Ok. So, I didn't update you soon after we got back :( We hit the ground running when we got home and, 11 days later, the days are still packed full of activity! But, I can't get ahead of myself just yet.
Back in Guatemala...
The Pattersons came over to Monte Flor from the mission house in town, the evening before we left, to say their good-byes. The morning of the 5th, a Wed., we woke up early to get last minute stuff together before heading to the main kitchen for a light breakfast. Billy said he wasn't able to fall asleep the night before because of being so excited about going home :D
At 7:30, we loaded up our backpacks and two big suitcases into the taxi that came to take us to the airport in Guatemala City - a 3 hr. drive from Chichi. In spite of the fact that we were very happy to be going home, it wasn't easy saying our farewells to the Bindus family and Ron. There were many tears and hugs and orders to catch up if they come to the States for a visit or if my family goes back to Guate. in the future.
Eleven years ago, we traveled to Guate. for the first time as a family. We flew down, stayed for a month, and celebrated Ansy's first birthday while we were there. That was the only time that any of the 3 boys were on an airliner and, needless to say, the big highlight of this winter's trip was the much-anticipated flight home!
Everything went smoothly - no run-ins of any kind and hardly any flight delays. We stepped out of the airport in Florida, while waiting on our connecting flight, just so that we could truly add FL to our list of states visited :D We arrived in Detroit, MI a little before midnight but had to wait a whole hour till our check luggage finally came through. Joe and Bethany came to pick us up on a cold, windy, freezing night - exactly what we'd been waiting for! My first step into the frosty outdoors nearly took my breath away! No, I didn't slip on the ice :P But I had forgotten how stinging a cold, fresh wind really is and how refreshed my lungs feel after breathing in the arctic air (well, not quite arctic, but it was cold!) (One of the many highlights since we've been back has been ice skating and playing hockey with our bunch 'a friends!
Joe and Bethany want to move into our apartment next door after they get back from their honeymoon. The previous renters left a big mess, so we were busy cleaning, tearing out carpeting, etc, for the rest of that week.
Jay & Rachel and the kiddos came in from ND a week before the wedding, Joe & Gina got here on Thurs, and Al & Barb and kiddos on Fri. (as well as our much-loved cousins). Marty & Deborah and their darling, Annie Jo, moved back up to MI, from TX, while we were gone and they now live about 2 1/2 miles from us. What you see in the picture says it all - talking, eating, loudness, activity - family! One of God's greatest gifts. I was so grateful that I could see all of them before heading back down.
Rehearsel for the wedding was held on Thurs. Friday was set-up and taking-care-of-details day. And Sat. was the big day! It was a beautiful, stress-free wedding, perfectly suited to the couple and what they wanted. In answer to many prayers, it was nice and warm with lots of sunshine (tho, we could have done without the mud :/ Oh, not to be forgotten - our family has REALLY been enjoying the leftover pizza and cheesecake!
Yesterday, I realized that I have passed 'the half-way point.' There are fewer days left to spend than have already been spent. In other words, I'm leaving in 9 days!!
God has blessed me, so immensely, with friends who are standing by my side in prayer. After the wedding on Sat. a bunch of us got together at Marty & Deborah's house for prayer. Yes, I will miss my family and the changes in my siblings and growing nieces and nephews. Yes, I will, very much, miss my friends and all the fun, crazy times we have. But if I'd have to choose one thing that I'll miss the most, it's the times spent praying hand in hand with my peers. That privilege of having a support group that is there to lift me up in prayer and to come alongside with encouragement is something that I've too often taken for granted. Many times I've wondered, what'll happen when there's noone around to turn to when I can't stand on my own? In Psalms 62:5-7 I found such great comfort and strength and a reminder of where my hope and foundation truly are:
Back in Guatemala...
 |
| Maddie, Me, Lewis, Ansy, Julie, (Joey the puppy), Billy, Abbey |
 |
| Mom, Trish, (Ron), Craig, Dad |
 |
| Good-bye, Guatemala! |
 |
| Hello, USA!! |
 |
| Lewis and Billy waiting for take-off |
Joe and Bethany want to move into our apartment next door after they get back from their honeymoon. The previous renters left a big mess, so we were busy cleaning, tearing out carpeting, etc, for the rest of that week.
 |
| Kara and Dylan making cookies |
 |
| "can I eat one yet??" |
 |
| cousin love! Kara and Annie Jo |
 |
| Alexis and Annie Jo adore each other :D |
 |
| <3 Mr. and Mrs. <3 |
Yesterday, I realized that I have passed 'the half-way point.' There are fewer days left to spend than have already been spent. In other words, I'm leaving in 9 days!!
God has blessed me, so immensely, with friends who are standing by my side in prayer. After the wedding on Sat. a bunch of us got together at Marty & Deborah's house for prayer. Yes, I will miss my family and the changes in my siblings and growing nieces and nephews. Yes, I will, very much, miss my friends and all the fun, crazy times we have. But if I'd have to choose one thing that I'll miss the most, it's the times spent praying hand in hand with my peers. That privilege of having a support group that is there to lift me up in prayer and to come alongside with encouragement is something that I've too often taken for granted. Many times I've wondered, what'll happen when there's noone around to turn to when I can't stand on my own? In Psalms 62:5-7 I found such great comfort and strength and a reminder of where my hope and foundation truly are:
No comments:
Post a Comment