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Monday, February 20, 2012

Homesickness

I'm not sure why, but homesickness has hit me.  We've been in Australia for three months.  There are times when I've been homesick (i.e. Christmas, the birth of my nephew, my uncle's death), but this is a different type of homesickness.  I can't explain it.  I'm just sad.

Please don't get me wrong.  I am happy and content here.  My heart just aches for home.  Not my home, my house, not my hometown.  My family.  My dad, stepmom, brothers, nephew, friends. 

I know without a doubt that we are where God wants us.  I feel that we are in the center of God's will.  If someone would offer us a one way ticket home, I'd say no, thank you.  But that said, if they gave my family a one way ticket, well, that would just be awesome!

When thinking about my family, I can't help but imagine Heaven...a place of no good-byes, no sadness, no sorrow.  I don't know if God will let us remember our family on earth, but its fun to think about!  It makes missing my pap and grandma who are already in Heaven a little bit easier.  To think that our short time on earth where we are separated from family and friends, but will spend all eternity (i.e. forever and ever and ever) with our loved ones...how great is our God!

As I was writing this post, God gave me a blessing.  My brothers skyped me from Denny's.  I got to see and talk with my brothers and nephew!  Even though they insist on picking on me, I enjoyed the conversation and miss them greatly, and it did my heart good!

Last week my dad posted on facebook about a cruise that he and his wife are going on.  I mentioned it to Patrick that I'd love to go with family on a cruise.  He said, "so, go".  What a great guy!  So now I'm in the process of searching for airfare (and money) to fly home by myself in October to go on a 7 day cruise to (possibly) the Bahamas with my family.  How awesome is that!

It's little things like a video chat that reminds me I'm not forgotten here.  Again, please know that I'm not moping around homesick wanting to go back.  I'm not.  Just missing my family a little bit, that's all.  But God is good, and faithful, and loving


"And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not."
Galations 6:9

3 comments:

Jolene said...

Oh, my homesick friend! I know you're not moping around... just a little sad, and that is okay! Even Jesus understands when we feel emotional. After all, He made us emotional creatures.

You are in my special prayers today, Jen!

*Hugs*

Humble wife said...

Hi Jen,

I understand, I really do. I pray that you continue in your faith and rest in HIm and His strength.

By the way, I am having a cookbook giveaway for anyone...and everyone, esp far from home missionaries that need a thanks from back home.

Jump back over and enter!!

Jennifer

Renata said...

((HUGS)) Jen I know how hard it is moving away from family ~ we are still in the same country, but 2 days drive away seems like forever at times. Homesickness I found comes in waves ~ the good thing ~ it gets less each time. Please know I'm praying for you!
How fun the cruise will be!!
Blessings
Renata:)