stateside

I've been back in the states for one month; it has presented, as have the last 6 months, a paradox of emotions and a plethora of realizations.

The sheer volume of familiarity and understanding is more than welcome after the constant state of incomprehension and general confusion; however, I've noticed that after spending such significant quantities of time alone, adjusting back to friends and companionship is a process. Due to my blessed transience, I've had the freedom of spending time with two close friends in various stages of grief. The depravity of us humans, the power of evil, and the humanity of Jesus have become even more real to me as I've cried, questioned, and been present with them. The best way I've found to describe my current state is "very full" and "disconnected."

In addition to spending time with local and overseas friends while being back in the US, I've also been with my family: me, brother colin, sister erin niece elise, me, nephew william In the last month in the states, I have driven (after a forced abstinence for 6 months) solo to and from CT; I have worn shoes twice; went canoeing, and have eaten an ungodly amount of cheese.

I will continue to think a lot about "the trip." The friends I made... the fish i ate... the places I traversed... and the ever present children...I will be in and out this summer, hopefully seeing most of you. I would love to hear what you are learning and are up to and how you are changing. "Plans" for the fall include a couple trips to Canada and some weeks working at the farm. After that? Guess we'll see...
Pictures from my trip can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com/mrgnttm