We awaken at 4am to board a plane in Seattle at 6am. We have an hour layover in Phoenix before boarding the plane to Houston.

I complain of the cold on the first flight, so Doug wants to buy me a blanket for the second flight, but I refuse since I already have a perfectly good travel blanket packed away in the check-on luggage. Thankfully, the second flight is not as cold.

Xhiv drives to collect us at airport passenger pickup. Doug and I notice how the humid air envelopes us with a warm welcome-home-hug. Yep. Houston’s home now.

Xhiv and Chris have anticipated our arrival as evidenced by a freshly mown yard a spotless house, and a ready to heat dinner, including dessert.

Below is my view from my favorite chair (including Doug, Xhiv, and Opal the dog). The other photos show the room where we pray, Harry the dog, welcome home roses on our table, and my African violets which thrived in my absence.

The door bell rings as we unpack our suitcases. It’s five-year-old Oliver grinning from ear to ear. He’s not sure what to say. He finally says, “I just wanted to say hi because I’m glad you’re home”. . . Hugs follow after which he says, “well, I’m leaving now,” and heads out the door.

A few minutes later, Cana, coming from work, stops in to welcome us home and bring some shirts she thinks Doug or Chris might like. Along with the shirts come hugs from her and ten-year-old Zelie.
Evan Marie(two-and-a-half) literally hangs on her mom’s skirt tails, but shyly comes near for a hug when invited. As Cana turns to leave, she gives Evan Marie the choice of whether to go home with her or stay for awhile. To our surprise, Evan Marie stays, remembering everything from our house – favorite toys, a juice box, a bit of dried mango, the hippie beads that lead into the bathroom and the three little monkeys in the bathroom window sill. (“Tell me what they’re doing.”) She wants to see it all, to hear it all, to do it all. And she’s not asking too much. Later, I walk her home and receive Ennie’s welcome too.

The four of us eat dinner and settle in to watch a British t.v. show before bed.

Somewhere in between the unpacking, welcome homes and dinner Doug and I take a few minutes to pray vespers. It feels good and right to pray in our usual seats in the prayer room.

Yes. It’s good to be home.

By wisdom a house is built,

by understanding it is established;

And by knowledge its rooms are filled

with every precious and pleasing possession.

-Proverbs 24:3&4