So this past week marked the much anticipated return home. This was much needed, priceless time spent with loved ones. We were gone for about 10 days but it really only felt like 3. We had mixed feelings about whole trip: anxious to see our family and friends again, fear the awkwardness of coming back after being gone (a mere 4 months), and sadness knowing we would once again, have to say
It was also nice to see all the leaves changing and feel the cooler weather. We did bring one day of 90 degrees with us from Hawaii, but during the rest of our trip the weather was beautiful in the 70s.
Here are a few pictures of home:
Monday Night football games
Special Teams TD! Way to GO CHRIS!
#66 :)
Ready for the kick off
Anna the all star vball player
Call her the Queen of Aces!
On the Farm
4 Wheeling
The grain buggy
Grandpa B. Many, Many years of farming
Mom and Chris
The Combine
Looking for debris in the field after the Tornado in June
One of the many flat beds we filled with tin and wood.
Dad on the tractor
Hard at work
A true "tailgate" meal for those working in the field
Harvest time
Ben even learned to drive the tractor
But as fun as it was, we couldn't stay forever.
Saying Goodbye, does it ever get easier? We thought it would be, the second time around. But we were WRONG. Maybe the fact that it doesn't get easier means something. We love them so much that leaving them feels like it should be the last thing we should be doing. It feels so good to rekindle our friendships and feel the warmth of our families again. Its hard to leave all those "good feelings" and amazing people behind. For many of them, we don't have specific dates set in the future as to when we will meet up again. That makes those goodbyes that much harder. We know we will see them again soon, but 6 months to a year just seems too far off to think about. It makes you teary eyed. Maybe this goodbye thing will never get easier (with this move) because we literally live an ocean apart. We can't make a quick weekend trip to see them. It's also sad to know we won't be able to be with them during the upcoming holidays. I know I haven't made all the holiday parties and get togethers when I was home the past 23 years due to my job, but knowing you can still be with family/friends during the holiday seasons is irreplaceable.
As we boarded our first plane set out to Hawaii, these thoughts ran through our minds. "Why would we ever leave a place that is so saturated with the people we are so close to? What are we thinking? " I couldn't keep it together for our first leg of the trip home. By the time we caught our second flight, I was feeling exhausted and didn't want to think about it anymore, we were heading home to Hawaii, regardless. By our third connecting flight, we were feeling better. Refreshed from some naps and caffeine, we could finally say "I am looking forward to being home (in Hawaii)."
So since we have been home, we have gotten back to work, and back into a routine. It was very refreshing, oddly enough to get back to work. Everyone was excited to see us back at work and to hear of our vacation in Iowa. It helped remind us of the work God has for us here and how these opportunities for us are here and not in our hometowns. It has been also great to see and reconnect with our small group again. It would be really hard to not have them and their support during our time here. All these things coupled with the fact that we are in this together, makes it better. It doesn't make us miss or love our family and friends any less, but it helps us to get through those difficult hours and days when all you wanted to do was to stop by for Sunday lunch, meet up with your parents/siblings after work, get coffee with a friend, see a freshman football game, or help out on the farm.
God has given us so much here, and we cannot lose sight of that! We truly feel blessed to be given this opportunity to live here. God wants us to be here, in this place, at this time. He wants to use us here in Hawaii (and its not a bad place to be used :). Would it have been easier to say around the familiarities of our homes, friends and family? Absolutely! But I also think that moving away has given us a new appreciation for our families, friends and each other that we might not have gained otherwise.
A few days after coming back, as we sat enjoying our hawaiian shaved ice at Island Snow Hawaii (trust me if you visit, we will take you here.) we were finally able to say honestly that "It feels good to be back." It feels like home here once again, even if its not where all our family/friends. God reaffirmed our need to be here with a much needed sense of peace that day.
But with all that said, we want to say thank you to all of our friends and family far away for being who you are. You are AWESOME! Thank you for making our lives that much more enjoyable and fulfilling and for making us feel "at home" again. You can never be replaced. We miss you and love you all! We will see you again soon!
Love,
Ben and Janell
P.S. even with the 5 hour time change (soon to be only 4hrs due to daylight savings time observed in the main land and NOT in Hawaii) feel free to call us any time. We really do appreciate calls and even if we are unable pick up, please leave us a voicemail any time. We don't mind playing phone tag. As my Grandpa Bosma reminded me today, "it doesn't feel like we are far away when we talk on the phone." :)
