My foot stepped on American soil earlier than I had thought it would, in fact 3 months earlier. Most of my teammates were excited as we walked to the US customs counter talking about the stores and restaurants they wanted to visit. To me it was a little surreal, I knew I was home but it was easier to convince myself that we were arriving at another ministry location. I wasn’t ready to be back in America and wondered if I would ever feel ready to reside in the US again.
Traveling from the Philippines to our next ministry location in Central America gave us a good 48-hour layover in LA. Our flight crossed over the International Date Line making our Christmas wish for teleportation seemingly true…but February 1st was just one long day. We were encouraged to stay awake through the day to help with jet lag, but I just couldn’t do it. I took a much needed nap before calling my Aunt and Uncle in town. I have 3 pairs of Aunts and Uncles around the L.A. metro area that I was going to get to visit and wanted to be rested. We don’t get to see each other often since most of the family lives in the Great Lakes area specifically, Michigan. I was so glad to get this opportunity to relax with family and rest in their hospitality.
I was able to share pictures and stories from countries I had been to. We talked about life in America and what I might do upon return in May.
I got to hear stories and see adorable baby pictures of my Uncles new
grandchildren! I was so excited to discuss and see kitchen remodeling ideas that we being undergone. I love that stuff. I had shown my cousin Alex the fashionable hat I got in Thailand and then the purse that matched from Cambodia. She was excited and gave me a great fashion show! 
