Heading Out

 Our time here is quickly drawing to an end, although sometimes not quickly enough.  It has been a long two and half, almost three years and we are very excited about being back in the states.

A few weeks ago a couple of my(Alicia) lady friends and I had a day out.  We drove to another city and spent the day just hanging out and relaxing (after one of them took care of her passport at the consulate).  It was a great day to just be together and share our hearts.

While we were riding home that evening one of the ladies asked me, "If you knew then what you know now and how things would be here, would you still have come?"  Of course I asked her if I could change some things and she said no, it would have to be just like these last two years (of course she meant I couldn't change the things that are out of my control).

I didn't really have to think about it too long before I told her, "Absolutely yes."  Then she asked me why.

I don't really know that I have the words to explain it.  We have been through so much since being here.  We have had some great times here and made some amazing memories, but along with that, we've had some major struggles and trials.  Through all of those times, I have seen my children grow in ways that I don't think would have been possible otherwise.  Kenny and I have grown so much in so many ways.  Our family is stronger and our marriage is stronger than we've ever been.  God has blessed us in so many ways.  We've developed a deeper understanding of the world we live in and a deeper respect for those living in third world countries.  We've witnessed people so poor they live in homes with dirt floors and no electricity, but are always eager to invite you in and give you the best that they have (they always serve tea).  Our Father has taught us so many things. I would not trade my time here for anything.

Having said all of that, I am still so very excited about going home in a couple of months.  We are all counting the days and have already started packing up those things that we don't need.  We are all full of mixed emotions:  sadness at leaving all of the wonderful friends we've made here and absolute joy at being back home with family and friends in familiar surroundings!