Stella, Your friend's situation was quite a lot like JeanS' situation a few years back. Notice how they come and go and each time, bring a little bit more back home. It's almost like a reversal of what they did when they left.
It's an inspiring story and it happens each and every day, just as your friend shared w/you. Some return immediately and others tend to creep and haul things back piece meal.
Thank you for sharing.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.