Awake in Atlanta: Home Again

It's day 32 and a lot has happened since I first arrived here in Georgia. Aside from missing people whom I love and friends, I miss the feeling of home.

What is home? according to wikipedia:

A home is a place of residence or refuge. It is usually a place where an individual or a family can rest in and be able to store personal property. Modern households contain sanitary facilities and a means of preparing food.

While a house (or other residential dwelling) is often referred to as a "home", the concept of "home" is a much broader idea which exceeds the denotation of a physical dwelling. A home is often a place of refuge and safety, where worldly cares fade and the things and people that one loves becomes the focus. Many people think of home in terms of where they grew up, and home can even be a time rather than a place.The word "home" is also used for various residential institutions which aspire to create a home-like atmosphere, such as a retirement home, a nursing home, a group home (an orphanage for children, a retirement home for adults, a treatment facility, etc.), a foster home, etc.


Being in a strange place among strangers with strange food and culture, home may be the last thing you can find. We're staying in our fully furnished apartments but the feeling of home is absent. That may explain why most of us yearn to go back home - yes, we're homesick.

May 11, 2008 was the set date to go to church. I've discovered there is a church near our place similar to where I used to attend back home - Calvary Assembly of God. I was a bit apprehensive as I'm not used to driving alone to some unfamiliar place. After putting it aside more than once, I finally attended church.

I was a bit nervous. I don't know anyone. I'm all alone. I'm afraid people wouldn't be as friendly as I hope them to be. But I believed God wants me to be here. In faith, I believed He will meet me there. I had to make my first step.

I was nervous as I navigated and drove my way to church. It was a good 7 miles and had to drive along a major highway. I was nervous when I was about to enter the place of worship. I had fears that I'm not supposed to be there, that I didnt belong there. As I got in, I was met by a few people who greeted me. I really appreciate what the greeters and ushers were doing. They're doing an excellent job in making people like me feel less "strange". I realized that a simple hello is one vital church ministry that may make a difference for first time church attendees and regular attendees as well.

The praise and worship music started. The worship was beautiful. I feel home again.

PS:

As of this writing, I have attended their service twice, and heard some incredible preaching about Pentecost Sunday and brought my 2 colleagues along with me! They're planning to join me again next Sunday! God is good  :) 

Awake in Atlanta: Symptoms of Missing Home

It has been 3 weeks since I transferred, although temporarily, to the US. It’s difficult but I’m surviving. I’m learning stuff I took for granted when I was home.

I’m used to having food on the table coming from work. Now I'm learning to cook! Ive successfully prepared sinigang na hipon and gambas. I know how to make a good omelet. I have sucessfully dodged the searing and painful projectiles of hot oil while frying chicken. Everything turned out well except for the tripped smoke alarm!

Back home, my clothes become magically clean every weekend – thanks to our labandera. Now, I do my laundry and iron my clothes. A hurdle I have yet to do though - cleaning the toilet!

I miss home. I miss my family. I miss our morning chit chat while having breakfast. It’s customary that we spend quality time talking about everyday stuff - work, love life, career, aspirations etc. I miss mom’s cooking. I miss her adobong chicken, menudo, picadillo, nilaga, sinigang, halabos etc etc… I miss waking up to breakfast already served. I miss my friends. I miss my church. I miss my church friends. I miss late nights hanging out with them at the coffee shop. And of course, I miss Cleng, my best friend and girlfriend. I miss our dinner outs. I miss our “asaran”. I miss our serious talks. I miss our fun times. I miss her tantrums and her frown.

But It’s not that bad as it may seem. I’m grateful that I have colleagues who were sent here with me as well. The company I work for paid for all our needs – rent, food, transportation, cable and internet. I’m grateful for the Internet, where I can keep in touch with people back home. In fact, I believe I’m much more updated with what’s happening in ICS than the majority – thanks to Multiply! I thank God for chikka, skype, yahoo messenger – family and friends are just a buzz! away… literally. I can listen to Pastor Kuya Jerry’s preachings in ICS via ics.org.ph. It’s like I’m there! I pray that I can eventually find a good church and be able to meet new friends as well.

The Bible says everything has its season. Now is the time to venture beyond my comfort zone. This is the time for growth. For out of trials and difficulties come forth wisdom and experience. I believe God sent me here for this very reason. For me to grow, I must die to myself. Die to my own comforts. This is my cocoon. From the cocoon will come out a better individual. This is an opportunity to reach out beyond my own capability and rely more on Him.

It’s now day 20, I have less than 150 days before I return. I can’t wait to be home. But until then, I have to fulfill my purpose for being here. By God’s grace I can.

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take it away yang!  ;)