It has been a decade since I’ve actually spent time in my hometown.  Sure, I’ve been back for a few days or a week or so every so often, but nothing more.  Now I’ve been visiting for a month, and it’s crazy how little I know.  Many things have changed, or at least everything looks different.

Most people know their hometown like the back of their hand, having roads, people, and memories on the tip of their brain upon returning.  I, however, feel like I’m learning things for the first time.  I’ve had almost no connection to this place in so long, that it feels like a new foreign land to me.

So, what are things my mind wanders towards now that I’m back in the US?

There are many things, but I find myself feeling extremely grateful.  I’m grateful for clean drinking water, hot showers whenever I want them, produce that won’t give me food poisoning.  I’m so happy to see beautifully paved roads with no traffic (after living in Jakarta, I’ll never complain about traffic…and traffic here will NEVER compare!)  I love that my favorite foods are reasonably priced, considering they are made or produced locally.  I’m grateful for fast, reliable internet 24/7 and clear connections when I want to call someone on the phone.

And, what have I leaned from being away for 2 years and then returning?

I’ve learned that I can be happy with very little (if I didn’t know that already.)  I’ve learned that every country and every person has room for improvement.  I’ve learned that most people have fears about things that are foreign or far away, no matter where they live.  And…most importantly, I’ve learned that although I may not have much, I have a rich spirit, fruitful experiences, abundant relationships on many continents and the satisfaction of achieving my personal goals.  There is no way I would ever permit myself to look back on my life and feel anything less than successful.

“There will be a time when you believe everything is finished.

That will be the beginning.”

-Louis L’Amour