"There and Back Again"

Bilbo Baggins wasn't the only creature to take an extraordinary adventure. And now Susan and I feel like a couple of hobbits who have returned to the Shire. In fact, we're thinking of naming our property in Suttons Bay - "Davenshire"!

We've been home in the States for a week and finally getting over jetlag. One morning last week we both woke up at 4am and decided that breakfast was in order! A sense of normalcy is returning but one emotion remains very strong...we miss our kids in Hanoi! Not sure that feeling will ever go away.

Our experience at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam was simply incredible. At all times we knew that God was with us. Now, something of us will ever remain there. As I told  my Vietnamese colleagues and students, "trai tim cua chung toi van con o Vietnam". (our hearts will always remain in Vietnam).

But for now, our tired bodies are back in beautiful, peaceful Leelanau County, Michigan. We're home again. And lunch on our front porch in the country suits us just fine!

Blessings to all of you who continue the good work in Vietnam and throughout Asia. Your labor is not in vain and the Master of the harvest is at your side. Hoa Binh!