transition.

my final night in oxford was probably one of my favourites. we hosted anyone and everyone who was around to come round to ours for a 'bring and share' dessert and drink gathering.

we ate lots of goodies.
we drank lots of wine.
we had a lot of good-byes.

guests didnt leave until way past curfew and many tears were shed throughout the night. i found it hard to find words to say to people, not knowing when i would see them again. i also found myself longing for hugs to never end, for the same reason.

i stayed up extra late to watch one last episode of 'house' with one of my housemates. i got up extra early to get in one more shower before the long journey home- all resulting in about 4 hours of sleep. it always seems the night before i leave to make another huge transition, i never get much sleep. you'd think i'd learn.

i think i brought the grey, rainy weather from england to indiana. i havent really seen the sunshine since arriving home.

i find myself comparing america to england. pointing out the differences and similarities. i find myself missing england. i miss the proper accents. people here sound so... rural.

my first day at home was spent at our local fair. it's always an experience to go. as a family, we've always been involved in the fair- doing projects each summer and going to the fair for the food, rides and activities. it was quite the way to spend my first day back. i felt a bit in shock, because it is so extremely different than england. especially when i started seeing people i knew... who knew everyone grows up, gets married and has kids!?

i am happy that i got to eat a 'walking taco', though... and i had my $1 grilled cheese sandwich. the best deal at the fair, if you ask my opinion. we got a bit rained out, though.

i am currently trying to unpack my life. i am happy to report that all of my clothes are at least put away. it was exciting to come home and find clothes in my closet and dresser! even though they arent new clothes, they feel like it since i havent had them in england this past year! i have stacks of books that i need to find a home for... i think i have a book buying problem!

i am exhausted. the longest stretch i have slept in 2 days is about 5 hours. i am making myself not take naps during the day in hopes that my body adjusts quicker to the time difference. i just hope i sleep better tonight. im tired of my eyes being so tired!

have a bit of a busy weekend ahead of me. one brother is swimming at a state competition while the other is graduating from university. so i'll be in central indiana for the next few days, doing family stuff, which im looking forward to. it's nice to be home for things like this. as much as i love living abroad, it is hard to miss out on family life while i'm gone. especially having younger siblings.

the job hunt as started. already have one position i am going to apply for. have mostly been looking at teaching jobs. working with students who dont know english. i am praying something will work out. im not worried yet.

i came home to balloons on my bed with sour patch kids, peanut-butter m&ms, chapstick, comfy pants and cherry coke in a basket. my mom knows me well.

i think that's really about all from here. mostly wanted to write an update real quick to let everyone know i am home. also wanted to post a few photos from life these past couple days. some explanations: 1) jonny and i, my last night in oxford. he made me say good-bye to him twice. talk about cruelty!

2) a pretty typical photo of ben and sarah. two fabulous people. also a tough good-bye.
3) in the car with meg, sarah and sarah. we went to heathrow together. what great girls! we shared fabulous coffee, great laughs and many tears before sarah and i got on that airplane!
4) sarah and i ended up sitting in business class, which was 'mint'! we had some red wine with our first meal. twas good!
5) lastly, my room in indiana. this doesnt really even capture the mess- but it's a glimpse into it! luckily, you can see heaps more of my floor now. thank goodness!

thanks for all the prayers, emails and facebook messages these past 48 hours. i feel very blessed to have so many people checking up on me!

and to end:
but blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. -jeremiah 17,7 nlt