Home

I've written before about the struggle we face with this word. I've been open about the meaning of this word, how we struggle with it's definition. How in our lives, home has many meanings, each one with its own significance and meaning. Every time we are "home" in Frankfort, we are away from our "home" in Costa Rica. For most of the year, as we live our lives in our Costa Rican "home," we feel the longing for those who are back "home" in Frankfort.

And always, because of the Hope we have in Christ, a part of us always longs for our Home in eternity with Jesus in heaven.

Webster's defines 'home' as
1 a : one's place of residence : domicile b : house

2 : the social unit formed by a family living together

3 a : a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment; also : the focus of one's domestic attention b : habitat

4 a : a place of origin ; also : one's own country b : headquarters 2

5 : an establishment providing residence and care for people with special needs

6 : the objective in various games; especially : home plate

— at home 1 : relaxed and comfortable : at ease
2 : in harmony with the surroundings
3 : on familiar ground : knowledgeable

So many of these are true for me for the many places that I long for: Costa Rica and Frankfort, and especially heaven.

Right now, our home, or our place of residence- our house- is a two story home with blue siding here in town. And a small concrete block home awaits us in Costa Rica.

Our family unit is together and in tact, the five of us, with all praise be to God. Thus wherever we go, we are always at home.

This past Sunday, we spent time with our good friends, Tim and Sue Wolfe, at their home, which was our temporary home while we were on furlough last summer. When I walked into the house Sunday afternoon I told Sue it sure was good to be home! It felt like I was back at home. And she said it felt like we were too. Their home is a place of comfort to our family because of its familiarity.

We visited with so many friends during our two weeks of travel and were guests in homes for the first time on many occasions. But each time, it is amazing how 'at home' we felt. We felt at home because our hosts were relaxed and comfortable with us being there and therefore we too felt relaxed and comfortable.

The definition that strikes me the most is that of "place of origin." Indiana is our (Brooke and Matt) place of origin. Our homeland. But God chose to move us to a land where we are aliens. In his mercy, we have become comfortable and relaxed their and have made our home there.

We've been in the states just about three weeks now. We have been loved on and blessed and are enjoying our time here. We cannot mistake the gift we've been given of time with our families. But just last night, Ethan told me in the quiet before bedtime, that he is ready to go home (Costa Rica). He just wants normal back. He wants to be in his place of origin, which amazingly, I discovered last night, is Costa Rica. Our kids, being who they are, missionaries themselves, are growing up in a culture not their own , yet learning to love it and live in it and are making it their own, as best they can. As they grow, I wonder...Will they grow less and less comfortable here (the States), as we have? Will they begin to look at things differently, as we do?

Today though, I also ponder our eternal home. As someone who understands that this worldly home (all of them, in our case) is not it. Our eternal home is heaven. The unsettled feeling that resides in my heart is knowing that all of this time on this earth is not really what it is all about. And so therefore, I live each and every day, homesick, for my true Home.

I asked for prayer for our church family in my last post. Today, I'd like to share with you a post from my friend, Mike Druley. He is battling cancer for the second time in his life. I have asked for prayer for him and his wife Sharon and their families before.

You may remember from previous posts that I despise this disease cancer. I want to be angry and yell and scream at God for this disease. And I have, truth be told, done all of those things in the past. But I know and understand that disease and death and all the things that makes us ask why are all a result of of man's sinful nature and the fallen world. God cries and mourns just as I do. His heart is broken when he looks at Mike and the suffering he endures. But God knows, and is far more wise than I, and understands the glory Mike's life has brought to Him, and the glory that Mike's battle with this disease is bringing to Him (God).

I want to, in the selfish desire of my flesh, be angry that this pillar of a man who has faithfully prayed for my family for years and faithfully written us each month since we came on the field, has been told that this time, the battle is merely about time and quality of life. Tears sting my eyes to think of life without him. Without those big bear hugs he is famous for.

But I can't bring myself to be that way. That attitude is actually the farthest thing from my heart today. The tears are there for sure, but I know that Mike longs to be with Jesus. I know that his heart is homesick for His Savior. I rejoice in His life here. It is not over yet. Praise be to God. But when that day comes, and He kneels at the feet of the Lord, oh the rejoicing that will be going on!

That is what fills my heart today, in the midst of tears, is the faithful promise of the hope that lies in Christ. The ability to rejoice amidst suffering only comes to one who understands the peace that comes from a relationship with Christ.

You can find Mike's latest post from his Caring Bridge site below.

As you read it, I urge you to consider your life today. Do you have peace in your life? Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Do you know who Jesus is?

If you'd like to know more, leave me a comment and I'll talk with you more.


Mike Druey's latest Caring Bridge update:
Sharon and I have spent the better part of the past six hours in infusing my second round of chemotherapy at Lafayette Cancer Center. We feel so privileged to have Dr. Ajita Narayan as our oncologist with so many competent support staff hugs all around! My kind of place!). We are being blessed by their positive attitudes and professional knowledge and skills. Today I learned that in addition to having cancer in my colon, liver, lymph nodes and a small area in my lung that the PET scan also showed some cancer in my bones. However, this will not change the chemotherapy regiment which I shall be receiving. The biggest change for us is that nine years ago, we knew that we were seeking a cure for my Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which was achieved, but in this newest cancer, we are seeking time and quality of life.
This morning as i was listening to our audio Bible which Sharon so kindly loaded into my IPod, I listened intently to the 23rd Psalm, one which so many of us have heard so often and memorized as children, David says "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil for Thou are with me." And this is how WE feel. Sharon and I have been falsely accused of being strong and courageous as we walk this journey. Nothing could be further from the truth. If there appear any signs of strength, it is due to our being lifted up daily by the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and further supported by the faithful prayers of so many of you warriors. The peace and even joy which has entered our lives is a testament to your faithfulness. Furthermore, we have the encouragement and prayers of our five wonderful children and three beautiful granddaughters who have already sacrificed their time, personal activities and money to be here with and for us. This sums up the fact that we are blessed beyond our wildest dreams. God is so good.
Sharon and I are indeed fighters, and we have great hope as we look down the road. I am personally so blessed to have Sharon by my side to lift me up with love and devotion which has been true for almost 43 years. She does believe, however, that after twelve surgeries and two bouts with cancer that she may deserve an honorary RN degree. I would heartily recommend that.
Part of life is viewing our futures in a realistic manner. In my case, the average individual who has my type of cancers with my chemotherapy regiment lives an average of two years. That means some live longer and some live shorter, but to Sharon and me, our desire is not to count days, rather to live each day with Joy of knowing Christ as a personal friend. We have had some wonderful discussions, not only between the two of us but also with our children. We know that God is good, all the time even when we do not understand His plan. All we do know is that His plan is perfect.
So, as it says in one of our favorite songs, "...we press on knowing the prize is right before our eyes." We are both okay and have felt such an incredible peace just as we did nine years ago.
Our hearts continue to grieve for the family of Donn Walling, such a Christian man who in a few short years impacted my life in a positive way. Please join me in lifting this family up to our Heavenly Father.
And, so we do press on with great hope and assurance, with a desire to be more disciplined witnesses and prepared to stand in the gap just as Christ has done for each of us.
As for prayers, I would ask for physical strength as I am so weak and I yearn to play nine holes again with Marshall to show off my skills - as if I have any! And, I would pray for a lessening in the amount and severity of mouth sores. I would ask diligent prayers for Sharon as she carries the load of community volunteer, wife, mother and caregiver. It is still a mystery to me why she said yes so many years ago. God knew I needed a rock. Please pray for our children; Jeff, Heather, Brian, Becky and Kristen and for our three beautiful precious granddaughters, Katie, Meghan and Elizabeth. And, finally please pray that God will use Sharon and me as He continues to open doors of opportunity for Christian service.
I do wish each of you could feel the peace and strength afforded us through your offers of support and prayers. It is truly amazing as we could never get through this alone.
Our prayer is that God may bless each of you as only He can do, that you might not only feel His Peace, Grace and Love but also sense His presence in every step of every day.
May God bless you all in a mighty way.

Mike (for Sharon too)

Please continue to pray for our friends.