Thoughts a Month Later

I’ve been back in Nashville for over a month now. Fall is in full swing (see the colors changing on the trees in the photo above – definitely different than the ever-green rain forest). I have stopped washing and re-using Ziplocks. I have mostly stopped blurting out Malagasy words or phrases. I have stopped remembering people by their outfits (since it’s doesn’t work because those change here in America :P). I have not stopped being grateful for seeing friends and family in person. I am a little amazed at how fat and healthy the squirrels are in my neighborhood – even though several of them are tailless. Very strange.

I miss my friends in Madagascar. I miss getting US embassy updates, humorous as they were. I miss hiking in the rain forest. I miss oddities happening to me every day.

I am still ever, ever so glad to have our Lord with me. He is my Rock and my Refuge. He is my Shepherd. He is worthy of my trust. “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people, pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:5-8

Update from the rain forest: Lolo has been sharing her story with other villages. She recently asked if there was anything that forbade her to go to more than one village per day! I praise God that He is rising up believers in the rain forest to tell of His goodness to those who have not heard.