Six Weeks---It seems like a long time, but when it’s all you have to catch up with friends, family, and supporters it feels quite ridiculously short. I was greeted by the best friends in the whole world at the airport, and from that moment on I never stopped moving. Six weeks were broken down to this: a short few days in St. Louis, a week with family on vacation, a week back in St. Louis meeting up with several friends per day, a rainy week with two amazing friends in North Carolina, a weekend at home, a week back in STL, a fantastic weekend with two friends from the ship, one more week roaming about between 4 different cities to see friends and my grandparents, and POOF! Six weeks had flown by and I was spending my birthday with my two best friends, stopping by a few houses for one more hug, dinner with my parents, and finished the night packing my bags to head off on another year long adventure. On the ship looking forward to life at home was something I was holding on to towards the end of the outreach, but to be honest the transition was sort of difficult at first. I roamed about feeling as though my eyes were open like a bugs and I was completely unable to form coherent sentences. What exactly was overwhelming? Everything. Every single thing. Having friends and family so close, driving a car, going for a walk by myself, going out in public and having everyone understand, dogs on leashes, grass, trees, clean streets and cross walks. The list goes on and on, the wonderful US of A was just too much. Simple daily things like ordering a beer were tough- the options were endless and I had spent the last 10 months with three very similar options. Some days I was fine, then there were others, like the day the face-wash aisle at Target got the best of me. After 10 months of cherishing any half used left behind bottle I could find on ship having an entire aisle to choose from was a breaking point. About 3 weeks in to my time at home I got over my shock, and really sank back into life. I LOVE home, I love the people, the places, the sights, the sounds and smells. I love being able to call a great friend to meet up for coffee at the drop of a hat. I love sitting down for long chats with cherished friends and I love the ease of getting around. I loved the speed of internet, the long distance drives to see friends and the convenience of grocery shopping. By the end of my time I wasn’t ready to go. I had finally fit back in and life was looking great! I had found my groove, reconnected with people, and I wasn’t ready to give up the comfort and familiarity again. There were days I just wasn’t sure, and then I would show someone my photos or talk about life on the AFM and realize that it is exactly where I am supposed to be. Home is easy and wonderful, but in Africa I can use my skills to do something I fully believe in. It was hard to go, and I miss everyone already, but I know that this is in my plan and it is my given purpose. Six weeks flew by, and it was a wonderful taste of what I love so much...but for now, it’s back the the Africa Mercy I go........see you next year USA!
