Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

| by archiveworldraceblogs

So you’ve been home 1 month and you still can’t sleep through the night?

You’ve been home 1 month and you still aren’t used to American food?

You’ve been home 1 month and you still haven’t gotten over the poverty and injustice you’ve seen?

Do SMOOTH transitions happen in America?

It’s so crazy.  I thought I was ready for this.  I’ve been on mission to China and Ethiopia before.  I’ve come home and had no difficulties with jet lag.  This year I went from country to country with barely any jet lag and now I’m home for one month and I’m still tired but at times unable to rest.

Thanksgiving and Christmas, my favorite holidays, came around and I barely ate as much as I used to.  All I could think about was chipati and green grahams.  All I want is ethnic food.

I’ve cried more since I’ve been home about the injustice I’ve seen than when I was on the field.  I’ve dreamt about Cambodia, Kenya.  Any piece of news I see about sexual slavery makes my heart beat faster than I can count. 

Do smooth transitions happen in America?  I’d say yes.  They just take time.  I refuse to beat myself up.  I’m in the place that God wants me right now and I’ll move at the speed He calls me to. 

I’m back in the groove of things with my favorite Jazzercise friends.
Most recently I spent the holidays with my family and our Ethiopian family.  It was amazing to have our families together on Christmas Eve.  I watched as my brother went crazy over the Ethiopian coffee.
I’ve read my Daddy’s newest book, listened to my brother’s entire CD/concert, and celebrated with my mom in her new computer teacher job.
I haven’t seen all of my friends or family.  I never even made any rounds to see or call them.  I have been grateful to the ones who have come to me.  I’ve not wanted to leave my immediate family because I’m trying to treasure these moments. 
Today was the most treasured moment for me as my sister retrieved the mail from the box.  She held up a large envelope screaming, “It’s not the small one.  It’s big.  This is it.  Oh my goodness.  This is it.”  She jumped on the couch screaming and shouting.  Her face was red and tears were coming down.  “This is it.  I can see ‘congratulations’ from the window.”  She finally opened the envelope, all the while screaming only to read the first four words, “Congratulations.  You’ve been accepted.”  She proceeded to scream, cry and jump around.  I decided to join her.  She was shaking all over. 

 
I’ve missed the past year of her applying to schools but I was so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to see her receive acceptance from her top school choice. 
Spelman College
 
In my smooth transition back into America and over Christmas holiday I’ve learned that the best gift I can give my family right now is my time.  Please pray for me as I continue to spend time with them.