Have you ever driven to a place and wondered how you got there?
Like, it’s a routine route, but you don’t remember passing that gas station, or the dry cleaners, or even going over the rough railroad crossings, that almost jacks up your car each day you drive over them.
Well, I’ve been on a path to reach a destination for almost two years and I can finally start to take notice of my surroundings and fully engage in events happening in my life. I remember doing things, over the past two years, but the memories of important events, as well as daily activities, all seem to be clouded with a thick layer of fog.
Almost two years ago we departed for America from Swaziland. After having lived and served there for over four years, my entire being was consumed with the people, the culture, the sights, the smells, the sounds, the language, the hope.
The good.
The bad.
The ugly.
Swaziland was my DNA. It’s what made me tick. It was my home. I had purpose there.
Since returning to America and getting settled in Gainesville, Georgia, I have come to realize one important thing….America is hard.
It’s hard trying to adjust with reverse culture shock.
It’s hard raising two teenagers here.
It’s hard to keep up with busyness here.
It’s hard to celebrate a holiday, because everything is OVER THE TOP.
Grocery shopping is HARD.
Missing our family in Swaziland is hard and painful.
It’s been hard finding purpose here. Like, REAL, meaningful, life purpose.
Living in Gainesville, Georgia, on support, is extremely HARD!
Please understand, that I am not looking for sympathy, or an “atta-girl” by writing this. I simply want friends and family to realize why I don’t act a certain way or am not the same person since before we moved away. I have changed. We have all changed.
Shortly after returning to the States, we attended a week-long debrief session in Colorado Springs. They said then that the fog might not be lifted for two years.
Two. Years.
Each person has to deal with the “new normal” in their own way. I feel that the girls and Mark are adjusting to this new life at a quicker pace than myself, but the fog is lifting and the sun is about to shine in my world!
I am still working with the Timbali Crafts ministry that I worked with while in Swaziland. We now have a warehouse for shipping and a small retail space in Gainesville. I work there three days a week and absolutely LOVE every second. Shipping these beautiful hand-made pieces to places all over the globe, brings me a joy that I can’t explain. Packing a box, large and small, is just a small nugget of Swaziland that I cherish and look forward to three days a week. Plus, anyone that knows me well, knows that I love to strike up a conversation about anything, but especially Swaziland.
Thanks for your patience over the last two years.
Thanks for your continued prayers for my family.
Thanks for joining us on this journey.
The sun is shining!
Hugs and Love!
Allison
