XXI. Done but not Over
July 26, 2011
0805 hours
I am home. It was weird to wake up in the quiet of my own home, and not in a parish house full of people. But I adore waking up next to my own children, having had a very sweet reunion with them last night. All of my fears of a rough transition were unfounded.
My journey is officially done, but the experience is not over. I know I have learned much from this trip; probably even more than I realize now. The experience was fulfilling and enlightening. I know I grew in my faith, and no doubt I grew as a woman, a mom and an educator. I say the experience is not over because I think I will continue to reflect on this and learn from this for a long time to come. Different things strike me at different times. My ability to pray aloud with Joanna without self-consciousness or resistant was profound, but the time spent with the children was extremely rewarding. The new friends I made filled my heart just as the children, the culture, the beautiful churches and constant music filled my soul, without end.