It's early morning in the Netherlands. I have just left The Hague and with it, a rich time of friendship and learning.
We are on a train headed to Schiphol Airport. Our family and friends in the United States are still in deep sleep. Our friends in the East have been wide awake for several hours.
I sit and gaze out the window at a green and serene landscape. I watch an early morning sun rising in the sky on my far right. I smile at my elementary school learning as I realize that I know we are heading north-east because of the many times in my childhood where I heard the phrase "the sun rises in the east and sets in the west".
Always my heart bends toward the east; toward bright sun and color, toward lands far from the west and ideas even farther. My heart bends east where time is more flexible and silohuettes of palm trees are etched on my memory. It bends toward the east, where the sun rises and daylight comes sooner.
My heart bends east, where all my "firsts" took place. First steps, first tooth, first kiss, first heart break. It is no wonder then that my faith too now bends toward the east, toward the Church Fathers who lived far from the west; toward the early church and sustaining scriptures; toward rich colors on light-reflected icons.
Today I will head west, where winter is still present and my body takes time to adjust. I will head west because that is where my heart now lives, where there are parents, friends, jobs, and children; where two cats await my arrival with eager expectation - though they don't yet know it. I head west to continue creating meaningful work and continuing faith.
My heart bends east, so when I arrive, I will remember to breathe, remember to take some time, remember to give thanks.
And I will remember that even when my heart bends east, I can still live and live west.
Readers! Remember you can buy Passages Through Pakistan and proceeds go toward refugees!