Thailand - "Are you going back?"

   I am often asked whether or not I will be returning to Thailand anytime soon.  It's an honest question and appreciate everyone's interest!  I've been home now for almost 9 months and I cannot believe it.  It has truly been wonderful to be home with my family and friends here.
There are not, however, very many days that go by that I don't think about Thailand and my friends there. Sometimes there is a deep loneliness I feel without them.  I have thought so many times of how wonderful it would be to go back and see everyone. But, right now, that's really the only reason I would have for going back....To see my friends.  And although that would be wonderful in of it's self, to go back for long term on that basis alone is not a good foundation. I have felt no leading from the Lord whatsoever to go back long term.   If He says "Go", then yes, I will go. But, right now, He is saying "Stay home". And of course, I'm not going to complain about that!

I learned a lot in Thailand. I learned how to at least slightly begin to understand and live in a different culture, I got my pride and patience tested through all those language classes, and I also had the privilege to begin more relationships that I ever thought possible for one person to have at one time. Each person I became friends with, missionary or Thai, was and is a blessing in my life.  God used them to teach me so much about myself and the areas of my life that need change or growth. I can't begin to tell you how humbled I feel to have been able to spend that season of my life there. But, even all that, cannot override the joy and peace I have for being back home. I have experienced a new found love and compassion for my "own" people here in Kentucky that I have never quite felt before.

In Thailand, God was preparing me for my future, and at home, He is preparing me for my future. I look forward to what is ahead.