What We're Missing (by Thom)

I looked at my computer's 'countdown clock' today and it reminded me that we have just 38 days left in the US before we return to Mali. It's hard to believe that we've been home for 67 days already! That got me to thinking about some of the things we've missed about Mali since returning. (Even though it's been very cold here in the US it has also been very, very hot in Mali. Thus, I won't mention the weather as something we've missed!)
First, and probably most obviously, we've missed our friends there - both Malian and missionary. Even though we're with our friends and family here we've had to be away from many good friends during these 3 1/2 months. I'm looking forward to sharing time with my friends there and telling them about our time in the US and asking about what we've missed.
Second (and with no disrespect meant towards American churches), church in Mali is fun. It is a time of celebration and fellowship and family. I miss the lively praise songs and the drum beats during church as well as the sermons of my Malian pastor friends.
Third, I miss serving the C&MA missionaries in Mali. That is something that I love doing! Being home is nice and we've loved sharing what the Lord is doing in Mali but I can't wait to get back to a schedule and feel like I'm doing something again!
Finally (and I can't believe I'm actually admitting this!), I'm looking forward to getting back to my French studies. I feel like the Lord opened doors for relationships through my studies - with my professors, Malian pastors, and other people I've met along the way. I don't enjoy the actual studying of language but I do like the applications!
Thanks for all the support we've gotten so far during our time home. We've been blessed in so many ways. Still, we're looking forward to getting back to Mali; we're looking forward to getting back home.