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We have officially landed–back into life here in Los Angeles.

Mercy and Aaron are running around completely enamored by the toys they have not seen for six weeks; Mow Mow met us at the door, obviously happy to have us back; we were picked up at the airport by Juan and Stacie and Mercy got to have Juan’s undivided attention in the back seat of the van for the entire drive home (Juan was Mercy’s first love–she has made her peace with his marriage to Stacie, but he will always have a special place in her heart); and it was great to be greeted by Paul and Melinda as we unloaded in front of our house.

It is always a serious reorientation process to come back here after spending time up in the Northwest. It feels especially so having been gone for such an extended period of time. My sister calls it “re-entry”, and I think that is an apt description. Driving down Jefferson amidst all the “activity” there, and talking to Stacie about some recent killings reminds me what our lives are about here, and that it is not life lived from a distance. And of course it is New Year’s Eve, so the streets are filled with fast cars, loud music, and lots of (what I hope are) fireworks.

Pray for us. Pray for our homecoming and “re-entry”. Pray for our hearts to be quickly turned toward those we love and serve here.

Happy New Year.