Welcome Home

Thursday, June 14, 2012 | Written by Lenya Heitzig

I love Israel. We spent two weeks retracing the "footsteps of Paul." With one week in Israel and another week on a Mediterranean cruise, we stopped at some of the major places Paul mentions in his letters: Ephesus, Corinth, Crete. I have been to Israel over 30 times. It's fresh and new and each time I love it more than the last. I love to travel anywhere. From Honolulu to see my brother Scott to Michigan and the home I grew up in, I like the different sites and cities. But do you know what I love most about traveling? Coming home! I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, there's no place like home! Back to my comfy bed, my cozy home, and my warm church family.
           
Returning home after this trip was much more anticipated than usual because my granddaughter (who I told you about last month) was waiting for me when we arrived! Sweet Kaydence Joy was born May 29 at 10:32 pm with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was 20 inches long and weighed 7.1 pounds, the perfect little package.
           
Battling the jetlag and exhaustion that comes from being gone for three weeks, I still couldn't wait to hold her. It was the sweetest welcome home. I snuggled her in my arms and kissed her cheek and I thought of an even sweeter welcome home waiting for me in heaven. Jesus told the disciples He would go and prepare a place for them (see John 14) and we have been told earth is not our home (see Phil. 3:20). Even the Holy Land of Israel, where you can see and hear Jesus' words coming to life from the pages of Scripture, even that is not my home.
           
Jesus waits for the time and day He has orchestrated to meet me face to face; a time and day only He knows. When my work here is finished, it will be the sweetest welcome home. Just as much as I longed to hold sweet Kaydence in my arms, I know Jesus longs to hold me and welcome me into His heavenly embrace.

Lenya Heitzig

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Thank you Lenya! I think of Jesus holding me in his arms in times of stress, just the thought of Him holding me makes me feel secure. True love.
Posted 10/18/2012 10:42:24 PM by Jennifer

She is so precious. What a joyous gift from God. I will be a grandma for the first time at age 51 in 2 more months when Caleb is born. I am also blessed. Enjoy your time with your new bundle of Love and welcome back. We love you! In Jesus precious name ~ Amen
Posted 6/20/2012 8:41:15 AM by Shirley Nesbitt