Home again...

What and where is home? At this point for me... well it is many places.

Northfield, Minnesota will always be home. It is my tap root after all... my family has been there for about 150 years and many of us have lived in Northfield our whole lives. Even if my generation is heading to Denmark, Virginia, Arizona, Guatemala, Apple Valley or to Elk River, Northfield remains home. Family, memories, and the land-- buildings and the dirt itself-- have a feeling of security and comfort... despite changing as Northfield grows and alters its appearance a bit in the name of improvement, convienence and population growth.

Last week, I spent a week back in Minnesota... and as I went through culture shock (and as I go through it again now that I am back in Guatemala)... I was surrounded by my family and friends who took time to be with me while I was home... and that was in fact home for me. Being cared for and caring for one another.

Silverdale, Washingon will always be home as well. It was there that I first really got my feet wet in ministry. I preached the Word of God to people who I came to love, and still love, dearly... and they supported me and nutured me as I tried ordained ministry on for size. After feeling called to ordained ministry while in the Middle East and then coming to seminary... I doubted whether I was really called and fought my call, but it was there in Silverdale that I accepted my call and all that it would mean for my life. Now that does not mean that I don`t still fight it a bit... what fun would it be to be a sinner if you always listened and lived out the gifts that you have been given... but in my heart I know that I am a pastor (awaiting a call... even though this year is in many ways a call already).

Guatemala will always be home... for just as the Middle East holds a piece of my heart forever and for always... this country and people have a piece of my heart forever. I want to be used up here and give all that I have and all that I know for the people of Guatemala and for the delegations from the US that come to learn, to be guests, and to begin relationships. Who knows what this time will mold me into... but I have to trust that all will be well and I will be used in my time and ministry by God.

Home... we are at home in this world... but seldom pause to think what home means. We are at home here and called to struggle with our freedom to live and love our neighbor. What is home to you?