else in this year, the whole year would be worthwhile just to say that I can call this place, Kigali, Rwanda, home.
5 comments:
OK - I know it's pretty cheesy that your mom is about the only one who ever comments on your blog but I just had to respond to this one! I was crying as I read it but they were tears of joy at God's work in your heart and life this year in Rwanda. I totally except that Rwanda is your home right now but I have to admit that I'm glad you are coming to that other place for a visit this summer! Thanks for writing, Sweetie, and thanks for the incredible privilege of going to church with you on Mother's Day through Skype.
Love, Momma
I'm glad you are coming to visit your family and your U.S. home.
You will be back in that beautiful Rwanda country side soon enough.
See you in 29 days
From Lisa Keyes:(she asked me to post)
Alyssa
I am so touched in hearing how God has used you in such an incredible way this past year. It seemed to pass so quickly! I know how much your family will be glad to have you back home, if only for a short time. I hope we get to connect but even if we don't, know you are on our hearts.
Love, Lisa Keyes
That was so well said Alyssa. My favorite post yet.
Hi Alyssa,
Amazing to think that the ~ year ~ has gone by so quickly. May God give you grace for the reverse culture shock ahead.
The local people "adopting" you & making Rwanda your home is one of the greatest complements a missionary can get. Remember Bruce Olson (the guy in the biography 'Bruchko?') Several years ago he was kidnapped by rebels in the Colombian jungle. Neither the US not the Colombian government would intervene for him... but the former savages, the Motilone Indians, with whom he has lived for 30 years - Bruchko's 'family' - negotiated his release.
After you get settled, give me a call.
Warmly & prayerfully
Borthwick
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