The First Three Months

You would think that returning to the United States to live would be a joy-filled occasion. And, it was, to an extent. I was now in the land of my American family and friends. I spoke the same language that others spoke. There were proper grocery stores. And, there were doctors close by! Clothing could be bought at a store. Worship was in English! (Although I didn't recognize the songs at the contemporary service.) I could drive long distances without coming to even one police check point! Temperatures were in Fahrenheit and not Celsius. And, my electrical cords could plug into wall sockets without adapters! 

On the other hand, returning to the United States has been stressful. I lived out of suitcases for two months, sleeping at the homes of family and friends, sometimes five different places in a week. I had to buy a car, car insurance and make sure everything for that was in order. I signed up for Medicare and the Supplemental Insurance needed to go with it. I had oral surgery. I spoke with supporters, both individuals and churches 11 times before moving from NW Pennsylvania to SW Virginia. I had sinus surgery to correct a variety of problems. I didn't have a church home in Virginia. I missed my Ghanaian family and friends so much! And the list goes on. Moving back to the US after eight years in Ghana is not for those who are weak-hearted. 

Yes, those first three months were really difficult. Yet, there were many blessings, too. The love of family and friends for one. (It's a blessing to be able to see those that I have missed for so long.) It's good to be in the same country as my sister and brothers. And, I have friends and family that made sure I had a car to drive before I bought one. I even had "family" visit me for Christmas week. (Imagine a couple of twenty somethings wanting to spend Christmas with me! I was blessed.) I had friends who would listen to me when I needed to whine about my future...where do I go from here?

I still wasn't feeling well. Taking care of my sinuses post-op seemed like a never ending affair. And, things still weren't 100%. I know things take time to heal, but I wanted to be all the way better right away! I took advantage of being around stores and bought dishes and sheets and coffee and some household stuff. I was moving into a fully furnished cabin, but I also wanted it to be my "home" with some of my touches in it. (I sold all my furniture before I moved to Ghana.)

The desire of my heart was to sleep for three months. Well, that hasn't happened yet. But, an occasional nap does take place. 

The truth of it all is God is still God. He knows how I feel. And, He is with me when I allow myself to feel the emotions of an ever changing life. The storms may seem overpowering. He is my Anchor in the midst of it all. And for that, I am grateful.