"WELCOME HOME"

These two simple words combined have been said to me more often than you'd think over the past year.  It's funny, sometimes I find it difficult to decipher where to call "home" these days.  If you distinguish "home" as where you've laid your head down at night the majority of the past year, my answer would be Newcastle, Northern Ireland.

Part of my Northern Irish family

However, if you determine where "home" is by where you grew up, for me it would be Michigan City, IN.

Lunch w/grandma & grandpa Walrath :)

Visiting w/grandma Sloop

Even still, what if you determine "home" to be, as is commonly said, "where the heart is"...then I'd have about 3 homes: the Chicagoland area, the Cincinnati area, and Newcastle, Northern Ireland.

Fun times in the snow w/Henna & Chase'm

Bible study w/the girls!

What I find most compelling about these two words is how much comfort, peace, and joy they bring.  They are usually accompanied by smiling faces and warm embraces.  For those of you who don't know, I'M A HUGGER!  I love hugs; getting them, giving them, it doesn't matter, I love them.  This is one of the reasons I love having so many "homes".  Coming "home" always guarantees bunches of hugs, great catch-up lunch or coffee dates, and plenty of good, quality time with family and friends.

As much as I feel at home in all these places, I can't wait until I am truly home.  When I will hear God say, "Welcome home."  I don't think there will be any sweeter time than that.  But until that day comes, I will serve Him no matter where He calls me to consider "home" while here on this earth.

Getting over jet lag has not been easy, nor do I feel completely over it, but the excitement of the young people upon my return has really made me itching to get back into routine, events, and spending time with them catching up and whatnot.

Please pray that jet lag subsides quickly and that I make a smooth transition back into the ministry :)  SO EXCITED TO BE BACK IN NORN IRON!