It’s coming close to the halfway mark of the World Race (yikes!) and I thought it’d be fun to let you in on some of the things I miss most about home!
- Routine. Isn’t it strange how when you’re in routine, the idea of not having routine seems appealing?! Ha! Every day looks different out here, and plans are constantly changing, which makes it challenging to get into a rhythm. Especially since we move countries every 3-4 weeks. I’ve found the most difficult things to juggle without routine are eating right and fitting in regular workouts. It can be done, just not to the same degree as back home. So I just do my best!!
- There’s a lot of foods I miss! Particularly home-made things (ie: my moms baking, *drool*). But honestly what is really the hard part is just a loss of control over what I eat and how much. Living with a group of people 24/7 is both a blessing and a curse in MANY ways, but as someone who used to cook all her own meals and buy all her own food… I miss the grocery store! It can be a struggle at times to have to eat what’s available!
- MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!! That’s me screaming this one, because let’s be honest, it is HARD to be away from loved ones for months on end! Don’t get me wrong, there’s a grace, and Jesus is so kind to me, and FaceTime is a HUGE help, but y’all. It’s a cost fo sho. Especially because when I left, my nephew was 3, and now when I see pictures he’s practically in college. And my one sister is prego which I still can’t even believe I’m not there for that journey. And my other sister is engaged so I’m missing a lot of the pre wedding hype. ???????? (And just a real quick side note, if you know a missionary or someone who’s traveling, little messages of encouragement go a LONG way! Tell them you love them, or just that you’re thinking of them. It seems small, but it’s not! Some of your comments or messages have literally gotten me through some days!)
- English. I’ve spent a lot of time around people who are talking and I have NO idea what’s going on. Other languages are really cool and it’s fun to learn new phrases, but sometimes I just wanna order a glass of water or ask a local for directions without playing charades ya know? And google translate is good, but it’s not perfect I’ve come to learn! Also, I miss worshiping at church in English… man just give me some Elevation Worship pleeeease!
- My towel. The next time you wrap yourself in a large cotton towel, just take a moment to give thanks okay? Microfibre towels are just not the same you guys. And while we’re on the subject, hot showers. I get them every now and then, but it’s not a guarantee out here!
- A glass of cold drinking water. It’s funny, we have cold showers but I can’t find a glass of cold water to save my life! And there is nothing more refreshing in these hot climates!
- I miss my car! I’m low key scared I’m gonna forget how to drive after 11 months LOL!
- I miss my job! I love being a physio! And having an income had its perks too hahaha.
- My bed. A moment of silence please for this one.
- Phone data. Y’all, I am mourning the loss of so many funny Instagram stories I could’ve been hitting you with, but by the time I get wifi the funny moment has passed. Sad. Also, when I do get on wifi I usually have a long list of things to get done and some weeks I just don’t have the time for social media!
- Snow!! I wasn’t sure if I’d miss it, but when I see pics from back home of people in their wool socks and cute winter jackets I have a little like “awee..” moment with myself. I can’t say I miss the extreme cold, but sometimes sitting inside by the fire on a cold winter day is just the sweetest. And I feel bad for my mukluks sitting in storage. My fellow mukluk wearers will feel this deep.
- MY LULU TIGHTS. Being immersed in so many different cultures, it’s just a respect thing to not wear leggings in public, and seeing as that’s the only thing I used to live in, it will be a glorious day when I reunite with my spandex!
- Closets are wonderful. Getting dressed each day by reaching for my crinkly clothes off the floor or out of my backpack got old pretty quick ha!
- I miss lifting weights you guys!!! Body weight and banded exercises can be plenty challenging, but sometimes I dream of dumbbells. And barbells. And squat racks. *Sigh*.
- Okay the last thing… I miss traditions! All the sweet holiday feels and celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, New-Years, even things like long weekends, or family meals after church. We try and replicate some of those things here on the field, but it’s just never quite the same! I keep telling myself those things will just be extra special next year!
There ya have it! Even though I miss all these things I wouldn’t trade this experience for the anything!! For every one thing I miss there’s like a hundred things I’ve gained!
God is GOOD and so crazy kind to me. I’ve experienced His comfort on deeper levels within the grieving of the things I’m missing back home, and it’s just a beautiful, and safe place to rest. I’ve gained a much deeper appreciation of the things I do have, and I’ve grown a lot in thankfulness towards God. I certainly don’t take things for granted like I used to! Perspective is a precious gift.
As always, thanks so much for the love and support!! It means the world!!
Kaelyn
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
