The common assumption is that missionaries love going on home assignment and can’t wait to get a break from the work & return to their home country. However, it isn’t always that simple. Where we live is our home, we love what we do and we love the people where we live (both nationals and Expats).

The truth is I love and look forward to going on home assignment. I can’t wait to see my family and friends. I can’t wait for cooler weather. I can’t wait to be in America and have access to so many of my favorite things. However, the truth is also that it is difficult to go on home assignment. It means leaving my friends in Burkina for several months at a time. It means leaving behind the ministry and the work I love.   It means leaving my home for several months. As much as I love getting back to America and seeing my family, it is difficult to leave knowing that ministry still goes on, my friends still have parties/get-togethers, holidays still come & go, babies still grow up … and I’m not there for any of it. When I’m in Burkina, I see pictures and posts about all that is going on with my family & friends in America – it makes me miss them more and want to be with them. However, when I’m in America I see pictures and posts of all the ministry going on and the fun all my friends are having and I’m jealous & want to be with them. It is definitely a heart divided when it comes to serving overseas.