The Return

Apologies for the extended silence around these parts. Catching up to my life and all that. But it's good, I'm here, I'm alive, I'm thriving.

I have to admit, I had some trepidation about spending Christmas in Florida. It would be warm. It would be familiar. What if I didn't want to come back?

Well, it was all those things and it was definitely a blessing to see friends and enjoy twenty degree weather and sunshine, in spite of a bout of intense bronchitis. But as I prepared to board the plane back to Amsterdam on a Friday afternoon, it occurred to me that I was really looking forward to getting back. I missed people.

Two long flights, a short train trip, and then the joy of dragging all my luggage across half a mile of brick pavement. I was exhausted when I put my finger on the bell at Oudezijds Achterburgwal 100. But Margeet opened the door and let me into the kauit (common room) and relief swept over me in a wave.

I really was home.

It's of course the dead of winter here in Amsterdam. The trees are bare, the wind is icy, and some mornings we are greeted by chunks of ice cluttering the canal. But I've been enjoying being back in the community so much. I've really felt it impressed upon me in the last month that this is where I belong right now. I have no idea what the future holds (just one of many things I need to work on in the next five months!) but I'm very certain about the present.

And that's a good thing.

I want to re-extend my invitation to people back in North America to come visit me here. It's a lovely city and you shouldn't miss it. Nor is the experience of eating a meal or two in the community to be missed! All are welcome, so come on out! I'll be here until the end of June.

Expect more posting in the coming week, probably language related. It hasn't been very nice weather for going out and playing in the city lately, so there aren't really any new pictures. Today is nice, though, and we're gonna try and make the Van Gogh museum. Lekker!