There's No Place Like Home

Last weekend we were in Edmond, OK for Kelci’s grandparents’ 70^th anniversary! What a special occasion it was. We were able to see some of her family that we had not seen in a while. I met some of her family that I had never met. It truly was an unforgettable occasion and one that I am sure we will all hold close to our hearts for a long time.

While we were in Edmond, we stayed with some friends who have a new house near our most recent home. We also spent quite a bit of time at Kelci’s Aunt and Uncle’s house, which is also very close to our most recent home in Edmond. On Thursday night we drove into town and when we passed our old apartment complex (it was cold and snowy at the time as well), Kelci said, “sometimes I miss just being home, cuddling up with Peyton (our dog), and watching a movie with you.” This was partially the cold weather talking…I mean who doesn’t want to sit at home and do nothing when it is cold and snowy out. However, she also said this out of our desire to be home.

When we left Edmond in September, we moved to Tulsa and in with Kelci’s parents. If you know my in-laws at all…you know that I am extremely blessed and have quite possibly the best in-laws in the world. Home was in Tulsa then. After staying there for a few weeks, we moved to the Dallas area to begin training and have stayed with one of our friend’s parents here (The Durrills) and they have been so welcoming and gracious. Home was in Highland Village with the Durrills then. We have lived in Tulsa, Dallas, Tulsa again, Denver, Edmond, Dallas again and we are going back to Tulsa this weekend after spending a night in Edmond…again. And then, of course as you most likely know by now…we move to Niteroi in about 6 weeks (Lord willing…say a quick prayer over the visa process now please!). So needless to say home is kind of all over the place right now.

I do not write about this to receive pity or sympathy or anything like that. We knew this is how it was going to be when we committed to this and we are still very excited! I simply write this to remind us all (and especially Kelci and I) of a few things.

• First, home is important. We all need a place where we feel safe, loved, secure, wanted, and simply at home. That place may be a certain location, city or house…but most likely it is people that make home for you. My mom moved to a townhouse after I moved to college and though I never lived in that house for longer than a month or so…it felt like home before I got married because that is where my mom was.

• Second, there are many people who do not a have a home. There are people who do not have physical homes and it is our responsibility as disciples to see those “who are strangers and invite them in (Matt 25:35).” Look for opportunities to do so. However, there are also those who do not have emotional homes. Look for these people and do everything you can to bring home to them. It could be a kind word, a meal, safety or many other things. But look to fulfill those needs. I will never again take for granted the physical roof over my head, but maybe more importantly, the family, safety and emotional home that I have had throughout my life.

• Lastly and perhaps most importantly, “this world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through.” Maybe you know the song. This life is temporary. Lets not get too comfortable. Kelci and I are super tired of living out of a suitcase; however, it is been a reminder to us that this world is not our ultimate home. God has a much better place prepared for us that is truly home.

Like I said above, we have about 6 weeks before we leave for Brazil (that’s the plan at least). Our prayer and desire is to bring more people into God’s home of heaven. We are so very ready to be in Brazil and to start our new home there. Niteroi will very obviously be our mission point. Mission happens wherever your home is. It starts with your family and friends and continues to your workplace, neighborhood, supermarket, gym and wherever else you may call home.

Thank you for your prayers and Vá Com Deus!

-- Kelly and Kelci