Here is a recap!

March 5th, 2008

Tomorrow we leave for Lima and then back on to the states.  This trip has been full of LOTS of learning experiences.  Here are a few things I want to remember here, you know for posterity and such. 

Things to bring next time:

• 2 bottles of children’s/adult Tylenol.2 bottles of children/adult pepto
• a large box of band-aids
• actually, now that I think of it a first aid kit.
• a box of Legos or building type toy.
• a finger nail brush, to scrub those dirty little hands.

Things not to bring again:

• We could of packed even lighter.  Mike does not share this conviction, however, he did not do the laundry every day.

Things to think about:

Although, before children, spending 6 weeks abroad was a good time frame that allowed us to fully experience and develop deep relationships in a given location, we feel that 5 weeks this time, as a family was too long.  There are a few reasons. Is it really possible for a family of 5 to be completely involved in any given community fully  in such a short period of time?  Mike and I had hoped so, but see now that you would need a much longer period of time.  Minimum 1 year but more likely, as we have found even in south Florida, 2-3 years.  

Things we will miss:

• The view of the city at night and the mountains by day.
• Little dogs wearing sweaters.
• All the new nature and wildlife we have seen.
• Not having to drive everywhere.
• Being able to walk out my front door within a block, find a store with something I need.
• The ability to be immersed in a new culture and learn some of the ins and outs.
• Of course our friends living here in Peru.

Gifts We Will Be Taking Away:

• Absence makes the heart grow fonder. We are deeply thankful for the people that God has called together in South Florida.
• Deeper vision of the work back home.
• A reality check on why we moved to Jupiter, Florida in the first place.
• A love for the body of Christ in all its varied forms.
• Deep Thankfulness for all of the friends and family who have believed in us, supported us and prayed for us on this adventure.

I am not sure how our connection will be in Lima, so  I may  not be around for a few days.

See you all soon!

Entry Filed under: International Travel