I wish life had a pause button, so I could have ample time to reflect and process without missing anything new. I've yet to take the time to adequately formulate my 
thoughts on my time in Nicaragua. I know I'm glad I went, but I want to think through some things before I say much more than that. My grandfather (who was widowed a few weeks ago) has been in the hospital in Macon 
since last week and is in intensive care, and I returned to work today after being gone 15 days...and am contemplating heading south to see him. Life feels really busy...and full...and good. God is providing all around me, and I'm grateful that I see that. On Friday each child received a Jolly Rancher, and the little girl in the photograph with me came running to find me--and handed her Jolly Rancher to me. That may not sound like a big deal, but in this community children never receive candy (or much of anything material). She was so glad to have something to share, and it made me wish that I had a heart of that sort of gratitude, rushing to share something I've received instead of holding it so closely--finding more joy in having something to give to others than in possessing something new.
This is the pastor of the local church and his wife Lorena; this is how they get to the closet town with a store. Their daughter often rides on the same bike with them.
p.s. I'm grateful for friends...friends who welcome me back so warmly, who want to hear about my experience, who take papers to the hospital for my grandfather when I can't, who ask me personal questions because they care and want to help my grow in my faith, who text me randomly, and who obviously love me.
12 comments:
I completely understand what you mean about wanting a "pause" button. Especially in periods where I feel like God is teaching me a lot I always wish life would slow down so I don't miss anything.
Your trip sounds like it was amazing! I hope all is well with your grandfather, I'm sorry to hear he's in the hospital.
WOW what a great experience. The Jolly Rancher story almost made me cry. This is a great reminder for how well we have it in USA.
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. I hope he recovers very quickly. If you do head South, have a safe trip.
Please call us! Tim will go check on your family anytime. The pics are beautiful, and it sounds like your trip was amazing. I'm praying that God will continue to provide for you as you need it, even as you feel super busy and needed here there and everywhere. Love you, girl!!
I'm glad to help provide for this trip. Had I known, I would have contributed more so you could have taken more Jolly Ranchers. :P
Very sorry to hear about your grandparents and the recent turn of events. Especially after my most recent blog post.
it sounds as though you've had a wonderful experience. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it all :)
I'm very sorry to hear about your grandfather. I hope he makes a good recovery. *hugs*
I totally understand that wanting for a pause button. There have been so many times in life I wanted to freeze the moment and just soak in every smell, feeling, taste, and sound of it all. I'm glad your time in Nicaragua was such a rich experience for you.
Praying for your Grandfather. Hoping he comes out of intensive care soon.
Sounds like a wonderful opportunity you had, to learn and see how others live.
I'm sorry about your grandparents. Sounds like a rough time for all. I'm glad you at least have the kind of job that allows you flexibility in traveling and being with him during this time.
Unless you've been on a trip like this before, it's hard to understand just how hard it is to come home from something like that. It took me about two weeks to get both physically and mentally back home after I set foot on American soil again. I was fortunate to have a few close friends who went on the trip in months before me who knew enough to give me my space and knew what to say to help me process something like that. That's a good word for it...processing. I always tell people that when I come back from Guatemala I am a little broken and it takes me a few weeks to get put back together again.
I'm thinking about you and your family...so sorry to hear about your grandfather and I hope he pulls through.
What an incredible gift that little girl gave you...it makes me think of the woman in the Bible who gave her only two coins and Jesus said she had given more than all the others. God's economy makes so much more sense than our selfish economy :)
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather and will be keeping him in my prayers. Thanks for the update and the beautiful pictures.
Welcome back and thanks for educating us on Nicaragua!
Looks like you got a mild sun tan on :)
Hope your grandfather gets better!
I don't even know you, but I'm eager to hear about your trip after you've processed everything, or at least some of it.
Terri G.
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