A friend helped me realize before I left the middle east that I was returning to America FREE. Or, at least, much more free than before.

Before, six years ago, I was such a different person. So imprisoned by my debt, my baggage, and my scars. Dragging all that around was just so…ugh.

It’s clear to me that God brought me to the desert in a foreign country to heal me. To dry me out and let me start new…with the assistance of some really good counseling and post par-tum depression.

To be clear, I have appropriately low expectations of our re-entry to the US. But, it is clear that I’m going back, at 37 years old, with a chance to start fresh as the adult I always wanted a chance to be.

Already, my doubts are fighting for a front row seat. But I push them down and declare:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

-Joshua 1:9

Here we go.