Homeward Bound

​“When I think of home, I think of a place where there’s love overflowing.” It always hits me every time I hear this. This is the beginning line of the song “Home” from the musical, The Wiz. The song speaks of the desire to be back home, to the place where one feels secured, comforted, and loved. And being an immigrant here to the US, it took me quite some time to adjust to the new reality that this country will be my new home. I moved here from the Philippines 21 years ago to be with my parents, leaving behind the places and people that molded me for 32 years. The first 2 years were arduous - unfamiliar sights surrounded by strangers in a foreign culture and different challenges. I lived in San Diego with a relative while looking for a place to rent, and earning a living while working in retail. It felt like I was back to square one. There was a longing to be back to that place of security, comfort, and love. To be back home. But being a person of faith, I also knew deep in my heart that this was God’s plan for me, that this is a path God wanted me to take. So I trusted, and I followed. And with the new challenges came new opportunities. I got to explore new places and created new memories. I met new people and developed new relationships. And more importantly, I found my true self. 21 years later, home is here, with my husband, surrounded with dear friends, in now familiar surroundings. I sincerely felt God’s guidance along the way through those years. I’m certain right here right now is where I meant to be.  

In one of the following Sundays, Keynote Vocal Group will be singing “Homeward Bound” by Marta Keen, in a setting by yours truly. In her own words, Ms. Keen describes the intentions behind this hauntingly beautiful work - “Finding your true calling in life; knowing that those who love you trust that you will return. I wrote this song for a loved one who was embarking upon a new phase of life’s journey, to express the soul’s yearning to grow and change.” With the things currently happening around us, we are all now facing a new reality, a more challenging stage in our journey. But as long as we find comfort and security in the love of our family and friends, trusting that God is guiding us forward, we know that we’ll make it through. Grown and changed, we’ll make it home.