lindsey.

today marks the end of my 7th week being back in asia.  the past 7 weeks have been pretty awesome.  since returning to hanoi 3 weeks ago, i have kept really busy, settled in to life back at LMX, getting my team acquainted with the city, etc.  As I returned for a second year, I had lots of expectations - that it would be easier, that i would understand culture better, that things wouldn’t be so stressful, and that eventually my room would come together (despite all of my belongings being scattered).  i also expected not to miss people so much; i’ve had practice already of leaving people behind, so i figured its just something that will be easier with time.  

i’ve had moments in the past seven weeks that i’ve missed people, but life has been so busy that i haven’t had time to miss anyone.  now things are slowing down…and man, do i miss you…so many of you.  today that familiar ache is in my heart. caught me off gaurd.  its not a bad ache.  in fact, it is a gift to have so many people to miss!  the ache in my heart reminds me that i gave something up to come here.  its an uncomfortable sort of pain that calls me to remember the students and teachers here that need the Father.  and i am reminded that the people i left behind are also part of his work here - so many of you are going before His throne on behalf of broken lives in Hanoi.  i feel so overwhelmed with thankfulness for the people He has placed in my life.  we are all a part of His family, and that is one of the greatest blessings we have been given.