life on this side of the atlantic.

There is a frame on the wall in my room here in the states.  The quote is perfect for right now:

"I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world."

A journeyman friend compared her return to America to that of the four hobbits to the Shire in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.  The four hobbits sit at their favorite pub, sipping their drinks.  It is quiet.  They look at each other.  They are back to everything they knew before to be safe and familiar, and yet every person around them has no idea and no understanding what they went through, what their adventure was like.  I often feel the same.

This morning, for example, I started talking to my dog in Toposa.  I didn't even realize I was doing it.  Then it hit me: "Oh, I am talking to Maya in Toposa."  She understands some Spanish commands, but I knew that Toposa was definitely beyond her.  But I thought, "Why not?!?!?"  So I proceeded to talk to carry on a one-sided conversation with her for five minutes.

Maybe I need to go back to the bush?

Some of the changes I've noticed since being back in my Shire...
1) I don't have to switch gears when I drive.  My car does it automatically.
2) Other drivers follow the rules here!  And pedestrians do too!
3) I don't have to calculate different exchange rates in my head when I purchase something.
4) I personally have to fill up my gas tanks in my car at the station again.  Boo.
5) My tan lines are fading.  I keep myself in long-sleeves and pants, because...
6) It is freezing here.  Ok, not freezing, but I am seriously cold all the time.
7) Water with ice is too cold.
8) I have not seen one goat or sheep or cow since being home.
9) I don't have to wash ziploc baggies and reuse them.
10) Life is easy here.  I refer to daily routines, like going to the restroom.  In Sudan, it takes watchful eyes to avoid thorns and keep an eye out for snakes.  Then, I need to be sure and kill the mango flies that are resting on the toilet seat, and then I can carry out my business.  Here, I walk five feet, and go!

What have I been doing since I've been back?

These were the signs that people held when they greeted at the airport.  Thank you everyone from my family, friends, and church who showed up!  It was wonderfully overwhelming to be welcomed like that.

 My brother, Colin, and his fiancee, Sarah, came to El Paso to welcome me home!  We got to celebrate Sarah's birthday at Billy Crews restaurant.

 My parents

Me and my sister, Char

I went to Houston for a visit!

 Having Thai tea with Melissa, a best friend from high school, and one of her friends

 I went to an old bookstore...a house filled top to bottom with books!  A dream come true  :)

The visit to Houston also included a visit to Beaumont to see family!  I celebrated my 25th birthday with them!  Here's my aunt, Colleen, and cousin, Emma.  Colleen made that sign for me...it's beautiful! Thanks, Neena!

 Soon to be sister-in-law Sarah made me this cheesecake!!!  Thank you!

 Emma, all grown-up and gorgeous!

My grandparents, Bobber and Gigi, were such awesome hosts.  They made my birthday great.

We had Missions Weekend at my church in El Paso.  This is how much money was raised for missions!!!!!  Praise the Lord.

I've also done some shopping since I left all my Sudan clothes in Sudan.  

I feel pretty and like a girl again!  Here are a few pictures of Easter with my family:

 Christian, my other brother, came home!

People have asked if I am adjusted to life in the states yet.  My answer?  No.  It's going to take a while. I'm still processing a lot of things and also trying to figure out how to live here after spending two years in Toposaland.  Also, lots of praying and waiting on God to see where He'll take me next.  Life here is good, though, and I am where I am supposed to be for now.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us..."  2 Corinthians 2:14