Home is Where the Heart Is

Last week at this very hour, I was packing up my suitcase- complete with all my laundry and dry cleaning- to go home for a few days. It was our "fall break" from school and though, I had initially planned on staying here, during a week of loneliness in September, I went ahead and booked my ticket home. I am honestly so glad I did that then because I had no idea how much I would need it now.

I love St. Louis and am truly very happy here right now, but there really is nothing like going home. Nothing like seeing your church from the airplane window as you fly in. Nothing like walking out of baggage claim to see your best friend waiting for you! Nothing like walking into the neighborhood cookie shop and people telling you they have missed you. Nothing like spending countless hours in amazing conversation with your parents. Nothing like driving down streets and feeling like you never left. Nothing like eating all your meals out and never having to look at a menu. Nothing like surprisingly running into friends who you didn't expect to be in town. Nothing like worshipping in your home church. Nothing like hour after hour being spent with nearly everyone you know and love. Nothing like just being with people who know you. Nothing like living your old life all over again for just a few days. There is nothing like being at home.

For all the many of you whom I had the privilege of spending time with this weekend- whether for a few minutes or a few hours- I can't even begin to describe to you who much joy it brought me! It truly filled my cup.

On Friday night, I couldn't contain my joy and just kept telling my parents over and over and over....and over again- "This has seriously been the best day!"

I do wish however that my parents were the only ones I expressed that excitement to that night. Unfortunately, our academic dean at the seminary knows how excited I was too. I received an email that evening from her telling me that I got into a class for which I had been on the wait-list. The following was my reply:

Diane, Thank you SO much! I am so excited about this! This is the exact schedule I was hoping for! Thank you for all your hard work on this! -Caroline

Pretty sure she and the rest of the office are getting a good laugh and wondering how in the world this 8th grader got into Covenant!

Oh well, I guess true joy is really hard to hide! To all my family and friends in the Big D- you bless me beyond belief! Can't wait to see you soon- Thanksgiving is less than a month away!