First, let me apologize for being out of touch the last 30 days. I’ve thought of you, the readers of my blog, often. I just could not summon the energy/mojo/wit to write. So, here comes my last blog post for a little while. Why? Well, I’m in the airport returning to the US today. It’s been a super emotional 30 days, and an even more emotional week.
If you would have asked me on Monday or Tuesday if I was ready to go, you would have heard a YES, most definitely. This week had a rough start. Monday night I woke up to a movie style explosion, white lights, am I alive or dead, kind of craziness. It was scary. I think I was more afraid than I’ve ever been before. At that moment, I just wanted to see my family, my mom, dad, siblings, nieces. Yes, I was scared. Thankfully we found out it was ‘just’ a power line transformer that blew and caught on fire. Thankfully it only burned for 90 minutes before the power company got their act together to shut off the current so the firemen could put out the fire. Thankfully the post that was burning and aiming for our backyard, actually slipped backwards and propped itself up on another pole instead of setting our yard on fire. That’s alot to be thankful for.
The next night brought it’s own adventure as I woke up 2:59am with a GINORMOUS cockroach crawling on my forehead. I.am.not.exxagerating. Yo brinque, gire, grite, llore, baile y mas por el asusto. Yes, I jumped, shouted, screamed, danced, cried and more with fright. You know a bug is big if you can see it moving in the dark. Then it flew. It FLEW ya’ll!!! Then I jumped, shouted, screamed, danced and cried some more. The next 45 minutes were war between me, the cockroach, and the bathroom cleaner spray bottle. By 4:30 I was ready to fall asleep, but who can sleep when every time your eyes close you either see bright explosion lights or feel creepy crawly legs.
So, yes, by Wednesday I was so ready to go home. I’m done Lord. I can’t do, go, say anymore. I’m done. DONE!! So, If I’m so done, why am I fighting tears now. Why are these poor people stuck on this flight beside me giving me the side eye for crying non-stop. What changed between explosion craziness and cockroach wars. Ok, here goes.
Those things are minor compared to the love, friendship, grace and mercy I have experienced, shared and received this year. These light and present afflictions are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed. If God has received any Glory this year, if one little life has been touched this year, it’s so worth it. I can’t believe I say that now because IF I could have summoned an airplane to Calle 2, Casa #23 on Wednesday, I would have been gone! The mission would have been aborted, but I’m glad I held on. God’s love is amazing. He doesn’t let go of us and he is calling us to love as he loves. To hold on when it’s not easy. To trust that his Glory will be revealed the more that we learn to love as He does. I learned alot about love this year from 18 five year olds and 4 flawed but beautiful Dominicans. I miss them. I love them. Aren’t we all flawed yet beautiful in God’s eyes. I’m done writing now..... I gotta stop crying eventually....