Outside Looking In

I'm back home from Swaziland, and everything has new meaning. I am changed. The small world I have lived in has changed. It is as if I'm a foreigner in my own country. The town I live in now is not the same one I left earlier this month. While I was away in Swaziland for a month, life still went on in Walnut Creek California. I missed out. I hate missing out. But now I know so much more. My eyes are open to a broader spectrum of the world. I now know of a place called Swaziland and the diverse country of Africa. The stories and experiences are treasures I hold with me. It was not until I traveled back home that I realized just how precious and priceless they were.

Memories keep adventures timeless. While flipping back to pictures on my phone, I often get nostalgic. I long to be in Manzini, comforting children who so desperately need attention. I long to hear the Swazi people worship and praise Jesus, while the girls on my team and I try to sing along in Siswati. My heart so desperately longs to be with my sisters again - the girls on my team who've grown so close. Except then I would be wishing I was here, home in California, writing a blog and soaking up the beauty of our backyard. 

I find it funny how most days we wish we were somewhere else; somewhere more exciting and adventurous. A place where we anticipate tomorrow because we know it will be different than the day before. Where routine isn't the dominant part of our day, spontaneity is. 

But hold up. 

Aren’t we just ignoring the possibility of adventure right where we are? Our wishing for better days is holding us back from living in the present. 

After browsing through my friend’s journal on our trip, I came across this great quote:

"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days waiting for better ones."

-Majorie Pay Hinckley

Good stuff, Hinckley. 

Savor this life, whatever it may be.