Return Trip (or The Incredible Journey Ends ... For Now)

8 月 7日 2007年

My journey in Asia ends today. I got up this morning at 5:30 to be at the bus stop down the road with all of my luggage. It was a nice walk and a time to reminisce. It’s amazing how quickly this time has gone by and how my last stop is so close to where I first set foot in Kobe.

Well my bus ride to Narita was excellent. I decided to eat in the airport before trying to head into Tokyo; that choice actually resulted in me not having enough time to go into Tokyo. That’s okay because I enjoyed my teriyaki burger and got to go into Narita instead.

In Narita, I tried to go to the Buddhist Temple Garden. It was so extremely hot, and thus, I never made it to the garden. I did have a good time exploring down the streets just checking out what everyday houses are like in Japan. I liked the cute little gardens that they had. Seeing the different-ness of the street stores, markets, and medicine stores stands out to me too.

Well, my flights have begun. They will last for nearly two days. From Narita to Detroit then to Memphis and then to Pensacola. My time in Detroit was interesting. The people there weren’t that friendly to me, and I realized that I am still talking really slow (like I talk in Asia for clarity). It was good to eat Mediterranean food there in the airport. By contrast, my time in Memphis was so good. I loved the smell of barbeque and hearing Southern English again. My favorite was when the guy in the airport spoke to me like Elvis, “B25 ... thahda way.”

And so the journey continues to Pensacola. It is wonderful to be back. I know that my return will bring so many people joy. Like last time though, I left part of my heart in Asia. Of my own will, I would not have returned (thus my two days of depression before leaving Japan); yet, I cannot and must not live my will but His.

Tonight I will stay with the Tinker family. They will come to pick me up from the airport. ... Well, I was forgotten, but they are on their way now. And so, the incredible journey is nearly over. Tomorrow I will arrive back at my apartment. My Daddy will take me back. I am looking forward to seeing those I left behind in May. I know that my return will bring many joy, and so, it is for that reason and obedience to Abby (my heavenly Daddy) that I return.