Saturday, January 15, 2011

Home is Where Your Half-Heart Is

Hey everyone!

It's been a LONG time since I've posted, but I'm committed to being a much more faithful blogger this semester. Here's to New Years Resolutions!

Recently I was able to spend a few weeks in the States over Christmas. It was absolutely wonderful to see friends and family and to learn that I can, in fact, go home again. I was able to pick up where I left off and enjoy the company of good people and relationships that are well-worth preserving. What an incredible blessing.

Yet I was also reminded, more than ever, that my heart is now officially in two places. I loved being in America, but simultaneously yearned to come back here - to the places and people that now make Bhem in the W.B. my home. It seems my fate is sealed: no matter what happens, I will always love where I am and miss where I've been.

I know some of you who have moved can relate. There is a restlessness, though not one of discontent. It aches, but there is a fullness in the gift of being able to love so deeply and broadly.

I also feel fortunate to know that this place has become home so quickly. I feel myself becoming invested for the long term, and my prayers that God would make that a reality increase daily (ah, the visa hassles). But I know there is good work to be done here, and if the light in our kids' eyes and their thirst for knowledge is any indication of God's spirit moving (which I'm confident that it is), it's an exciting place to be in an exciting time. So stay tuned...great things are on the way.

4 comments:

  1. Jess,

    I really appreciate this sentence:

    "It aches, but there is a fullness in the gift of being able to love so deeply and broadly."

    Indeed. And YALLA!

    You are investing deep into the ground in Bhem. You are planting trees of hope; and that is one of the most needed things in WB. HOPE WILL turn things around. It will inspire people to dream again and fuel them to boldly fulfill their dreams. You are a dream weaver.

    Weave on.

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  2. "I love where I am and miss where I've been." Ah, yes, isn't that our never ending perpetual dilemma? I feel the same way, but it means you have the ability to plant multiple roots and continue to grow wings - and how can you go wrong with that kind of life lived and love shared? You can't, friend. You just can't. I miss you.

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  3. Well said, Habibti. I agree with Lauren about the phrase "I will always love where I am and miss where I've been." It is such an insightful truth to speak about the aching of the heart (and is probably true of the passing of years as well). You have a gift of seeing elements of the soul and speaking directly too them. I love that about you.

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  4. Your post reminds me of my feelings after coming back from Jerusalem School. I have multiple homes, and now I'm moving into someone else's home as a livin-in nanny's spouse in Salem. Praying for God's Shalom there. I am very glad that you are enjoying the frisbee; I'm jealous because there's feet of snow here and no way to play.

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