A change of pace

I have arrived safely in Pennsylvania! I even got to briefly explore Paris on my way here. My first breath of fresh air was after getting of the metro outside Notre Dame Cathedral. It felt surreal. There were big beautiful old buildings, sidewalks, trees, trash cans and white people. I still heard french all around me, but my eyes took in all the sights to see. I sat in Notre Dame listening to the music and wondering how many others had sought refuge in there before myself. That was a rest for my soul. I also saw the Eiffel Tower and the outside of the Louvre museum. I took my final rest at a sidewalk cafe with a cup of real espresso and a square of dark chocolate in my hands. I arrived home last friday evening with all my luggage intact. I was also however, very sick with the worst headache and sore throat of my life. I spent the next day in the ER and was tested for many things, thankfully the only positive result was strep throat. I was put on an IV and felt the pain ease out of my system. I am now healthy once again and still trying to get used to routine here.
I like to picture myself in the huge international terminal of the Atlanta airport. I came up the escalator and could smell Starbucks. (For those of you who don't know, I am a huge coffee fan.) I stood about 15 feet outside the entrance and felt like I was smelling and watching my past go on around me, like in a Christmas Carol. I then faced the food court and stood with my mouth agape, literally, as I looked at all my options for supper. I was reassuring myself in my head and telling myself to take it nice and slow. I ended up enjoying a burrito from Qudoba. I waited until later this week to get my coffee.
I look at things differently now. The grocery store was an interesting trip. It took me longer to get my small basket of things then it did for mom to complete a larger list. I feel like I take everything in and I do so very slowly.
Some of my first observations upon returning (these are in no way meant to offend anyone and are generalities): everything is very expensive, many in our culture struggle with obesity, clothing is way more revealing than I remembered, kids seem louder and less respectful, patience is limited. Right away some things I appreciate are: the medical care I can get, convenience, english, driving, peace and quiet, family, familiar food, good sales, milk and cereal, grocery stores and plenty more. it is nice to be home. My life will not be the same ever again because of the lessons learned in Cameroon, but I am excited to move toward my new life here. I will continue to update my blog with stories of life at home for those of you who would like to keep reading. Thank you all for your support in prayers, words, and finances over this last year. I could not have done it without you. I will be working on my last newsletter to send out in the next few weeks. If you have not received my past 3 and would like to receive this one, please let me know (amyoxendale@gmail.com)
May God bless each one of you with his abundant grace.
With love,
AMY

I will be sharing in our church service this sunday at Stoneridge Covenant Church in Allison Park, PA if you would like to come hear.