Friday marked eight years in Africa. The day came and went without incident. Africa didn’t notice. As if I’ve always been here. Or maybe as if I just arrived. A dear friend remembered and it warmed my day.
I think my perception of my time here is just like Africa’s. In some ways it’s as though I’ve always been here. Feels very much like home. Comfy. Cozy. The only place I’ve ever lived in my “adult” years. I know nothing else. It feels like a very long eight years, longer than the sum total of the rest of my life.
In other ways it’s as though I just arrived. There are times when things are as challenging and difficult as they were eight years ago. There are days when the my heart aches from missing friends and family, when the rawness of my longing for home seems fresh and not eight years old.
Yet there’s still the newness of the adventure that grips me at times – the thrill of being in Africa! The “buzz” of being a missionary. The awe at the amazing beauty that surrounds me. The peace of walking in His will.
Eight years has gone by, yet I am still just beginning.
Wow Alece, I totally know what you are saying. Although I have only been in Thailand two years, at times it feels more like home than Ohio- but then I have moments where it seems like the challenges build up and I wonder how in the world I am doing what I do. I catch myself all the time looking around amazed and stunned that God has brought me over here. God is good and has such a cool plan for his kids- being used as a missionary is the biggest “buz” of all.— Emily - TL 2003
By: Emily on April 16, 2006
at 4:45 pm
“Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.” -Groucho Marx; I love you Friend.
By: Natalie on April 16, 2006
at 6:44 pm
Happy Easter you two! :) Wish we were all closer we could have had a big ole party. I still remember when you all were here two years ago for Easter, remember that? 8 years eh….man, I feel like a rookie yet. Give each other hugs…..Sarah
By: sarahwitt on April 16, 2006
at 9:10 pm
Wow. I actually didn’t relize the exact timeline. You almost went right from TM to Africa, huh? Great plan, great life! Isn’t God good? Some day you or someone ought to write the history of it. that would be cool!
By: annie on April 16, 2006
at 11:48 pm
congratulations!!!
Africa (and I’m sure Niel) are better for it :)
love you
By: danielle on April 17, 2006
at 7:21 pm
Yay for Alece! That is awesome!
OoO… and how did you get the e-mail subscription sidebar thing? :D
love, roo
By: rebecca on April 19, 2006
at 6:09 pm
wow. you’re fortunate to have someone pay attention to how long you’ve been here. that’s amazing. Not even Sheldon gets it right how I long I’ve been here (almost 6 1/2 yrs)!!! :) happy 8yr anniversary. happy vacation!
By: Christen on April 19, 2006
at 8:14 pm