New Life

Back in America!

It feels so good. And a bit odd.

As our flight descended from among the clouds and landed in San Francisco, Alex and I exchanged puzzled looks. What was this feeling?

We agree that we are relieved to be in a familiar place surrounded by signs in our native language. We gladly embrace the customs of our home country. Even in the airport, we appreciated the clearly outlined processes, fresh(er) smells, and free restrooms.

We are thrilled to reunite with old friends! The homecoming has been amazing and I am shedding a tear as I think about it. In a week, we will be reunited with our families and friends from afar and we highly anticipated this return.

But here comes the catch. We miss Europe already!

Eat, pray, love Spain was more than wonderful! Our studio apartment in Malasaña was the closest thing we have had to "home sweet home" in two months. While abroad, we were uncomfortable and open and our brains were working very hard every day. We expressed ourselves in new-ish ways. Alex rediscovered his love for math and I started writing again.

While pain and suffering brought about this trip, new life has blossomed and the sky is the limit.

One of our friends at Taizé  shared her perspective on life after death. We don't have to wait for new life after a physical death. We can celebrate new life after these little deaths in our lives. The loss of a job or a relationship or even your favorite pair of shoes. God is so good. In grief, in doubt, in foreign places, in homecomings, in exuberant joy, and in normalcy.

There is new life awaiting every day.

And on that note, I must sign off and seize the day. The sun is bright and leaves are green and good friends are preparing a feast!

Au revoir!