One Year.

We measure a lot of things by time. Classes, work schedules, distance traveled; all in time. We celebrate many occurrences in time: birthday and anniversaries.This year, I have many things to celebrate as November 25th comes around. One year ago I landed in the JFK airport in New York, New York, United States. Minus a quick layover at LAX, it had been 11 months since I was on US soil and boy was I happy to be home.I remember the day we found out when we would be back in America. We were all called into the house the 30 of us were staying there for big meeting. Some people had already guessed it was for us to know when our flights were but not everyone knew, myself included. When our squad leaders told us, I didn't get it at first until most people started shouting with joy and crying of the impending end of this wonderful journey.My first days back were a blur.My first drive: I was by myself and actually drove on the wrong side of the road in most of my neighborhood.My first breakdown: I had just had dinner and coffee with a friend and got back to my car where there was a thin layer of ice on it. I freaked out, started crying and yelling; I was no longer on the sandy warm beaches of South Africa but in the cold winter of Indiana.My first trip to the store: I wanted to buy enough food for 7 people, since that's what I was used to buying. I couldn't believe all the options and prices. I was a bit appalled.My first day back at school: Didn't happen on the actual first day of classes. A huge snow storm had blown through the night before, I had a panic attack on the drive in and had to turn around. The next day I tried again and made it. It was a blur of remembering how to take notes, talk with people, make small talk, study.This year hasn't been exactly what I imagined it to be when I was on the field dreaming about Home. It was more and less than I expected. I value family and friendships more than I ever have. I make sure to keep promises that I make. I value the words I say and think. I value my time more than anything.I have learned to truly dream once more, like I did in those days when I would sit in my hammock in Costa Rica staring at the fields. I have begun to sing and dance like I did on the rooftops of the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. I have continued to seek the Magical in the Mundane like I learned in Asia.Life is still life. It doesn't stop just because you leave.Crazily enough, I knew this season of coming home was one of Rest. No matter how much I wanted to keep going and traveling Papa was calling me home to Rest in the Nest before I caught flight once more. It's amazing how when we look back at something we see just how much God has been planning since the beginning.As this season of rest is coming to an end, as I count down the last few days of school until I graduate; I am remembering just like a year ago, how much I have learned this year. This year was one full of dreams, boldness, and love.My dreams of Resting came true. My dreams of understanding Home can true. My dreams of putting down Roots came true. Now I am taking my dreams into this next year of being Fully Alive, Being Bold, and Loving like there is nothing to Lose.One Year. So many memories. So much more to come. Remember where you've been, it will guide you to where you will go.