May 7, 2012
Hello!!!
I am home, tired, grateful, and optimistic. I was excited to be greeted at the airport by Michael, with balloons and much missed “American”snacks. Thanks to Sheila and Denise, I was also welcomed by Lily, Wes and Tori,(our dogs and cat) who had all been taken care of with great care, to the point I am not sure they were as pleased to be home as I was to see them! I came home to a house, though”empty” without Dannie and my mom, full of love! Silva was there and had received the dogs and cats and a delivery from Whole Foods early in theday, aired out the house. Barbara, Denise, Janae and Wayne collected our mail,and Janae has been making sure my mom is up to date with important stuff…. So many people have been a part of our being able to make this trip to India, and me coming back.
TheCentral Peninsula Church had done a “home makeover” which is Amazing!It was very meaningful to come home to a “home” that is filled with newness and a place to continue not only healing, but LIVING.
The whole house has a fresh feeling, organized, clean, and different. This means alot, as thru the illness… Dannie and my incapacity and mom’s over extended schedule and resources, some things just couldn’t get done or be kept up with. My room has a new masculine look… paint, area rug, head board, bedding,chairs…(mom’s and Dannie’s room are still a secret!). The garden is amazing…with new plants and much added color. So many times in India, I just craved being in my garden, as it has been a place of relaxation and fruitful enjoyment. I will be back in it soon…with the new plants, order and tan bark reflecting God’s love through many “strangers” from Central Peninsula Church! It will always be a richer experience and reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Oh,and I can’t forget that there are now two cars in the garage! May sound insignificant to those unfamiliar with our “before” garage, but certainly is significant… lots of stuff gone and the rest of the stuff organized .Being the ‘car person” in our family, and moving here from a home with no garage, I had wanted a second car in the garage for the whole time we have lived here, and now it is possible. Thank you so much.
So…
It’s a bit overwhelming being here, not having had any time to recover before throwing myself onto a plane and back to the real world – exhausted and fee lthat I am unable to adequately communicate the complexity of my experience …I feel both excited, some sense of loss leaving India (the warmth of newfound friends and a different way of life) and not quite sure what to do with myself in this period of transition. I am so grateful for the stem-cells and needing time for rest and quiet reflection. Please pray for me that God listens and speaks to me louder that I might hear. I know that there are great things ahead! Dr Geeta has told me that it will take about two weeks for me to recover from the travel, and I CANT WAIT to see again all the improvements I have experienced and those yet to come!
I am so grateful, not only for my opportunity to receive stem cells and begin ahealing process that is changing the course of my life, but for my sister, who has waited faithfully for healing for so many years.
Thank you all so much,
AriSteele-Baker