Well, I am homesick. It doesn't happen very often, or for this long. And I don't even know where home really is. But I have been very homesick.
Since coming to Costa Rica, we have spent many Christmases back "home" in California. This year, as well as last year, we have decided to stay in the tropics and enjoy the holidays here. It is good.
I guess what I miss overall is the convenience of a North American life. It's the little things, like being able to go shopping easily and find what we need, or having an easy drive on good roads. There are the Christmas parties, the restaurants, the old acquaintances to see. And of course, there are the hugs and kisses from grandparents and the raucous times playing with cousins. There is the feeling of being included in the extended "blood" family that we have missed for so long.
I know that those are not the most important things in my life. But I also know that I am human, and I struggle with those things some times. I never want people to have the impression that because we live cross-culturally, overseas, that we are super saints. We are still flesh and blood.
So what is the solution to my homesickness? Instead of focusing on the things I don't have, I need to spend my time reflecting on the things I DO have. I know it sounds simple, but I want to meditate on the gifts of God in my life. For example, we have friends that have become family to us. We have celebrated the season with them in numerous ways already.
So, I work to give thanks in all things, even in these homesick pangs, because they are good. They send me to Jesus. And I see Him, who gave up everything to come to earth, so that He could give me what I truly need - His life, His love, and His salvation.
I know people might think, "But my life is harder than yours!" It may well be true. But we can all make a choice to look at the gifts we have received this holiday, and to be thankful. Even if it is the gift of the next breath, every one of us has something to be thankful for.