Is it really almost November? Has it really been almost 3 months since we left here for our visit to the States? Time goes so fast here, and we know our remaining months will fly. Our personal prayers are still to grow in: our love for Peruvians and the country itself, appreciation for its way of life, understanding of its language, and patience in its frustrations.

At the same time, if I am honest, I often long for home. I find myself craving consistency, reliability, and honey-nut cheerios. We look at housing prices in various cities, excited by a friend's mere suggestion of a job opening, desperate to believe we could actually have a yard one day. I suppose these are normal feelings for those living abroad. We certainly, though, see a difference in perspective between those staying for the long haul and others (like us) only short-term. Being here longer would make us dig in more, turn our eyes from the tantalizing comforts of a stateside future, and deepen relationships and commitments to our adopted community and country. As it is, we want to do that as much as possible over the next nine months, risking the pain of farewells and rebuking our ease-seeking hearts. But we cannot do something so unnatural. Christ, who left his home to dwell in the flesh (incarnate) must do it in us. He who "for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame" must teach us to be happy in the pain of incarnation.