A Little Homesick

I knew it would happen at some point. There were signs, but it’s official. Today’s the day. I’m homesick.

Last Wednesday, I received a card from my family — a we love you and are proud of you card. It was my day off from class and I found the card in our box as I exited to go to the grocery. I could barely read the writing on the envelope through the building tears in my eyes. Not to mention read the card.

I haven’t written much about it, but leaving the US for London was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. I can leave “things” — like houses and cars and “stuff” easily enough, but people were much harder to leave. Some joked that they wanted to be stuffed in my suitcase, I secretly wanted them to come along.

So. Why today? Along with the newness of London and our limited support network in place here, and the signs and symptoms last week, I was exhausted upon returning from Portsmouth yesterday. After a few classes today, I checked my e-mail and found a message from a friend who’s expecting. She’s due in November and just found out that it’s a girl. That, of course, made me think of another good friend who’s due this weekend. Which made me think of my little sister’s birthday next Sunday. And our friend Ana’s wedding in Guatemala next July and countless other occasions that we’re sure to miss along the way.

In life, I place priority on experiences and people. It’s not that I feel obligated to be with you all for events and occasions, it’s because I WANT to be. I choose my friends very carefully, you’re important — I want to give you the attention and support you deserve.

So, today, I could use a few prayers for strength to make it through this first bit of homesickness. Please know that you’re thought of and VERY important.