Perspective

I went to church tonight for the second time in the last six months.  The service was a time of music (no one talking at me), and it was nice to have that hour and half of quiet reflection.  I did some praying and some singing and came away with a startling realization - I am in love with my island home.  Over the course of the entire evening my mind kept going back to Bermuda.

So an example might help.  There I sat in the city I cherish with people I dearly love but couldn't focus on Atlanta whatsoever.  There is a line in one song that says, in part, "send forth your light and truth."  During the song, mental images rushed to my head of light and truth sweeping through Bermuda, brining powerful change to a place that is starting to experience some hard times.  It actually brought a few real tears as I thought of the massive potential for positive change.

Another example.  As I boarded the plane home on Monday I realized that one day I would be forced to leave my island home.  (They aren't crazy about their expats.)  This realization made me really sad.  Clearly I am more invested in Bermuda that I realized.

It seems that being away, even for just a brief time, has given me a fresh perspective. It's opened my eyes to how much I love the people that I see every day and how much I care about the well being of my island. Jimmy, Jennifer Nicole, Cassandra, Justin, Paddy - I love each one of you. I miss you all right now, and its only been 3 days since I left.  I'm not used to this feeling at all, and it makes me happy.  I can't wait to get back and ride out the end of my contract!