Slip Sliding Away
Twenty-eight days from today I will be somewhere in the continental United States. Comforts of home will surround me: language will be clear, coffee will begin to work its magic once again in my gullet, and culture will be understood. I’ve passed the three month mark; it’s hard to believe that I’ve been here so long. While still far from fluent, the language “clicked” a couple weeks ago. I speak in Krio much more often with my friends and strangers. If my attempts further anything, it is probably our ministry of laughter that is ever-present. We are fairly goofy, and people let us know.
The last few weeks have been really good. Relationships seem to be deepening. Conversations are deeper as well. The midway retreat helped me come back focused to make the most of these last few weeks. Rereading my journal, praying, reexamining priorities, and good conversation helped to prepare me for the last several weeks. Sometimes you need to step back for a short time and take a look at the bigger picture.
Despite an increased focus during these last several weeks, my mind has been drawn to home more often. This apparent dichotomy is facilitated by the copious amounts of time I spend in transport vehicles and walking to get places. It is hard to not think of the people you miss when your mind has time to wander. Most, if not all, of our team is struggling with this. We want to be fully present, but our minds are drawn to people we miss dearly and wander to ponder the “what’s next for me” question. We’re aware of our tendencies to wander and are helping each other to stay present. I hope we do this well as these last four weeks have much in store for us.