Okay, all of you faithful Confessions readers. You've been so patient this summer waiting next to your Google reader, checking to see what the latest news from Millie is. Sorry about the hiatus. I got back from my summer in the States last night and am anticipating some early mornings to come with the jet lag. So, never fear. The blog is back. You can resume life as normal now.
It can be a challenge for people to return back home after having an amazing experience and to communicate the impact of what they've encountered. Maybe you've been on both sides of this. You do something and want to share the amazing-ness of that moment with someone else. This someone else listens politely and asks a few questions for about 10 minutes...then you notice the eyes have begun to glaze over and there is a distracted spirit about them. Bless you, dear friends. You try, you really do. It's just difficult on both sides.
I'm glad I had the time to be home. I loved seeing everyone and was humbled by those who told me they were reading the blog and were praying. (Thank you!!) People asked me if I get homesick in Japan. I'd be lying if I said I never miss home, but I think it's pretty rare. Maybe because I have skype and email, I don't feel so far removed. Definitely at Christmas, I was sad to be away from family.
When I was leaving Japan last month for the States, I remember thinking I was glad that I had at least another year here. If I was leaving for good now I would feel so, so sad. When we flew in to Osaka yesterday, I had the feeling of returning home. This isn't the first time I've experienced this feeling and I think it's telling of my contentment.
The most encouraging thing I heard from people during my stay in the States is that they could see on my face that I am happy. People told me that I was shining and had a light-ness about me. I was reminded at Christ Community Church in Wheaton about the difference in my spirit between now and when I last was there. I was so broken and discouraged when I left the church over a year and half ago. I thought I was returning home to a death sentence of my dreams for Japan. Kneeling at the altar again this time, I returned thanks to God for his faithfulness in fulfilling my dream for Japan.
So, here I am. Facing another year to be faithful in living obediently in Japan. Lord, prepare me for what's to come. Strengthen my roots in your love.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
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