 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
It is a surreal feeling to return again to the island. It seems that everywhere I look are faces of relationships that we found so much meaning in. Immediately off the airplane and even before we could clear customs, I was giving out hugs and “how are you”s and trying to catch up on the past 18 months. Once back in our “hometown” settlement I was parking on the side of the road to embrace old friends, and even though we’ve all greyed and gained weight, the spark of joy from my Bahamian family was as strong as ever.
Emily and I have zero doubt that God led us home to Wisconsin and the UP, and in that we knew we were “going home” – but it feels very much like “coming home” to return again to Eleuthera. The commonplace experiences like the salty air, unyielding humidity, the pot-holed roads, or the brilliant stars all feel very much like familiar country road where you lean into all the bends and dips.
My very favorite part of our reunion to the island today was when my good friend and co-worker Ken came by to lend a hand and brought with him Micah’s two very best friends Keenan and MaKenna. There was a time when all the missionary kids were living together and going to school together and growing up under the shared experiences of a displaced unity in a foreign country. They were best of friends and we’ve never quite been able to replicate that back in the states. I saw a glimpse of that lost future today as Micah was chased through the grass by Keenan and McKenna in hot pursuit. Soon, Micah will be reunited with Isaac and his other friends from school, Julian and Devante. There is just something very touching about the timelessness of joy that is found in the unfettered bounds of children reuniting in carefree rapture.
It was the best part of my day… and it was over too soon.
Emily and Sadie will join us soon, and everyday seems like too long – but for now we’re back on Eleuthera and Spanish Wells, relying on the Lord again to further His work through our yielding and obedience. Our earthly passports have been stamped again, and our hearts have been pressed with heavenly joys. Maybe its fitting to feel the weight of the temporality of meaning, purpose, and joyful memories inasmuch as all of us routinely “go home” to the patterns of familiarity, may we catch glimpses of heaven as we are all caught in the current of “coming home” to Christ and His Kingdom.