2 1/2 Weeks

2 1/2 weeks.

In just 2 1/2 weeks I will be boarding a plane for home. 

It some ways it seems like I was just home.

In other ways, it feels like I've been gone forever instead of just 7 months. 

 Living over here is so bittersweet.

Such mixed feelings.

I LOVE what I do.

But it is so very hard to be away from my family for so long.

To miss out on what out on my sister in her pre-teen years.
Miss watching my brothers play sports.

Miss watching my nephews grow up.

Miss out on family get together's and birthday celebrations.

 But that's all part of following Jesus. 

And trusting in Him for strength when the homesickness is too much to bear.

He always comes through.

 As I begin to pack and finish last minute things at the foster home in order to be gone for 2 months, I have mixed feelings. 

I am beside myself with excitement.

To see my family and friends and be in my home country and culture.
To not be stared out everywhere I go and be able to understand the language.

But I will miss these kiddos so very, very much. 

Actually "missing" them isn't adequate. 

I feel like there needs to be another word to describe it.

They have become a part of me.

Such a huge part of my life.

It's like I have 11 children.

 And yes, there are even parts of China I will miss.

Although I'm craving American food, I'm sure I'll miss the food here at some point.

The bakeries.

The simplicity of my life here.

The quietness and peacefulness of my apartment complex.

The streams and flowers and green EVERYWHERE.

From what I've heard, NY is NOT green right now! 

The birds singing and my daily routine.

But as I have said before, you can't be in two places at once.

And now it's my time to leave.

I'm tired and drained.

It's time to refresh and renew.

Because if I don't and get burnt out,

I will be no good for anyone this coming year.
And I want God to be able to use me to the fullest.