Walking Through Memories

One of the main reasons I came home early was to help my mom with cleaning out the garage. Now the garage has always been my dad's 'man cave.' Everything is there is just… dad. One of his many spare pairs of eyeglasses is still hanging above his workbench.

It was overwhelming at first to know where to begin with organizing all of the belongings stored in there. If there was an organizational plan to that garage it was only known by dad! As I've sorted through all of our belongings I've come to a few realizations.

1) My dad was a horder. I don't think he threw anything away that could have the slightest potential of having a use again, even if it would be years later!

2) Our outdoor gear rivals Cabelas.

3) If a zombie apocalypse ever really happens, we're ready in terms of weapons! Gotta love growing up in a family that hunts and fishes. (I may also be a huge fan of The Walking Dead and am still excited over the season premiere!)


My favorite has been finding things that trigger memories from my childhood. Whether it's an old bicycle seat, sled, or even my first tackle box (bright blue with mickey mouse!). I'm not a very sentimental person so I'm not particularly attached to the objects but the memories that they bring up. It's made this entire process a bit more of a joy to go through.

I miss my dad and there's no doubt that that's going to ever change. I miss the missed opportunities I had with him. However I cherish every single memory we have together even more!

Adjustments

In every season we life we have things we need to adjust to. As a missionary I often find coming back home to America a big adjustment. I don't realize how much I've adapted to the Zambian culture until I find myself back home.

There are little things that my family and friends like to point out, my weird accent in particular. My mom pointed out my patience in restaurant the other day when food was taking longer then usual. To me it was still fast service!

Then there's always the first trip to the grocery store or Wal-Mart! The many options can be so overwhelming. An entire aisle for crackers?!

While I was out on a run in my neighborhood the other day, I realized another adjustment. I said hello to a man while I passed him and he looked at my like I had two heads! In Zambia we wave at everyone as we pass! It makes me sad that people don't talk more to each other in America.

I think this is one adjustment I'm going to fight. Our entire walk with Christ is based on relationships. You can never have a relationship with someone if there isn't an initial "hello." Next time you catch yourself passing by someone, take a minute just to say hi. You never know who God is putting in your path!