Jonathan (center) with his friend, Dani (right), and another friend, Andrew (left).

Leaving my home in Papua was, of course, bittersweet. Bitter, because of the memories I’ve made and the places and people I’m leaving behind. Sweet, since it means I have a new home ahead of me, one that God will reveal as I move to new places and meet new people. I’ve found that home follows the heart. So, if I live in the moment, and direct my heart at the people around me, I will find home.

For now, that’s with my relatives, as I stay and hang out with them in Canada, catching up after a few years away. In another month or so, home will be at my university campus as I start my freshman year.

Fortunately, I’ve learned some things over the last few years that will help me adjust to new people and places, and find home wherever I am:

1. Take time when you’re alone to dwell on the past so that you don’t do it when you’re with new people.

2. Talk to people and be interested in them, even when they don’t look approachable; often that’s just your own judgment—and it’s wrong.

3. Trust God to change your heart, and spend lots of time with Him.

Now that most of the goodbyes are behind me, I’m looking forward to my next home and all that God has in store for me…

But, wait. I need to say “goodbye” here. This will be my last post on the MAF blog. Thank you for being such a captive audience and letting me share my MK life with you. As I leave, maybe you’d like to respond with your own thoughts about home… or leave a piece of advice for me. Or simply pray for me. That would be the best parting gift of all. God bless!