'parting is such sweet sorrow'...but reunions are fun!

On Dec 5 I left my beloved Sierra Leone for now. As usual, it was hard to say good-bye to so many people who have become very dear to me, but I know I am supposed to be at home for right now. I thank God every day for the friendships and memories He has given me in this place.

 ferry ride to the airport

 Freetown

 home sweet home

Landing in Brussels, I was greeted by a blast of arctic air that only penguins could be happy with. There was Christmas music playing, over-the-top decorations, shops where you could buy almost anything imagineable for an insane amount of money... and the culture shock started. I think the biggest shock was the bathrooms in Chicago airport. From village latrines (which I won't describe) to nice-smelling bathrooms with computerized toilet seat covers and flushers, the contrast was crazy. Still trying to decide where I feel more at home. 

Boarding my last flight to Little Rock brought a smile to my face as I heard the familiar, comforting good ole' southern drawl that I haven't heard for so long. No doubt now I was getting close to home.

I was surprised by some of my friends from church at the airport along with my parents! I can't describe how good it was to see them again.

I love this picture!!! so candid and so happy =)

The thoughts that keep going through my head at the end of this chapter and the start of a new one is... "grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." Whatever the next weeks and months bring, I know God has a plan, and he will clearly direct me in the path I should go. My tenitive plan right now is to return to Africa sometime next year, maybe as early as January... but more details to come on that =)

Dec 7 - what I woke up to this morning... a snowy neighborhood!