Missing folks

My daughter, Rachel, reminded me yesterday was the fourth anniversary of our arrival in France. It seemed especially appropriate to both of us to think about that HUGE change in our lives even as we are in the process of adjusting to life back in the States. Today is the first day of school in the Metro Nashville system, so Rachel starts at her fifth new school. I am amazed at the way God has blessed all three of our kids with adaptability, grace, and patience. Jeffrey and Daniel have never been to an American school. It will be different.

When we first arrived in France four years ago, we immediately began to miss certain things. The most obvious were various conveniences, habits, and brands. We missed Kraft mac and cheese, Lysol, Chevrolet, etc. Those things stood out to us because we were frantically trying to figure out how to live in a place we didn't know. We got used to French brands and habits, though. Then, we really started missing people. After the hectic first days, we started missing family and friends and church. As we started to enjoy BN, Dannon, Perrier, and Smart, the absence of grandparents, cousins, prayer partners, and buddies stood out.

Today, I'm noticing the same thing. It's great to be back with family. We missed them terribly and are enjoying every minute we can with them. We have been surprised at how much we miss certain elements of our French life, but are getting used to American things again.

But I'm missing people. I miss our pastor and his family. I miss Sébastien, Jacqueline, Nicole, Emmanuel, Joelle, and the folks at the marché. I miss the people I worked with.

Just like four years ago, it's not the "stuff" that shows itself to be important. It's the people. That's how God intended it -- made for Him and one another. Relationships.

Today, my kids launch a new round of teachers and friends. So do we. And it will be good.