So I realized I wrote this post and never posted it! So here it is, six months later. Enjoy!
As of today, I have been home for an entire week. I can hardly believe it, too. I was thrown directly into the whirlwind that is the life of my family, and I've hardly had the chance to catch my breath. I don't think it has completely hit me that I am in America, and I won't be returning to Aix, or seeing my friends at the Institute anytime soon. Sometimes, though, there is a small ache in my heart. This whole week, I have been stuck in a rut, I guess. I'm not depressed by any means, but I'm not my best either. I just feel weird. I have been struggling to get in the Word and spend time with my Love, and I think that has a lot to do with it, too. I miss my Lord. All I want for Christmas is His presence in my heart and life. I know that He is always with me, I do! But I long so much to fellowship with Him. my soul longs for that intimate, peaceful, healing fellowship.
The last month of my study abroad experience since the last time I wrote, flew by faster than any month I have ever lived. I had to say good-bye to my sweet friends, Shayla and Kate, then get ready for finals. Everyday I found myself battling the urge to hide in my room out of fear of having to part with that beautiful place and the wonderful people who had befriended me over the course of the semester. I began turning into a hermit, completely anti-social. Finally, that last week, I forced myself out, and found that I couldn't get enough of being with everyone. I had just gotten used to being in France, in Aix, and initiating conversations in French. I had just passed over the homesick hump at three months, and was ready for another three. Sometimes I really hate change. It is needed, I know, and at times my heart screams for it, but I wasn't ready for it yet.
The last week in Aix, I spent a lot of time with my host family. Well, as much as I could. Marion worked late every night, so didn't eat dinner with us. Then Friday night, we all ate together. I gave them each a small Christmas gift, and after dinner, sat and talked with Marion for a long while. I was sad to go. What really set me off, was when I got back to the house after the Marchutz exhibition. I was on the verge of tears all evening as my sweet friend, Lauren (who I never thought of as a touchy-feely person), wouldn't stop hugging me. And each time I hugged her, I never wanted to let go. When I left Marchutz got back to the house, no one, again I say no one was there. Really??? That's when I broke down. Then I was a patched up mess when my host family finally got home.
I woke up the next morning, had my last breakfast with my host family, and drove to the airport. The rest is history! Once I reached the airport, I got into travel mode so I didn't have to face the sadness of leaving my dear France. That didn't hit me until about now as I write this post. However, I am excited for the coming weeks and semester back at school. I know God is going to do great things in me. I can't wait to see what happens.
Peace and love!
-B
As of today, I have been home for an entire week. I can hardly believe it, too. I was thrown directly into the whirlwind that is the life of my family, and I've hardly had the chance to catch my breath. I don't think it has completely hit me that I am in America, and I won't be returning to Aix, or seeing my friends at the Institute anytime soon. Sometimes, though, there is a small ache in my heart. This whole week, I have been stuck in a rut, I guess. I'm not depressed by any means, but I'm not my best either. I just feel weird. I have been struggling to get in the Word and spend time with my Love, and I think that has a lot to do with it, too. I miss my Lord. All I want for Christmas is His presence in my heart and life. I know that He is always with me, I do! But I long so much to fellowship with Him. my soul longs for that intimate, peaceful, healing fellowship.
The last month of my study abroad experience since the last time I wrote, flew by faster than any month I have ever lived. I had to say good-bye to my sweet friends, Shayla and Kate, then get ready for finals. Everyday I found myself battling the urge to hide in my room out of fear of having to part with that beautiful place and the wonderful people who had befriended me over the course of the semester. I began turning into a hermit, completely anti-social. Finally, that last week, I forced myself out, and found that I couldn't get enough of being with everyone. I had just gotten used to being in France, in Aix, and initiating conversations in French. I had just passed over the homesick hump at three months, and was ready for another three. Sometimes I really hate change. It is needed, I know, and at times my heart screams for it, but I wasn't ready for it yet.
The last week in Aix, I spent a lot of time with my host family. Well, as much as I could. Marion worked late every night, so didn't eat dinner with us. Then Friday night, we all ate together. I gave them each a small Christmas gift, and after dinner, sat and talked with Marion for a long while. I was sad to go. What really set me off, was when I got back to the house after the Marchutz exhibition. I was on the verge of tears all evening as my sweet friend, Lauren (who I never thought of as a touchy-feely person), wouldn't stop hugging me. And each time I hugged her, I never wanted to let go. When I left Marchutz got back to the house, no one, again I say no one was there. Really??? That's when I broke down. Then I was a patched up mess when my host family finally got home.
I woke up the next morning, had my last breakfast with my host family, and drove to the airport. The rest is history! Once I reached the airport, I got into travel mode so I didn't have to face the sadness of leaving my dear France. That didn't hit me until about now as I write this post. However, I am excited for the coming weeks and semester back at school. I know God is going to do great things in me. I can't wait to see what happens.
Peace and love!
-B
