Return to the States

It is always hard to leave my other home...but always great to return to life here in the States. There are different atmospheres in Switzerland and in Washington, and both have their advantages and challenges. I realize that being back home here in the US there is a greater anticipation for new opportunities, at least that is how I feel. In Switzerland, I don't feel that as much and I am assuming it's because not speaking the language forces that feeling of restraint. The Swiss love to take the time and enjoy every part of life, especially eating and being with one another -a treasure that Americans can tend to lack. In coming home I am not the same person. I left intending to have a great experience and I come home wanting to change things in my life. I don't ever want to go somewhere and not be changed when I come back to "normal" life. I am determined to take more time to enjoy the everyday moments in life and not to diminish the value of the "now" just because there is a sense of "hurry up" and do more here in this nation. I would encourage everyone to go away every once in awhile and get a fresh perspective of life. One of my favorite concepts that I learned from a dear women in Switzerland is that life has seasons for a reason. Some seasons have rain, some have sunshine...all of them are needed and hold within them treasures for our maturity and growth. The key is to find joy in the midst of every season that comes our way.