The days were beginning to turn darker and colder in the Scandinavian countries, and while our experience as Baristas in Southern Sweden had given us more memories than we could ever recall, we were excited to come home to warmer weather and sunnier days. For us, as we reflect on the stages of living abroad, we notice that we first race full throttle into the new country and culture. Almost immediately, we play with the language, sample local fare, memorize the currency, inquire about religion, and navigate our way around on public transportation. 
Secondly, we settle down and in and direct our affections and energy to accomplish our Mission Corps job description. This time, we worked in a coffee shop/cafe in Arrie, a small village located in the agricultural bread basket of Sweden. The customers were real and a joy to meet. The volunteers that we worked with while there are unforgettable. This second stage has wings on it, and it rapidly carries time day by week by month. Days are filled with laughter, genuine conversation, new friendships, excellent coffee and tasty regional dishes. 
Then comes that third stage: leaving and coming home. The Swedish culture has a grand tradition: they take a long time to say good-bye. By mid-October, our neighbors, customers and church friends began asking when we were coming home. They started saying goodbye, dropping by, bringing a gift, taking photos and asking more about our personal lives. We love their conventional and intentional manner of saying farewell. They just can't say a speedy "vi ses." This made all our connections seem so genuine. Our 10-hour flight on November 6th & 7th was uneventful, which is always a grand relief when flying. We landed on time and all of our luggage arrived, too, which is a grand relief when flying.
Coming back to our "heart country," America, always makes us feel good. Our country's blue passports sometimes arouse curiosity. This time, waiting in a long queue before our early departure from Copenhagen, Denmark, a young man from another foreign country saw our passports and said, "America?" Yes. "Oh. That is the best!" We agree. Coming home...
If you are coming home for the holidays this year, we wish you the Best Christmas Ever! And, if you are far from family this year, we pray that you will feel the full blessings of this Holy Season.
Keep Looking Up,
J:m and L:nda And, thank you for reading our blog.
