it's simple

"Being a family means you are part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life. No matter what."

Lately, I've been fantasizing a lot. And my fantasy is very simple: being in the United States. That's it.
I miss it so much! Don't get me wrong, my life here is good. I have a lot of friends at work, and we have fun. I like weekends with my husband, and I enjoy visiting his family. But lately I have been OCD about checking how many days left until I go home. The separation from America is good for me; it makes me appreciate so many things I took for granted.
Where to begin? I like being able to leave the house in a cute outfit that I have chosen (not the usual black abaya and black veil). I love spending time with my family; it will never ever ever get old. I just adore them. I can't wait to drive and go anywhere I want! If I want to shop for 3 hours at Dillard's, I can go by myself and Badr doesn't have to rush me (like he always does here!). I miss dogs; no one has pet dogs here!!! The list goes on forever. Now onto the fantasy. I've envisioned it:
It is December 22. I wake up really early and pack my suitcase, carefully planning all my outfits and packing my family's gifts. I go to work 5-9 pm. The day is amazing because I am so excited for my 3 week long vacation! I tell my boss, "Hey, I need to leave early and go to the airport." He is sometimes a punk, so it'll feel good thinking how I won't see him for 3 weeks.
I change into normal clothes at work (I have brought my Uggs because the weather doesn't warrant them here), I put on my abaya, and Badr picks me up. We go straight to the airport.
The plane flights are a blur. Next thing I know, we have landed in Dallas. Customs was a pain for Badr, but not for me (Citizen status). We make the calls, "I'm in America suckas!" Finally finally it's time to board the plane. I am so ecstatic I listen to "Coming Home" by Diddy on repeat. I get a Coke from the drink service and I happily look at Sky Mall Magazine.
And here is the good part. We start descending. I look out the window; all the lovely grass and lakes call to me and say "Katherine Anne, you're home."
Plane lands. It seems like everyone on the plane is in front of us. We finally get off the plane and make our journey to the little place at XNA that everyone knows; the place where you can leave but you can't get back in. The place close to security. The place where family waits.
I brush my hair for good measure. We turn the corner. There they are. All the beautiful people I know and love and have missed! My dad (he has his big sweet smile), my mom (she has tears in her eyes), my sister (tears are streaming down her cheeks), Tim (he looks pretty happy), and Joe (he is holding a Peace Tea for me). We hug for 10 mins, cry a little, take pictures, get the suitcases, and the rest is pure bliss.

                    I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I sure do believe in the Razorbacks.