Ever since I returned to the US at the end of September, I have heard, "Welcome home!" and, "Aren't you glad to be home?" in a million different ways by well-meaning people. But, you know, I still can't answer that question without hurting someone's feelings. I am living in a beautiful cabin in the Blue Ridge mountains. But, it is a temporary place, not my permanent dwelling place. I know that in a year or so I will be moving. While I am here, I am going to enjoy every minute of it. I love the peace and quiet, the beauty of it all. But, is it home?
The saying goes, "Home is where the heart is." My heart has dual citizenship. When I am in Ghana, living life with my Ghanaian family and friends, I miss my American family and friends. My heart yearns for them. And now that I am in the United States, close to my American family and friends, my heart hurts to see my Ghanaian family and friends.
When I returned to Ghana last month, it was like going home. I saw and lived with those I left behind in September. I missed my American family, although not as much as my American doctor since I was sick. And, when I got on the bus to take the 15+ hour trip to Accra, the capital city of Ghana, I had to say, "Good-bye." again. I traveled alone this time, giving me plenty of time to think, to be grateful that God didn't give me just one family, but two. And, two homes.
Will I ever completely feel at home in the US? Maybe. Maybe not. I know that in my heart there lives a gigantic family of brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles whose skin is a lot darker than mine. But, that doesn't seem to matter, for we all love each other. And, thanks to the internet, we can keep in touch.
So, home in America has a Ghanaian influence in it, from the lion on the porch to the wall hangings to the Ghanaian clothing I wear. No matter where my "home" is, someone will be missing. My prayer is that we will all meet again someday in our forever Home, where the streets are paved with gold, where hearts won't be broken and we'll all worship at the feet of Jesus. Then, I will truly be "Home."
.
That is a very touchy write up.
ReplyDeleteOur homes truly are many but our real home is with the Eternal Father.
This is soul touching write up ! We too did yean for your care, your relentless affection for kids , oh grandma, Samuel never experience such tender love from white people like you, grandma, you are the last of your kind !!! God will continue to replenish you in what ever you ask for, me per say" am going to miss you dearly , but you said it all, this place is not our home, we are yet to reach our home, where everything is in abundant!! Miss you my all weather grandma.
ReplyDelete