The New Normal - Where is home anyway?

Dad carved my Africa necklace

You decide to leave home and go to work in a foreign country. You're no spring chicken, but admittedly don't have one foot in the grave either.  Life overseas is exciting, but a bit scary as you face challenges adjusting to a new job, new culture, and new people, not to mention dealing with thoughts of what you have left behind. You travel to many countries, make strides, have setbacks, and learn a lot during your first year abroad. The school year draws to a close and you look forward to returning home; the thought of six weeks in America is almost intoxicating.

Marc's boat

We left our Casablanca apartment on June 27 at 4:30AM, and after being waylaid overnight in Montreal due to bad weather, we arrived in sunny Greensboro, North Carolina, a few days later.  Our friends picked us up at the airport and we began our six week orientation back to life in the U.S.

Reflections

Ella, Brandy and Marc

Our time in NC was made much easier thanks to Susan and Ron Carpenter, who graciously invited us to share their abode.  Our house is being rented, so staying there was not possible.  For about four weeks of our time in America, "home" was at Sue and Ron's.

Great cookin' at Sue and Ron's

Shoe, carved by Dad (Pap)

We got to visit our three Presbyterian church families . . . Fellowship, where Richard preached a sermon, Pleasant Grove, and Oakridge.  We really loved seeing everyone again. Our Sunday "home" was at one of these three Presbyterian churches, where we were welcomed with open arms.

Richard and Leann

Trail near Suzann's 

One of our great joys was reconnecting with Greensboro area friends and family. Dinner and lunch were shared with Sammie and Steve Braxton, Beth and Robert Dunbar, Sue and Ben Smith, Michael and Penny Vance-Cheney, Janet Mintz, Leann, Baz and Noah, John Hartman, Hubert and Margie Lathan, Ruthie Tutterow, and, of course, Sue and Ron Carpenter. Admittedly, we have really missed American food, and it seems like we have done nothing except eat for six weeks.  But, we had that feeling of "home" when we broke bread with you.

Dad (Pap)

Hang on

Dad and Mom (Pap and Grag)

During a part of our stay, we left NC to visit family further away. Richard spent time in New Hampshire with his brother Peter, and in Albany, NY with his daughter Suzann and her family.  I went to Vermont to be with my parents, and also got to visit with my brother Marc and his family.  For 10 days, "home" for me was sitting on the dock enjoying the view, swimming or fishing, doing a puzzle in the house with my father, or reading and just hanging out.

Braelyn and Caiden (2 of Richard's 12 grandchilden)

Bros Peter and Richard

The highlight of my time in the U.S. was being with Sam's the man. He fell in with us just like we never left.  We can never thank the amazing folks at Autumn House for the care they show to our boy. "Home" for him is the people at Autumn House, for whom we are so thankful, and "home" to me will always be where he is.

Peek-a-boo, Sam!

Upon reflection, I realize that "home" can be in more than one location and that each one represents a part of me.  The experiences I have in each place, with each group of people, contribute to who I am.  I think back in my mind to where I have been, remembering emotions felt, and keeping those memories of "home" close. Change is inevitable and it is comforting to me to think ahead to where I plan to go, knowing there are more connections to be made.  

Puzzle on the porch

So, now we prepare to head back to Morocco this coming Tuesday. We will leave in the early morning and arrive the next morning.  I am confident that as soon as we arrive, Casablanca will feel just like "home".

Addendum:  We made it back to Morocco and found this new mat on our doorstep, courtesy of our friends, the El Ouattassis.  What a poetic coincidence, or is it?