Snippets of Life

Yesterday, Rodney & I were watching a sermon online when some of the teens from the Grand Rapids Youth Team who are currently here for ten days, came into the living room. We kept listening until the noise volume of the group got a little too loud, so we stood to move into a different room. Rodney let the team know that anyone who wanted could come. One girl stood up and started to follow, and then I heard her say - - "Is it weird that I'm going with the old people?"

Nope. Not weird at all. But what IS weird is how you're going to have to explain the black eye you got from the NOT-OLD missionary who lives here.

   - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ -

This morning I found something that I wanted to make sure to bring home on my trip (IN TWO DAYS, but whose counting?) and went to put it with my passport. 

And.

My passport wasn't there.

Holy adrenaline rush.

In those desperate minutes of frantic searching and even more frantic praying, I had visions of needing to call NH and tell people I wasn't coming. It was horrible.

And then, in the last place I knew it could possibly be, there it was in all it's navy blue glory.

Un-flappable.

Trusty.

Worn.

And now - stamped with awesome countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.

My Passport.

 - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ -

Last night we had a game night at the church. It's so loud and so fun.

I remember doing them my first trip here - getting to know the amazing people, feeling my heart expand to include a new dimension of culture and community.

So Much Laughter.

And I remember the first game night after I had lived here for a few months. A team was here, and as I sat there playing and laughing the thought hit me... "I am on the other side, now." 

I'm not a team member. I live here.

Last night's game time had an abrupt and solemn end, as some of church members were robbed at gunpoint while standing out front. We're all incredibly thankful that no one was hurt, but please pray for the four that were involved.

 - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ - ___ -

Praying for a place that I love, with a person that I love.

(Thanks, Nicole, for capturing this precious moment)