Reflections on my "Redemptive Time" Post

I find it ironic that a few weeks ago I wrote about wanting "a quick fix" and not having to wait to make the transition at this phase of our lives. Now we have suddenly found ourselves swept forward very quickly into that transition due to the events of the last few weeks. As stressful as it was, I have to say that I am relieved that the time has come and we can get on with it. What a crazy ride it has been. In just a few days we will fly home to the US. We are getting anxious and excited. It is hard to imagine while sitting here by the fan in this cement-block, screened-in guest house on the Western coast of Africa at the hottest, sweatiest, dirtiest time of year, that by the end of this week we will be sitting in an air-conditioned, carpeted, dry-walled house in the Midwestern United States with 24-hour electricity, running water and all the creature comforts, with a Taco-Bell and Walmart just minutes away. The bumpy pot-holed filled dirt-roads will be replaced by smooth, paved freeways. Jim always says everything in the US is "plus doux" (sweeter, softer, more comfortable). We are so thankful for those things that many people in the US take for granted. Even at this crossroads in life where we are officially "homeless" (ok, it isn't as bad as it sounds) I am so thankful for the many blessings God has showered upon us- for family, for friends, for providing for all of our needs, for people here in Africa who have become family to us and who will always be a part of our lives even though removed by long distance, and on the other side of the ocean those from whom we have been apart for so long, who are ready to receive us back home, who are already offering their help to meet us at the airport, store our belongings, find us a vehicle, and find us housing. We are truly blessed. We count it such a privelege to have the friendship of so many and to be a part of the body of Christ around the world.