I have thought many times of what it would be like to go back to the States. I wanted to make sure I didn't go back to soon. I wanted to make sure I didn't visit and end up saying to myself, "What was I thinking?" (don't get me wrong, I know we were called to be here) But, what if I went back and desired the things I left behind? What if I wanted the familiarity of friends, family and my church close by? 2.5 years later I was blessed with the opportunity to visit. Here are my reflections.
First let me just share with you the very first thing I noticed when I stepped foot back into the U.S.A. While in the Miami airport, I had just walked through customs and sat down at my gate. I was filled with excitement not only to be in the States, but also because I found a Chili's in the airport and that was my most missed food. Chili's chips and salsa! While I was enjoying my first bit of American food, I looked around and realized that the airport was quieter than a library. Kid you not, everyone had a smart phone. Young, old, married, and single....everyone around me was hunched over with their fingers talking. No one was speaking. I just laughed because there were smart phones when I left and people text-ed as well 2.5 years ago, but after living in a community that is so social, it struck me as humorous.
After this being my first thought that struck me, I was catapulted into technology that I never knew existed. My friends greeted me at the Raleigh airport. They wanted to take me out for a bite to eat. In order to find out what was around they didn't wait to see the blue signs on the road telling you which restaurants were on the exits...they used Suri. They would just talk to their phone and ask an odd ? like...Suri where is the nearest Cookout? Then the phone would talk back to you. This was funny to see what I have missed but also a little concerning. One day I will come back for a visit and I driving by a car that doesn't need a driver, or worse...like the Jetsons we will be flying around the city...:)
Speaking of driving, I can say 65 felt like I was flying. I had a hard time driving on the interstate. I was good at driving 50 or 55....but 70 was really uncomfortable for me. It was worse if someone else was driving. Not to mention the first couple of days I had a little motion sickness. I am used to walking everywhere.
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| The Gregory's let me use their car while I was in NC. |
I was blessed to not only visit NC but also I spent 5 days with my family in Vermont. After living in a third country, Barre, Vermont didn't look that run down to me anymore. Main st. in Barre looked beautiful and I found I had an appreciation for the architecture and the beauty of Vermont that I never had prior to this visit.
This time was harder for me to say goodbye to family more than ever. I realize how fast life goes. It has been 5 years since I have seen my family. My family has never met Vincent and the last time they saw my kids Patrick was a baby. It hit me as I saw my Father this time. My father is now white haired and feeble. My nieces are growing up and becoming young ladies. My Niece Elisa is now 21 and is on her own. As much as I wish to take them and have them live right next to me. I know this is not possible. I just have to enjoy every moment I have with them.
I was blessed to spend a lot of time in NC. visiting friends, neighbors, and eating good food. I was blessed to be able to attend Antioch's women's beach retreat, and soaked up my time with the ladies. There were times I couldn't sing the songs they sung during the worship music time, I just looked around the room and had a thankful heart to know Antioch desires our hearts to be focused on the Lord. I was blessed with the testimonies the ladies shared and was pleased to know they felt like they could be so honest with one another. To know we can share our struggles, burdens and rejoice with thanksgivings and praise. I came away refreshed.
In both Vermont and North Carolina I spent a lot of time answering many questions. Many of them were the same from many people. So, maybe you too have the same ?'s and I can share with you my answers.
Q: Do you feel safe in Colombia?
A: I do feel safe. I think there are people here who think we are rich and thieves would think we have things like electronics or money. As far as our personal safety I do feel safe, I do not feel as if we are in harms way.
Q: What is the hardest thing about living in Colombia?
A: 2 things really. 1 for sure would be losing electricity. I am a baby when it comes to no power. I can do fine during the day with out internet, but at night with no fans....it's hard. 2. would being feeling like we have to be on guard 24/7. We always have to have someone at the house. If we all leave as a family we have to pay someone to watch our house. Or even as simple as having pumpkins growing....if you don't watch it, someone will steal them. Simple things like that wear on you.
Q: Do your kids miss "home"?
A: Well of course they miss things from the U.S. but they have never had a time where the come to us in tears saying they want to move back. They never say things like "I wish we still lived in the States"
The girls are just as much involved on the island as we are. The girls have a cake business. They speak weekly on the public radio here on the island. They are involved in dance and theater with our church here. Not to mention everyone here loves our kids.
Q: Do ALL of your kids speak Spanish?
A: Yes, all of them. My girls speak better Spanish than I do. The girls write reports in Spanish for the radio station when they speak. They translate for teams. My boys speak in Spanish as well. Vincent in fact, sings most of his songs in Spanish. :)
My last question which was common was "Do you like living in Colombia?" I can tell you in conclusion. I have learned to like living in Colombia. I call Home where ever my family is. I have grown to love the people here. Now don't get me wrong...living here is not like living in the States. I wouldn't say this is the perfect place to live... I can say I am called to be here. I know many reasons why our family is here. I can see us being used. We have grown accustomed to there conditions in which we live. I don't always notice the trash. I don't always notice the music. I can now look at a people now more than ever and see their heart. I can see their lifestyle in which they grew up in and circumstances that have caused them to live like they do. Many people in Bocachica are content with what little they have. Really, sometimes I think "we" Americans could learn a lot for them. I know living here in Bocachcia I talk more to the Lord than I ever have. I know trials, harder living conditions, and going without certain things make me rely on Him more than I ever have in the states.
I have learned from my trip back to the States that I too was excited to return here as I was exited to return to the States. I was away from my family for the three weeks and of course that made me want to come back. But it was more than that. I had friends here that I wanted to share with about my experience from the States. I have learned that God is where ever we are. We have a church here we enjoy. Friends here we have grown to love and a purpose to be here. So you see, I went and came back and I didn't have any questions of what was I thinking. God is good.
Blessings,
Tara
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