I am confused. You see, I am going home. Or at least I think I am going home. However, I also just left home, or at least what I also consider to be home.
Being an international aid worker, I’m not really sure where my home is anymore. Yes, I have a “home” in London, Ontario, and there’s no doubt about it, I love it. But I also have a “home” in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. I have spent more time there over the past year than I have at my Canadian home.
It sounds so cliché to say the world is now my home, but I guess in a way it’s true, especially in this day and age, when modern travel means I can pretty much get where I want to go within a couple of days.
While home on my R&R, I found myself referring to Indonesia as home. When in Indonesia, I refer to Canada as home. While I really enjoy living overseas, Canada has something that no other place in this world has: my family and really good friends.
It’s because of my mom, dad, brother, sister and gaggle of nieces and nephews that I had a stellar vacation. My brother Paul says he misses me more than he thought he would. It’s the kind of comment you’d expect from a younger brother. But I know what he means by it, and am extremely touched. Frankly, I think it’s one of those comments that I think I will remember for a long, long time.
My friends were also huge supporters of me being home; very enthusiastic to have me back. I don’t think I’ve ever been so popular. And it’s a reminder to me that when I do feel homesick, or lonely, that I am never really alone. I have all these wonderful people back home, ready to wrap me in their arms and give me the many hugs I have missed while away.
I write this as I sit in the Singapore airport, waiting for my connecting flight that will take me back home to Indonesia. It feels strange in a way but it also feels comfortable, kind of like pulling on an old sock. I know this is the place I am meant to be at this time in my life. I am looking forward to seeing the friends I have made here. And maybe that’s how you define where home really is… wherever it is you feel loved and cared about.
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3 comments:
Kath
I just wanted to say I enjoyed our time together when you were home. I know free time was at a premium, and I feel honoured that I got quite a bit of yours. I miss you already and it takes me a minute to realize I can't just walk over to your house for some girl talk or pick the phone up and chat for hours, but you are making a difference in so many people's lives and I am so proud of you!
You make me realize that I can follow my own dreams, I just need to take that first BIG step!!!
Thanks for being you and don't change. Love you lots and miss you more...Sandy
Hey Sam,
Man, you're getting me teary eyed! Listen, if you really want to move south---just do it. Take that big step. It doesn't have to be forever. You have a mom and sister and friends back home, so you'll always have a place to come back to. I support you every step of the way!
Now spill, what happened at the end of golf night? :)
Aunt Kathy I am so proud of you in what you are doing over there I mean going miles upon miles just to the ones who really need your help!Gotta run!
luv
jess
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