Somewhere between 2.5 Weeks and Eternity

I've been home now for two and a half weeks. 

I feel like I've been home now for an eternity.

Jeff spent the majority of his life in Cooke City, and not only in Cooke City, but up on the pass approximately two miles away from Cooke City.  Eight years ago he married Donna, the greatest gift from God to him.  As much of a gift Donna is though, she does take him off the mountain now and then.  Sometimes on a day trip to "the big city," Bozeman or Billings, but sometimes miles further and days longer than Jeff would take himself.  After a day away, Jeff's been gone for a week.  After a week, a month; and after two weeks (note: not a month), an eternity.  Any more time than two weeks off his mountain is an unfathomable thought. 

These days I feel a bit like Jeff.  Take me back to the mountain. 

And yet,

Life in Minnesota is not all bad.  Motorcycle rides every night, studying ancient languages in a hammock, rolling thunder, warm temperatures, walks without bear spray, parades and cook-outs, old oak, maple and cottonwood trees, gravel roads, sweetcorn on street corners, freshly cut alfalfa, high school and college friends, and lots of good old fashioned family time with lots of family.  The list could go on. 

I'm enjoying my time here.  Truly I am.  But for the first time yet, I'm looking forward to commencing this new adventure abroad more than I'd rather be right where I am.  By the time September 16th rolls around, I think my mind will be entirely there, and hopefully a piece of my heart will be as well.