just the kids! Josh, Jonathan, Jarid, Mindy, Me, Caleb. 

Aren't we a cute family?!?!!? l-r bottom Josh, Jonathan, Caleb. l-r back Dad, Mom, me, Melinda (foster bro's girlfriend), Jarid (foster bro).  

Choosing to Reflect...

I feel a bit like I have been caught up into a whirlwind of events and people. Since the day I arrived in the States I have been running from people to people and place to place. Reflection is something that I had hoped to do once I arrived in the United States. Reflection upon a year spent living in a different culture and reflection upon the many things that God has done in my heart in the last months. And yet I feel as though even taking the time to breathe would infact be a royalty. But still, sitting on my couch in my pajamas at 11pm on a Monday night I am thinking about the time that I have had and yet chosen to do other things. Although it is true that I have been busy, I still have made time for those things that are important to me--sitting and watching 24 with my brother, buying the latest Harry Potter book, and talking on MSN with a few of my Slovene students. So, yes I guess I have had the time, I just haven't really taken it.

It has been really surprising to me how completely normal it is to be back here. Sure there are some things that I have noted to be different then I have become accustom to, such as: the light switches are different, the toilets flush different, people seem to be a lot nicer when you are in stores shopping, and it has an overall "Christian" feeling when you drive and walk into town. And for the first time in a long time I really don't feel as though I stick out incredibly much. I feel like I can relax a lot more. I don't have to TRY as hard, or THINK as hard whenever I do...anything. Its nice. I like that. And yet...I do miss my friends and family in Slovenia.

So...its late...and I don't really want to be up pondering this much longer because...well, because Im too tired to make any profound observations. And yet, I often wonder if it is when Im late and tired that these things truly surface. Hmm....possibly but possibly not. I think I will just go to sleep. I have another big busy day tomorrow. Shopping with Mom, Lunch with Mike and Amber and then a visit with Amber's parents, potluck with my parents neighbors, and then probably a few hrs of 24 with my brothers. And you know, I think I will decide to spend a little time Reflecting as well....