26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples. Acts 14:26-28

At this point in the story, Paul and Barnabas got a chance to stay in one place to fellowship and work alongside the disciples. Traveling all the time was wearying for them as it is for most people. Sure, some love the journey but it’s still wears on your body. They’ll have a longer road ahead of them, but for now they’re just enjoying the company of fellow Believers. I’m sure it gave the others an opportunity to hear Paul’s story and to answer a lot of questions they probably had for him.

Returning missionaries need the same kind of time to recharge and get to know the people in the home church. Of course they love to tell of the adventures (good and bad) but they want to be normal people for a few months before they go out raising more funds and than get back to the country God has called them to.

Pray for the missionaries you know who are returning home. Pray they get the rest and rejuvenation they need.