We had several people ask us during our time in the US if we were glad to be home or were enjoying our time at home. That is an interesting concept for our family because “home” is a pretty fluid thing. Beyond having spent chunks of time in several different places in the states and then leaving for another country, we have also moved several times while in Peru. And with the sheer number of homes we stayed in over a two month furlough, we started referring to wherever we would sleep as “home”.
But Peru really is where we feel at home right now. It’s where our family has grown into who we are, with two of our kids having spent hardly any of their lives in the US. We have been changed by our time here in ways that are hard to express, but our assumptions and expectations are different. After traveling, this is where we feel like we can relax and rest and settle back into our life.
We are blessed that our churches, families and friends welcome us so readily and find somewhere to fit us back in for a while. We never lacked for a place to stay, people to see or things to do. You loved us and our kids, asked about our lives, bought our coffee, invited us into your homes, and even had a baby shower for Aria. Even though Peru might be where our family calls home, no matter where we traveled, we never felt out of place. You made us feel right at home with you, too. We appreciate you and the ways you keep us in your thoughts and prayers and hearts. We truly enjoyed the opportunity to have spent time with you.
And after all that, since you asked, yes, we are glad to be home.