Reconnecting

(My siblings!)

In addition to adjusting to the foods and culture, an important part of my readjustment process has been reconnecting with loved ones.

I just got back from a 10-day trip to Seattle to do just that! I went to college in Tacoma and my older sister and her husband moved to Seattle a couple of years ago, so I had a busy schedule visited family, friends and supporters.

The best part was that EVERY SINGLE DAY was sunny. Almost unheard of in the Pacific northwest.

All of my siblings came up for the weekend and we had a blast exploring Seattle and spending time together.

I rode my first sea plane to visit my dear friend Karly and her family at Lopez Island.

(Karly and Colleen)

(Exploring Lopez Island in a golf cart)

I got together with lots of friends from college and even took a tour of my alma mater (University of Puget Sound)! I shed a few tears walking by my old house and shocked a prof when I crashed his 9:30am International Political Economy course.

(My undergrad thesis advisor, Mike Veseth, and his wife, Sue)

(Cynthia and Colleen)

(My college bible study...minus one...we missed you Betsy!)

(Blakely and Colleen)

(Former college roomies!!)

(UPSers!)

The trip felt like my heart had come ‘home’ and it was such good fuel for my soul.

Next week, I am off to Colorado Springs for a post-field debrief and trainings with Mission Training International. I am really looking forward to sharing experiences with other missionaries and spending some time reflecting on my two years in Peru and discerning my next steps.