Returning to my home country is always a deeply anticipated event, filled with the excitement of reuniting with dear friends and the warmth of reconnecting with family. Each visit stirs a familiar mix of emotions, as I find myself caught between the joy of rekindling old friendships and the longing to spend quality time with my loved ones.

My friends, who have been by my side through countless adventures and life’s ups and downs, eagerly await our reunion. The thought of sharing laughter, reminiscing about our shared memories, and creating new ones fills me with happiness. These friendships, nurtured over the years, are an essential part of my identity and I feel such a deep sense of gratitude for them.

However, equally strong is my desire to be with my family. Being away from them for extended periods makes our time together precious and irreplaceable. Every moment spent with them feels like a balm to my soul, whether it’s enjoying a home-cooked meal, engaging in heartfelt or nonsensical conversations, or simply sitting together in comfortable silence. Their presence is a source of comfort and grounding that I miss deeply when I am away.

Balancing these two desires however is a delicate act. I yearn to make the most of every minute with my friends, yet I am acutely aware of the limited time I have with my family. It’s a challenge to navigate this dual longing, to ensure that neither my friendships nor family bonds are neglected. As time catches up, I can feel the tug of needing more time with my parents.

Ultimately, my hope is to find a harmony between these two worlds. I want to cherish the moments I have with my friends, to let them know how much they mean to me, while also dedicating ample time to my family, showing them the love and appreciation they deserve. Each visit home is a reminder of the deep connections I hold dear, and it’s these relationships that make my travels back so profoundly meaningful. Traversing this balance has always made me feel both sad and blessed at the same time and I do wish that there was a way I could navigate this better but somehow I know that I won’t be able to entirely fulfil either.

Perhaps this is something many others who live far from their home countries have felt too. I’d love to hear your thoughts.