What is home?
I used to think home is where your family lived. And in a general sense and for the sake of language, when I talk about home, I’m referring to where my parents live.
However, if home is where I was born, then it’s Kenya. If home is where I was raised, then it’s Georgia. If home is where I currently live, then it’s Ethiopia.
I used to think home was the best because it’s where you know people and people know you. I used to be sad about leaving home because nobody would know me. I would have no “roots.”
But, during my travels, I’ve discovered that home can be anywhere. Home is where you make it.
As I walked the streets of Bahir Dar in the elusive search for wifi, I ran into Jet Lee, a Bajaj drive who I only met once. He recognized me and we stopped and chatted.
Then I stopped by Homland Hotel, which I frequent for Internet. I was met by Solomon, the front desk manager. We talked as if we’ve know each for some time.
The streets of Bahir Dar are no longer foreign to me because I walk them everyday. If I decided to sit in my tent and never leave, I wouldn’t meet people and become familiar with my environment. My fear would prevent me from making a home out of where I live.
In the past almost year and half, home has been where I lay my head. When I come into a country, I don’t know anyone, and no one knows me. But you know what, it’s amazing how home can be formed by a smile, a meal shared together, a taxi ride, a hello on the street, or just learning someone’s name.
Jesus said that if we love our mother, father, brother, or sister more than Him, then we are not worthy of him. That verse used to jar me. I used to wonder how Jesus could give me these wonderful relationships and then say something like that!
But now I know that Jesus understood that those relationships can make us really cozy and comfortable. So much so that they may tempt us to be disobedient to what He asks us to do. It’s not that Jesus doesn’t want us to love our families. Of course He does, He created the family unit. He’s saying that family should not hold us back from what He is asking us to do. Our love, reverence, and allegiance for Him should be above our loyalty to our family.
And guess what? Once you step into that, you realize home can be anywhere because your home is really rooted in a relationship with Jesus. Do I miss my family and friends when I’m gone? Yes, yes, and YES. Do I feel alone or lonely because they’re not here? No.
Holy Spirit is with me wherever I go, and He empowers me to do the work God has called me to.
So today, home is in Ethiopia. In a little while, home will be Georgia. In another season, home will be with my children and husband, and home will continue to be wherever Jesus leads.
My allegiance and loyalty lies with Him.
