After the Fact

For the last week, Ben and I were back in Springfield, MO, where we lived for 6 years. In fact, it was ten years ago this August that we both moved (without knowing each other) into our dorm rooms at Evangel University. We spent the last eight days going from place to place, restaurant to restaurant, to hang out with people. People we love and miss.

Being back after leaving was really wierd. I'll be honest. It was strange at times. We've been in Sacramento for over half the time we were in Springfield. Yet, it feels like we were there so much longer. That feeling comes from the fact that we experienced our college days, our single days, our young married days, all there. Plus, we had several "sets" of friends we experienced live with while living in the midwest.

It was surreal - walking around places that used to be part of our everyday lives.

In fact, I felt like an outsider reading someone else's autobiography. I knew all of the characters, the script and storyline-- but it wasn't "me" playing the leading anymore. I am no longer that person. My perspective has changed in the 3 1/2 years since we left.

But even in that "after-the-fact" feeling, I so enjoyed my time with friends.

• The people who packed our home with us before we left, there they were to welcome us. I love them
  
• The campus that has changed so much, but the names on doors feel familiar and new buildings still oddly like home
  
• A church building that still displays signs I made
• Restauraunts feeding us comfort foods of memories past
• Laughing till your sides hurt in a home that you never lived in, but it feels like you did
• A wedding with people you don't even realize are in the network of your life
• Spending daily activities with your best friend, just like old times before you each had a "permanent roommate."
• Tornado sirens...

Thanks for the fun, my friends. You are loved.