The travel over to the Philippines took a total of 29 hours with a layover in Taipei. It has been good. Long but good. I was actually able to get some sleep on the long flight. I am looking forward to the greetings of my old friends and meeting my new ones.
As I was traveling, I reflected on returning to a culture that I love and have lived and served in. I have found myself humbled by how I need to, once again, let go of my expectations of my comfort, my routine, and my sense of self in my home country.
Now I must enter into a place of expecting delays, discomfort, the anxiety of the unknown, yet digging deeper into the faith and trust that I have that God, my creator, is with me every step. Walking by faith takes on a whole new meaning when you do not have the luxury of your normal routine. It literally is one step in front of the other. I came to serve and live in this country with my family over 13 years ago, when I was 37 years old. Now, I am 50 and my life experience, medical, educational experience as well as my faith has expanded tremendously. I am here for it.