As a family we have been back on US soil for all of 18 days and already I’ve heard my kids say a few times: “I can’t wait to go home!” And when they say “home” they are talking about Antigua, Guatemala not Leesburg, Virginia. There has been a marked shift in my family’s thinking.

This shift is certainly not because they no longer like the US. In fact, our 18 days here in Virginia have been filled with time with family, great food, relaxing on the beach, and reconnecting with friends. Our schedule has been hectic but it has been packed with all good things. We have loved the uniquely American freedom to eat a hot Krispy Kreme doughnut, have felt comfortable speaking English again and have enjoyed traveling on highways not marked with potholes and mudslides. And yet, we still miss Guatemala.

This shift has occurred because God is changing our hearts. Guatemala may struggle with government corruption, threats of violence, natural disasters and a whole list of other negative traits, but it is a strikingly beautiful country filled with kind and hospitable people. People who need to be ministered to and introduced to the love of Jesus.

Therefore, my family wants to go home, home to where we have been called, home to Guatemala. We are loving our September break here in the US of A but are feeling the distinct tug from a country we are just now, after a year of service, getting to know.

We’ll have to continue to wrestle with these mixed emotions for the next two weeks or so. Don’t feel bad for us, however, because another trip to Chick Fil A (#1, No Pick, with a Dr. Pepper) will certainly make the struggle just a little bit easier.