Choose Joy. : Welcome HOME, Welcome BACK!

Welcome Home and Welcome Back!

These statements became surprsingly interchangeable for me during the Christmas break last month.

Welcome Home--Welcome Back to the United States of America and Good Ole Mississippi

I was blessed to get to make a trip home for Christmas break, I left Ecuador on a Thursday night at around 2 in the morning. (gotta love those RedEyes especially when they are delayed about an hour and a half) haha

However, Layovers are much more entertaining when you have a couple of students to hang out with, Yep, I got to ride home with one of the Juniors here at Alliance and I was very thankful for the fellowship.

I then finally arrived in Memphis at around 10-1030. I honestly cant remember, flying through the night on a delayed flight can really throw your internal clock off.

By the time I reached baggage claim in the Memphis Airport, the time didnt matter to me anymore.

It was in that moment when I was riding down the escalator that time "stopped" as I looked out to see 5 of my best friends waiting on me with posters in hand--this moment will forever me engrained in my picture book of memories, stowed away in the back of my mind to have forever because in that moment, the moment that felt like it was a dream I realized I was HOME sweet HOME and that feeling of relief, comfort, and joy overwhelmed me-- especiallly when I turned to see my parents there running towards me with great big hugs. (they got the first hugs of course) haha

So shoutout to those that were at the airport--MOM, DAD, KAYLA, LACEE, FERG, MELISSA, and AMANDA. Thanks for being there not only when I got off the plane but through this whole journey!

Afterwards it was off to my house for breakfast:my favorite :), a shower: much needed, and a whole lot of talking on my part. Surprise Surprise.

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, no matter the time of day. Its even better when you get to share sausage squares, fruit, bacon, and even some pumpkin cake with friends and family.

I was just where I needed to be.

I say "needed" for a very specific reason. The last few weeks here in Ecuador were pretty rough, challenging, hard, sad, frustrating, you name it, I probably endured it and then probably cried about it. (Now all my students know what an emotional person I am-- I cant decide if thats a good thing or bad thing-- ;)--stay tuned) haha

But really, it got rough, homesickness set in, in a way I never thought I could experience. Me? Homesick? NO WAY! I was never homesick in college---no offense MOM and DAD but here I did experience the feeling of being homesick and I honestly had no clue had to deal with it so I cried, I prayed, and some moments I was tempted to start running home...but I made it till Dec 20..Thank the Lord.

To get me through those last weeks I kept repeating to myself---struggles are heightened when you go overseas. Its something someone told me during my time here and something I wish someone would have warned me about before but HEY, you live and you learn.

While at home I got to see my family and so many friends...alot more people than I expected in my short 2 weeks time. Thank the Lord for orchestrating these times to meet up with friends because I came back renewed by their encouragement and really just their presence. Getting to be with them and be a part of their lives in a real way was a cool thing to get to experience over the break.

Side Note-- I have learned to be so much more thankful for the times spent with friends now. As we grow up, the time is shortened when we get to see each other, and the times are farther apart so the times spent with any friend or family is so much more precious to me now.

Being at home with mom and dad always brings comfort---wherever mom and dad are is a safe haven. I got to cook with mom and watch football with dad and talk the dog walking, and do all those simple things that you come to find out, mean so much.

Being with friends I got to laugh, and go out to eat, and talk wedding talk, give Christmas presents, eat junk food, play games, and act like a complete kid (oh wait, I still do that even when I am not with friends---oops) I guess there is just something so appealing about being a kid at heart! ;)

I got to eat Newks (Twice), Chick Fil A (Thanks Alex Hammond), and all kinds of Christmas sweets!

I got to drive!! (I'll be honest, I dont miss driving--I hate driving but it was fun to have the option)

I say all this to say Thanks to everyone who I got to share Christmas break with. Such a blessing!!! :)

While at home I realized all I could talk about were the kids I get to be around on a daily basis. I would catch myself telling story after story after story.

Im guessing I missed them a little huh?

So you can guess I was excited about my return back to my HOME in Ecuador.

I was excited about the new year, excited about spending the next 4 months with the people I have come to love in Ecuador.

So yes I heard alot of Welcome BACKS but every now and then someone would say WELCOME HOME and that was a pretty good feeling.

Its nice to know I have a family in the STATES and a family here in QUITO.

I am thankful for the people here and the lessons I learn from each one of them.

Here's to starting 2013 in Ecuador.

I cant wait to share more about what the Lord is doing in this place and in me.

Until then,

Saved by grace,

Kirsten

Just a few PICS to make this all the more exciting: