Feel That

Miss me?

Well, we've been moving and shaking at our house and after yesterday I believe things will settle down a bit.

We said goodbye to Won and Quentin yesterday. Both of our exchange students left for their homes in South Korea and Belgium respectively. For any of you who know me, you have seen me struggle to manage two teenage boys who came to my home from diversely different backgrounds and experience. After some rough and awkward beginning weeks we found a happy equilibrium that saw us through to this weekend. I knew as the time drew closer that I would miss these young men terribly. I am grateful that after all was said and done I felt a deep sense of loss as I watched them walk down the airport concourse and through security. It was this sadness that confirmed to me how much a part of my life they had become. There were many times during the day that we found ourselves in tears, thinking about all we had experienced with our new family members.

The best thing of all is this feeling that I have expanded somehow. That there are parts of me that have gone out into the world and will be part of lives in other countries and cultures. It is deeply satisfying to know that who I am, who my family is and what we believe has moved outward to influence others and in return, those open spaces in my heart have been filled by their lives as well.