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So I have been back in Colorado for a little over a week  now.

Its been a really joyous time for me. That whole absence makes the heart grow fonder thing seems to apply here. Although, after the last four months, I wouldn’t choose the absence so I could have the increased fondness.

There were like a million people in line at customs when I came into Denver. So close yet so far. It actually went pretty well though and even my little questioning with the agent went quickly. Sometimes it doesn’t because my birthplace of Isfahan, Iran is in my passport and I am a little disheveled after 30 hours of travel. It is also No shave November and I haven’t cut my hair in over a year (except for a little tidying here and there). But this agent could see I think, I was ready to be home. He asked about souvenirs and I said “No, I am just getting back to my family after four months away.” He smiled and said “Well, Welcome Home” and gave me the passport.

As I came up the escalator from customs, I just saw Trace. Were there other people around?

 I didn’t even notice how much the life inside her has grown upon first sight as I came up the escalator from customs. I just saw her face and then put down my luggage and was engulfed in the best hug ever. Were there people around?

We got to the car and there weren’t other people around J. It took a while for us to get into the car. Besides holding Trace some more I was able to speak to my son for the first time.

 We drove home and it was rush hour. I was thankful for the traffic (which is amazingly organized compared to what I have experienced the last couple years in Guinea and Congo).  The traffic on the way home was just more time to visit with Trace without anyone else around. It took about an hour and a half to get home.

Then I got to walk in the door to see the girls. Tracey and I didn’t know what to expect considering the girls ages and how long I had been gone. Well I will just let the video below tell the story.

 

Yes I did completely ignore my father-in-law when I came in. Just had to get to the girls. Cora didn’t stop saying Dada for about 10 minutes. Adalynn was so excited to tell me she wears underwear now and can go the potty by herself. (She even came and got me the next time she went). Adalynn was also excited to read her Bible with me when I came home. She had been asking for her Bible from the Ship and promptly wanted me to read a story to her.

Truly a remarkable homecoming and the end to an important time in the life of our family. We learned a ton about our relationship with God, with each other and the work we are doing. But we are happy that the period is over and we are all together again.

Tracey and I are so thankful for the support we each received during these four months. The encouraging words sent across the state or across the country or across the world helped to sustain us. The prayers were truly felt and uplifting. Phone calls and emails of support brought life and perspective for each of us.

Thank you for being a part of this and helping to sustain our family through this time. We are truly grateful for the support and love we have felt.