Home

Next week we are heading “home”. And yet, we are already “home”. Admittedly it is more difficult to “feel” at home when we are not fluent in the language or comfortable with the culture. On the other hand, our relationships with our friends, our associates, our house, our job, and our geography are quite comfortable. We are definitely at home.

Nevertheless, we are heading home—home where family and old friends await. There we are fluent in the language and somewhat more comfortable with the culture. But we call it home because of love that will not let name it anything else.

By far, the most difficult part of our 3 year Mission Co-worker assignment is the absence of our life-long loved ones. Often we think of those who preceded us around the world over a century ago. They arrived on a slow boat and so did their mail. It was 7 years or more before they returned “home” if ever. Even 20 years ago there was no e-mail, no cell phone, and no flying home except in emergencies. (Today PCUSA still sends mission personnel on a one way ticket and guarantees a return trip only after the three years.)

So, we are grateful for this opportunity. Thanks to the generosity of our Presbytery we have been flown home once a year. Home is critical for our physical, mental, and emotional health. When we return home to Malawi, we know we will be refreshed in body, mind, and spirit.

Until then we leave you with the words of Jesus from the Matthew ll:28-30 (The Message)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”