Monday, November 28, 2011

On the road & returning home

I've been on the road for the past week and a half! I started my journey on the 18th with a drive North to Charlotte, Michigan. I shared with the congregation at Crossroads Church. I talked about translation, my experiences in Choctaw land and languages. Afterwards I answered some questions. The children were especially interested in stick ball. Then we shared a Thanksgiving meal complete with venison, turkey, stuffing (or filling or dressing), pies and coffee. I was a bit taken aback to find frost on my car the morning I was getting ready to leave!

I was in Fort Worth, TX for Thanksgiving. I had a fun and relaxing visit with Dale and Lucille as well as David and Laura! Lucille is a fantastic and accommodating cook! (She made 2 gluten free pies!) We challenged ourselves to solve the New York Times crossword puzzle (5 adults with 12 college degrees between us) and succeed 3 times (but rolled our eyes as we figured out the gimmick of each puzzle). We watched some football games. And, we laughed a lot and shared pleasant conversation about everything under the sun. Thank y'all for making me feel welcome!

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I drove home to Mississippi last night. While I was driving I found my thoughts wandering. I thought about the fact that MS feels like home to me; something that we all search for. And that I am happy there. Not a wild, excited, hyperactive kind of happiness. Instead it's a deep kind of contentment that I know where I'm where I'm supposed to be. And without experiences where I haven't been content I wouldn't appreciate the situation I'm in now.

My thoughts wandered to the different people I've missed seeing and how nice it will be to catch-up with them. Are L. and V. planning any special events at the Baptist church for Christmas? How is J. liking his new job? Is G. feeling better after struggling with some diabetes related issues? Is P. getting ready to introduce a new set of lessons to the high school students? I had a lot of questions and I found myself anticipating seeing each of my friends. I am content.

It's been a good week. I am content, but I am also grateful because I know how blessed I am.

Yakoki Chihowa.

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