They say that home is where the heart is. But what happens when you leave 11 pieces of your heart all over the world? Where is home then? As I've begun to assimilate back in to American culture that seems to be the lingering question in my mind. I have been through so much personally and given so much to so many people in all corners of the globe I'm not sure that I know how to even begin to start over. Although it has been relatively easy to adjust back to the American way of life, thanks in large part to culture shock being mostly absent, there is still some uneasiness. Honestly, a lot of it comes from the fact that I have no money, no job and I live with my parents. For someone in my stage of life that's kind of embarrassing, at least by the world's standards. Yet in the midst of all of this I know that going on The World Race had a purpose, it was not a mistake. I know that I had to leave my country, my family and my friends behind. I was called to go and I simply couldn't ignore it.
I'm not going to lie, I would have loved to have stayed out on the field instead of coming home but I know that would have been disobedient. I have obligations to fulfill here at home (mainly, but not limited to, the repayment of my student loans) and, at least for now, full time life on the mission field, if it happens at all, is going to have to wait. For now, I am called to go to seminary within the next year and begin work on a Master of Divinity and possibly a Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Education or Doctor of Philosophy (I'm not sure yet which, if any, of those are supposed to happen). I am to pursue a life in the inner city, among America's poorest of the poor and, Lord willing, start a family. I am also called to be a giver and help send others out to build their kingdom dreams. I know that many of my squadmates have kingdom dreams that they are beginning to pursue and I intend to support them first and to the best of my ability. (after my local church, of course) My friends, I have seen what giving can do. I have seen what can happen when the body of Christ comes together. I have been the beneficiary of blessing for the last 11 months and I can't wait to be a blessing to others.
