I wanted to write a fun blog about the top 11 things I miss about home.
For the past year and a half I have spent a little over 1 month at home. Life as a missionary has its perks, such as travelling to cool places, eating strange foods, meeting various types of people, and much more. But as Dorthy says, “There is no place like home”. There are moments that go by that I think, “Oh man, I really wish I was home so I can ‘ ‘ or talk to ‘ ‘”. I think about them, and before it consumes me, I move on with my day and try to be present where I am.
So these are my 11 things I think about from home that I miss. (In no particular order)
1. Campfires. I love to sit around the campfire with friends and family and talk about life, Jesus and whatever else there is to talk about. We share stories and laugh plenty. Oh, and I can’t forget, eat delicious food! I miss the campfire settings and can’t wait to come back home to enjoy it.
2. Staying up late and talking with my younger brother. We go into some of the most in depth conversations about God and the Bible than any one else I know. He is full of wisdom and knowledge and I learn so much from him. He is always reading something and learning new things, so we can talk all the way into the late hours of night. We argue on much, but always stay best friends through it all. Maybe one day he will learn that I am simply always right.
3. Ice Capps and all things Tim Hortons. If you’re from Canada, you of course know of our beloved restaurant joint, Tim Hortons. Or, Timmies, for short. If you are not Canadian and have not experienced this blessed place, just know that it is delicious and very warm and welcoming. It’s a place where homeless gather among millionaires and everyone in between. It’s a place where I meet with friends to talk about life, God and share stories. (I’m starting to see a theme here) It’s a place to go for a quick bite to eat or to spend 6 hours in fellowship and prayer. Oh, and to gamble during Roll-up-the-Rim season. (Canadians will understand)
4. Driving to and from my house. I live about 30 min outside of a small city called Grande Prairie. It is such a peaceful, beautiful drive. When I went to work in the morning, I would pray and set the trajectory of my day right by spending my first part of the day in intimacy with God. Then at the end of the day, I would pray and give all the worries of the day to God and allow Him to speak life into my tired body. I would also often blare my music and sing at the top of my lungs. So many great times during those drives.
5. Hugs from my mom. I believe that all men, no matter what age, no matter what background, no matter what religion, deep down inside, love hugs from their mom. It’s a powerful thing and something I never want to take for granted. (Mom, I know you’re reading this. I love you and can’t wait to get a big hug from you when I get back)
6. Playing Soccer on Sunday afternoons. This was something we started doing with a bunch of men from my church in the summer time. After church we would go for lunch, then go to a field and play soccer for a few hours. I love being active and playing competitive games with people whom I love. It brings me so much joy.
7. Quad rides to the river. We had a quad growing up most my life and we live right beside amazing quad trails that lead to a good size river. I enjoyed going by myself into nature, parking the quad by the river and sitting on it while I read a book. I love nature and silence. Another fun thing with the quad was going with my younger bro on after it rained, throwing on clothes that can get dirty and crashing through all the puddles and mud! So. Much. Fun.
8. After Sunday lunch at Wendy’s. Wendy’s was most often the “go to” place for my friends and I after church on Sunday afternoons. I would usually order either a triple baconator with a coke and fries or a double bacon deluxe with a coke and fries. I would sometime substitute the fries with poutine or chili. Here we would talk about life, Jesus, share stories, etc… (There’s definitely a theme going on here)
9. Poutine. I mentioned it in the last one, and it reminded me of the greatness that it is, and it snuck it’s way into my top 11. Way to be poutine. For any non Canadians who are wondering what poutine is, it is a dish created in the french side of Canada made up of french fries and cheese curds with gravy smothered over top. Absolutely delicious! (If it wasn’t obvious already, I enjoy food a lot)
10. Tacos from El Nortenos. This is a place that started as a taco stand in Grande Prairie to support a man and his family, but also a missions base in Mexico. Much of the income from selling these delicious tacos goes to bringing God’s Kingdom to earth in Mexico. Each taco is made with love and is simply the best fish tacos I’ve ever eaten. Also, the owner and I are friends and he sometimes gives me free tacos because he loves supporting missionaries. I have many good memories from the taco stand.
11. Friends, Friends, Friends. I miss my friends. Over the years, God has given me many amazing friends. These are people I do life with in so many different ways. We eat together, play board games, have campfires, eat together, go on road trips, pray, worship, eat together. (There is no shadow of a doubt that there is a theme going on here!)
I love my friends and some days I miss them a lot. I wish they can all come travel with me, eat the strange foods I eat and meet all the fascinating people I come across each day. For now, God has given me more friends to spend this season of my life with. Although we don’t have the history that I have with my friends back home, I remember that those relationships were not birthed over night either. They came from spending time with one another, playing with one another, doing ministry with one another, and most importantly, eating with one another! And through these things, we will become a strong community who is united with each other in spirit and soul.
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