One of the best parts of being home

My Mother's cooking.

Homemade apple sauce.

From the garden green beans.

This afternoon I found a book I thought was lost for good -

Walking on Water: reflections on Faith and Writing

by Madeleine L' Engle.

This was a very special book for me years ago,

in 1996,

less than a year after I heard her speak in person.

Every year now coming home is a multi-faceted event.

It is not easy to be a convert to Orthodoxy,

as many know;

so many layers of memories at one's place of upbringing

that are now different than the reality

one lives in now.

Of course I have many layers of memories

of all different places,

as I have moved around a lot.

The world does not stay the familiar place that we once knew;

nothing stays the same

but we must cling to God who remains steadfast

throughout all the ages.

And I must enjoy my time here

as I only get Christmas 2009 once.

God is merciful and gracious

ever abounding in loving kindness...