Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Bittersweet Memories and Coming Home!

We've arrived in Atlanta.  It's harder than one might think to come back because coming back means leaving.

When you come back, you leave the polite and respectful demeanor of the Central American culture for the gruff commanding and demanding Atlanta workers.

When you come back, you leave inexpensive latino food options of the Honduran airport in exchange for the mega corporation restaurants of the Atlanta airport.

When you come back, you leave those you've grown to love as part of your team.  We've already had to say bittersweet goodbyes to our five Texas team members, two Kentucky compañeras, one Tennesseean catrocho, and soon our solo Arkansas Little Rockian.

Coming back means leaving so many good things behind.

Yet, we're grateful to come back because our God has never left us and has never changed.

Yet, I'm excited to be here on American soil.  My heart is filled with joy and my eyes with tears as I think about pouncing on my boys in the middle of the night and snuggling with my wife.

Yet, I can't wait to see church family that I've missed for what seems like ages.

Yet, I'm looking forward to a heated house (yes, it was unusually cool in Honduras too!).

Yet, I'm looking forward to sharing with you the stories of faith of so many in our group and of our Honduran brothers and sisters.

Our next flight leaves Atlanta at 10:10pm eastern time and arrives at 11:42pm in Indy.    The rest of the remaining team is eating somewhere near our concourse together while I update the blog and watch the baggage.  It is bittersweet to come home, but we're glad to be here.  We are excited to share our time with you.

From Ecclesiastes 3 - "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— A time to mourn and a time to dance."

I'll be dancing with you soon Ashley. 
¡Hasta pronto!

5 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for this blog update. I have just spoken with Sadie and she misses it already. I am sure that we will be sharing tears as she describes the details of the trip, people she loves whom she just met and God's work there. Muchas gracias!!

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    1. Thank you Kim! Your daughter was a blessing and a needed part of our team. I look forward to having a Bowling Green dinner with you sometime in the next couple months to share face-to-face what a wonderful daughter you have raised by God's grace. You should be proud. Thank you for your trust and your prayers.

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    2. We would just love to have you here face to face! Will you be coming through anytime soon? If not, we'll just give you an invite and make it happen! We can arrange accomodations if you would like to stay overnight. The Marshall's (Chad's folks) have expressed they would love to see you as well. Blessings and let us know!

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  2. Doug and I both know how it is to part with teammates after a mission trip. We are so excited about how God used you all in Honduras! Very proud of you all! Thank you for making this opportunity possible for Luke, Topher. We are excited to hear all of Luke's stories. Thank you again!

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    1. Thanks for the thoughts Bonnie, how is Luke feeling now? Is he recovering ok from the trip?

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Thanks for your input. May you be blessed today!