Rice and Beans of Life: Coming and Going

Sunday ... a day of rest
and Monopoly.

I imagine Father watching over my coming and going this week much like one would watch a tennis match or perhaps as one would watch a child on a swing ... back and forth, up and down and all over again. In many ways I felt distant from Father this week, like He was that "elderly neighbor" sitting at the window. I would smile and wave as He sat contemplating ... "There she goes again, I wonder where she is going and what is she doing now?" As any good missionary is keenly aware, my demeanor reflects His countenance. As said missionary, I tried hard to comply with this 'actions speak louder than words' thought process. Sadly, at times grumbling, gritting my teeth and an irritated stare toward those I love most, bore witness to my soul choosing selfish worry instead of trust.

Maybe I should have titled this confessions of a missionary ... This week He was not always the first thing on my mind as I awoke from my dreamland stupor. Instead of the peaceful awakening of gazing upon His beauty, I was rudely summoned by a beckoning bladder. It was usually the "things to do today" that alerted my brain into go mode at these irrational hours. Why? ... Why did I choose tense shoulders and a rambling mind instead of lifting my eyes to the hills? I can rationalize that these things needed done on the day they needed done ... and they did. However, imagine the sweetness of His peace in those "irrational morning hours" when I chose to lift up my eyes to the hills "that surround us" and see where my help comes from! Those blissful moments when I stepped in for worship, prayed for someone and sobbed my way through the Crucifixion once again were gentle reminders that ... The Lord watches over my coming and going and He knows just what I need. I'm humbled at the simplicity of a lesson learned once again ...

I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth ... the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121: 1, 8

Life on the Mountain

Preparing Casa VidaNet for the 86 youth and 46 staff that inhabited its walls and pathways this week ... Life, laughter and Vida Missions energy ... When my meat guy didn't come through with the big order I asked for, Father directed my path to another who I'm most certain needed to know the gentleness of Father's presence ... Feeling the physical presence of Father's love of from hometown churches who have affirmed and supported us on this journey ... Feeling blessed by my soulmate as we walk this journey together ... A heart to heart with Rosario, breaking down walls and building each other up ... the gift of Clinica Cedcas to take care of our mighty men when they get sick and the blessing of free medicine ... It took teamwork to get it all done, bought and organized and Saturday morning at 6 am, they all left for outreach! ... Sons who know we're not perfect parents and offer forgiveness and love when we don't deserve it ... Taking a 'sick day' Sunday to let Adam rest and recuperate but really because we just needed a day to rest and not go anywhere before 2 more teams converge on Casa VidaNet tomorrow ... Lifting up my eyes!

Praises

A day of rest

Good health care and free samples

God connections when my path is changed

Blessing of sharing our hearts in English

Resting in Father's peaceful embrace as we pray for our "kids"

Laughter with Rosario, Rita, Naty and Allison

Opportunity to use the gifts He gives us

Teamwork and common vision

Prayers

Healing for Adam

Healing for all the sickness in Casa VidaNet