Re-Patriating

A few years ago, I had never heard the term "expatriate" before.  Here are the definitions: 

ex·pa·tri·ate  (k-sptr-t)

v. ex·pa·tri·at·ed, ex·pa·tri·at·ing, ex·pa·tri·ates

v.tr.

1. To send into exile. See Synonyms at banish.

2. To remove (oneself) from residence in one's native land.

v.intr.

1. To give up residence in one's homeland.

2. To renounce allegiance to one's homeland.

n. (-t, -t)

1. One who has taken up residence in a foreign country.

2. One who has renounced one's native land.

adj. (-t, -t) Residing in a foreign country; expatriated:
I open my thoughts this way tonight because........drum roll......the Catons are Re-Patriating!!  Meaning.....we are moving back to the U.S.!!  
Not only that, we are moving right back to the same city we're from!!
Not only that, but we are moving in three weeks!!  WHAT??? 

 Yikes!

I am not going to go into private details as to how this decision/opportunity became available.   I can chat personally about those kinds of things.  But, my husband is taking a new role within his company and will begin transitioning into that role after Christmas.  So, when we come home this time, it will be to stay.

It is a bittersweet feeling.  We have friends in China who are sad and hopefully we have friends and family in Missouri who are happy.  We are sad to leave Beijing in many ways, but we are also looking forward to bringing back a new member of our family and raising him in a similar environment that we did Jack.  

When I think about our journey to Beijing and the experiences we've had in 2 1/2 years of living here, THEY ARE PRICELESS!!  We would not trade them for anything.  God has done some amazing things:

• Allowed us to meet some amazing, inspiring people.  Not only Chinese, but people from all over the world!  
• God has showed us how big the world is, how many wonderful people and places there are that He made and He loves, how to reach outside our comfort zone, how to get outside of our bubble.
• He has also showed us how small the world is, meeting people from everywhere, realizing some people live in the same city that you are from, knowing that it will be easier in this day and age to stay in touch, trusting to "Never say never" again.
• Our family of 5 is very close now.  We have relied on each other and spent more time together than we could have back home.  A fear of mine is that we will lose some of that closeness.  The U.S. is a very busy place with many things that can preoccupy your time and attention.  My prayer is that we will make time as a family first.
• We were able to share our faith with so many and see many people come to a personal faith themselves!!
• We learned more about ourselves, our talents, our gifts, our passions, and how to best focus in on what our task is here on earth.
• We learned how to be more patient and take our time in the every day activities.
• Our kids got off to a fantastic education at the international school.  
• Last, but certainly not least, we were given a new son from China!! 

There are more things that we gained from this experience that are better left in private, but the point I want to make tonight, is that we have loved being in Beijing.  Of course, you have read and seen some of the struggles we've had as well.  Not everything is peachy when you move to a new place. 

But we are looking forward to coming HOME.  There is nothing like home, we realize that more now than ever.  From the American holidays to FAMILY and good FRIENDS, we are excited to let everyone know....."I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS".