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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Back in the US

As I sit in bed writing, the whole world is gently heaving.  Although I've been off a plane for a while now, my inner ear hasn't forgotten the previous eighteen hours very easily.

Our flights went well, after the inauspicious beginning this morning in Athens.  The children were wonderfully well-behaved, and I didn't even have to pull out any drugs to produce the behavior.  After the landing of our long nine-hour flight to Dulles, the passengers (young, not married, no children), commented that they hadn't even known there were children in front of them.  Thank you for your prayers; I know they helped everyone get through a long, long day.

My parents have lovingly welcomed me and the children, and the girls were in fine form, screeching as Grandpa riled them up in the bath this evening.  Edwin isn't so sure about this whole arrangement, but I'm sure the toys will help convince him that this is an okay place to be.

I'm doing as well as can be hoped; now that I'm here the reality has begun to set in.  As long as we were traveling, we were just traveling - that existence that is nowhere in particular for an unspecified amount of time.  But as the end of our trek neared, I had to keep from crying as my thoughts ran back to Brandon, still in Cairo.

The only thing to do, of course, is act like life continues on and so it will.  I'm grateful to be in a place with so many friends from my youth who have children like me so I am not alone.  All of the friends in the world, however, can't make up for my best friend who we left behind.

8 comments:

Becky said...

My heart goes out to you right now. I am so glad you have family support there. I really hope things calm down quickly so you can at least not worry about Brandon so much. It is so hard. I am sorry that you have to go through this. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. You both remain in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Alisa said...

Awwww.... I cannot imagine how much you miss your husband right now! I hope to be one of the friends from your youth that get to keep you company! Lets get together once you get adjusted. I'd love to have you and your precious children over for a play date! :)

dixonfamily said...

We are so glad you and the kids made it safely. I can hardly even imagine the feelings and stress of the past week for you and Brandon. It all seams very surreal. How quickly things can change and the world can be turned upside down. We love you all and are so grateful you are in a safe place with family and friends nearby. We will continue to pray that Brandon stays safe and will get to leave soon. I'm so sorry you've had to go through this.

Nomads By Nature said...

Huge hugs. Glad you have some support while you are separated from Brandon. This will pass and in the meantime, there are many joining you in praying for his safety as well as others still in Egypt. I know he is relived to know you are out of the chaos there. It will help him take care of himself better and do his job well. Hoping you are all back together soon.

Unknown said...

Brandon has a lot of prayers going out for him. Just like they helped you and the girls get home, they'll help him too. I know it's still hard though. *hugs* Lots of thoughts and prayers for you too! It seems unreal that two years ago we were hanging out, talking about Cairo and you going back...

Tyler and Rachael said...

we are so glad that you, the girls, and little edwin are safe. we hope and will pray that brandon can continue to safely be of help and then can be reunited with you.

AmyH said...

I think you should come to Leonardtown and play with Lindsay.

Kendra said...

hi! you don't know me, but I linked to your blog through a couple of mutual friends. I am thinking you are LDS? We are too, it is always nice to feel connected. Anyway, I have appreciated reading your entries. We are FSO, my husband is a Mgt officer and we are here in Istanbul. He has been working non-stop as I'm sure your husband is still too, but helping to get all of you out since Sunday. It has been a sacrifice having him gone, but especially after reading your posts I am SO grateful that he is there and able to help. You guys are all so amazing, and we have been thinking of all of you in our Foreign Service family there. You have inspired me too, to be more prepared. Go bags are officially in the works for us now:) I have really appreciated knowing your thoughts on the whole thing, and the relatively good spirits you have been able to keep throughout the evac. We are praying for you, and your hubby, and all of the embassy Cairo workers. (also praying for your home to not get looted:) Good luck with the next few months, and I look forward to your updates.