I am grateful for my trip home in early December. Christmas did indeed come early. It meant so much to see everyone especially my nieces and nephews who are at the age where change happens so rapidly. It was a time to recharge and also served as a brief preview of the effects to come of mission life. As I went through the airport coming home, I was filled with pride and wondered if this was how an American serviceman/ woman must feel returning home – I wanted to kiss the soil as soon as I got off the plane. When I was home, things were the same but different. I felt like I was looking upon the same familiar settings with a new pair of eyes. As a child I use to think upon my mother’s house as being simple but now look upon it as really nice. I noticed I conserve my resources more – hot showers aside. I also had a growing sense of suffocation by the amount of materialistic “things” that surrounded me. Simplifying things, giving things away or throwing them out is definitely in my future.
One thing that mission life did not change for me and I realized about myself, is that I enjoy the convenience of being a consumer. I like being able to drive somewhere and pick up what I at least think I need. I know many in the world do not have that capability. One other surprise was the realization that I enjoy driving. I use to find it annoying and would always be happy if someone else offered. When I was home, it felt liberating.
Before my return to Peru, I picked up a few comfort items and packages family members sent for the other missionaries in Chimbote. A special thank you to all those who found the time to visit during my short stay – it meant a lot.
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