Can you hear God "stretching" us from there? We have been going to Guatemala since 2003 so you would think things would get routine and simple, right? We have learned that the Lord stretches us a little bit out of our comfort zone every time we go.
The first new part of our adventure has to do with our flights. The cheaper tickets we found saved us over a thousand dollars but they leave from Chicago. We will be renting a van and driving on Wednesday, February 9th. Our flight then leaves bright and early on Thursday morning. Don and I have alot of peace about doing this and are actually looking forward to a day of driving. We are trusting the Lord for good weather. When we found the tickets, we looked at each other and said, "Well, we have never done it this way before!"
The second new part has to do with where we will sleep! We have stayed at the children's home where we serve and we have stayed in the clinic building where Don helps with weekly clinics, but we have never stayed in a house by ourselves. Guess what we are doing this year? Since this is a "new" part of our trip, I am assuming that you guessed correctly - in a house by ourselves. There are other visitors expected during our trip so the missioniaries that we serve with are looking into a house we can rent. During the phone call from Guatemala, they told us that we would be "living like Guatemalans". This means we will have a pila instead of a kitchen sink. The house is made of cinder block which is better than the adobe alternative. In Guatemalan style, the bathroom is located in its own separate building (like an outhouse but with a toilet and running water). The shower is cold but they are going to install a "widowmaker" for us. I know . . . doesn't sound good, does it? One friend told me to just not think about it too much. Don't worry, I will post pictures as soon as we arrive! : )
My other challenge on this trip is that I have to pack light. We generally take 10 to 11 bags (maybe even 12 once) but we have had help getting everything to the airport. This trip we have to fit everything in our rented van. I am praying about the things that we "need" as opposed to the things that I "really, really want"! I always takes things like chocolate chips, brown sugar, cocoa and other "North American" products that are very expensive in Guatemala City and do not exist where we will be living. I am thinking that the kids will need their clothes more than baked goods so I may have to lighten my "food" list slightly. It will all come together, it always does!
The good thing is that life does not stop just because we are leaving in two weeks so we have plenty to distract us! If the Lord puts us on your hearts, please pray for us as we prepare. Please join with us in trusting the Lord for good weather on the 9th when we drive to Chicago. Please pray that I will pack all the things we "need" in as few bags as possible! Thank you!
No comments:
Post a Comment