My, it has been a while since I last posted. I think that I got so caught up in the throws of daily life and adjusting to home that I forgot to blog about it.
My return to these "pages" has been on my mind for weeks, yet I am only now getting back. The adjustment on my mind - being alone.
Don't misunderstand, I am not talking about being lonely per say, that is not a new phenomenon for any of us. What I speak about is companions, and the lack of them.
Life as a missionary can be very hard at times, and, being far-removed from home, has the potential to be quite lonely. For these and many other reasons, we are assigned a number of "companions" throughout our service. These are fellow missionaries of the same gender who are a combination roommate, confidant, support team, business partner, and friend. They are with you 24/7, in sight and sound at all times. This may sound strange, but speaking from experience, it was one of the best things in my life. I learned and grew so much from each of the companions I had over the two years. Some of my best friendships were formed in this way. They taught me so much about people, myself, and life in general.
Lately the aspect that I have missed is what I call "listening silence." When I had a rough day, I could talk to my companion, and he would just listen quietly, in many cases knowing what I was meaning because he had just been through the exact same day. Often not a single word was needed, we'd exchange a look and burst out laughing. I miss that. I miss having someone who was with me all the time, someone with the same goals, motivation, and drive as I had, who could help lift me up when I lost myself, knowing that I would likely do the same for him in a day or two. A good companion is a priceless treasure, and one which I am not totally sure how to regain. May God be with each of them until we meet again, on earth or in heaven.
