Halfway Around the World

I'm Currently teaching two classes at Swaziland College of Theology. In one of those classes near the front of the room sets an old beat up globe. It seems that every time I enter that class and set eyes on that old globe, I'm reminded that Swaziland is just about as far away from home as we can possibly get, that is unless we sign up to fly with NASA.

It's difficult to fathom that we've been here 16 months now. It feels much more like home than in the beginning, however, at this point, I can't say I believe it will ever feel like it actually is home. I know, I know, "home is where the heart is." That was an easier aphorism to accept before we found ourselves here in Swaziland. I have all confidence that God has not only called us to this place, but has given us a great heart for Swaziland and for the Swazi people. So with a great heart for this place and the people, why do we struggle to feel "at home," if "home is where the heart is?" I recognize that it is a psychological battle for the most part, and a difficult one at that. It seems that the more I dwell on it, the more beat up and discouraged I feel. I guess with that in mind, now would be a good time to stop dwelling on it.

Ps. 139:9-10 "If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute - you're already there waiting!"
(The Message)

Oh, mighty God...there is no where we could go that you are not already there anticipating our arrival. You had this place in mind as you formed us in the womb. You knew we'd be here, struggling some days with hearts yearning to be close to our family and friends again. You've called us to this place and to these people. Lord help our hearts to feel at home here in the place of your calling.