there and back again

just back from a month-long trip back home to seattle. being back home was nice...i jumped right back into a hectic schedule followed by christmas institute which we all know, is a whole other kind of hectic. but it was a blessed time.

my homesickness was cured after getting my tonsils out and being on bedrest for practically 10 days. i got to sleep in everyone's bed including both couches...was nursed back to health by my own personal nurses (thanks mom and ates!)...and caught up on some dvd watching ("bride and prejudice"---give it a shot and watch the whole thing, no promises you'll like it though).

being back at church was amazing of course. amazing in that i fit right in and no fuss was made...of course they welcomed me back, but they weren't surprised by me..which means i belong there, and im thankful for that. the coolest part was when my pastor announced that there was going to be a meeting to recommend me to the ministerial process, the congregation started clapping! and then in the middle of the clapping one of the aunties stands up and gives me a hug! it was so encouraging and heart-warming...i really felt support and affirmation, which until then, i assumed i wouldn't get.

i have to admit it was extremely hard to leave for school this time...maybe even harder than the first time. we're selling our house, so that could be the last time i see it. my grandma is leaving to go back to the philippines, won't see her for a while. my mom took care of me everyday, i haven't had that for years, and it was just so special. leaving my best friend yet again, dang that is never easy. so much crying! and everytime i cried i got these sharp pains in my throat so i just sobbed a bunch.

i am back at school now...new people, new schedule. didn't get an hour of sleep last night, hope that changes. but it is good to be back. i even got a double hug from someone that was very very sweet. it's nice to have a community to come back to.