on my way back from my favorite coffee shop where i enjoyed a good chat with my bestest friend, i walked back through my favorite streets in the world. past the jewelry shop that fixed my broken necklace chain for 50NT (about $1.70 US), and the "everything store" (thus named because at one time it was the only store in kinmen where you could literally buy anything), past the old "abei" (uncle) who is my special friend and always smiles and nods at me, and the stinky tofu stand with the little "ama" (grandma) who makes stinky tofu with her little grandson strapped on her back in a sling. past the bakery run by my student's parents, and the "bag lady" store with the sweet aboriginal lady who always invites me in for tea and has cried with me about anything from missing home to sad pet stories. as always, it was common as i passed by for people to look up and nod, smile, or call out a friendly "hello" as they recognized me. as i walked i thanked God in my heart for this place and these people and this time when i can enjoy walking familiar streets, seeing dear faces, and feeling an incomparable "at homeness" that makes my heart tingle with joy.
i got to the intersection with the tea stand and the corner clothing shop, (where i have purchased more clothing that i care to admit : / ) to be waved in to chat by the shop ladies. "yes, i am back in kinmen for a couple months...yes, i have been in china for the past while working in an orphan home...no, i did NOT find a boyfriend while there, and i am not searching...yes, i missed kinmen very much." i went on to tell them what i was feeling in my heart at that moment, and what i've felt since i set foot back on this island...how no matter where i've gone during the 9 months since i left kinmen, i haven't been able to find anywhere that feels like this. how kinmen's people, and simple beauty and charm have stolen a part of my heart that i will never be able to take back. how the friendliness and warmth of the shopkeepers and families i pass by so often took me in and made me feel like one of them during my first years here. how no matter where i go in the future, just like i will always go home to america to see my family and loved ones there, i will, of course, come home to kinmen every chance i get. tears came to my eyes as i talked with my friends. i looked over to see one of the ladies dabbing her eyes. the other one teased her good-humoredly for being so moved, but smiled from ear to ear as she told me, "kinmen's people are so happy to hear you say that. we will always be here, and this will always be your home! after you finish running everywhere and helping people, welcome back home to kinmen to retire and rest!"
hmmmmm...not such a bad idea. at any rate, i know that come end of june when i get on a boat and sail back to china, i will not be nearly as sad as i was last summer when i took my last view of kinmen from the plane before it was hidden behind the clouds. because i will be back. wherever He leads me, whatever lessons i learn along the way about obeying and trusting Him, i will always come home.
