Last Week in Mexico

It's hard to get my head around it, but this is our last week in Mexico.  We will probably be leaving here next Thursday or Friday and my heart is a jumble of emotions...goodbyes are hard, especially when I feel like I'm just beginning to make some really good connections at our local church.  There is always Facebook and phone calls, but it's not the same as hanging out over a cup of coffee.

We're completely moved out of our apartment and staying with some missionary friends who have five kids and big house.  Between us, there are 10 kids, four dogs, one cat, two fish, and one parakeet who has had his routine severely disrupted because we're staying in his room.  lol  JD has actually not spent too much time with us here since he's been working with a friend, so it's mostly been the 10 and under crowd occupying the house.

Last week was a long week...on the second day of moving, Miguel kicked the kids and I out of the house because neither of us could work well with the kids underfoot and unpacking things we were trying hard to pack.  And as luck would have it, it rained all. week. long.  Remind me to avoid moving in August in Chihuahua next time!  Miguel and the guys had to keep changing moving plans to avoid the downpours and the laundry piled up ever so quickly.  But we got things done and we're moved and that's that.

Except now, I've crashed.  Bottomed out.  Reached my limit.  I guess it's to be expected after the big push of last week when Miguel and could scarcely snatch a hurried kiss on the cheek, much less an emotional connection or time in the Word.  This home has been a refuge for me and for that I'm grateful or I'm afraid the crash would have been worse.  So while I can't necessarily just cancel everything on my plate at this point, I am taking time to recharge, refresh and get ready for what's next.

Now we have the goodbyes to look forward to, or not look forward to, rather.  I would much prefer to say au revoir...we shall meet again.  I hate goodbyes, would much rather just duck out in the middle of the night and not have to look into the eyes of my friends and see their pain or feel mine.  It's hard for those outside the missionary life to understand what it's like to have a calling from God that takes one away from dear friends...and yet one day I hope to see them in a place where we'll never have to say goodbye again.   Okay, it's late, I'm tired and now I'm just getting mushy.

Anyway, I perk up a little when I think of the hellos on the other side of those dreaded goodbyes...hello to friends back home, one of our home churches, sisters, my Mom and stepdad who are retiring to the family farm this month, humidity...we also have received word that there has been a cancellation at our church's missionary housing giving us a place to stay from the time we arrive through March of next year if we need it!  Furthermore, they have a second vehicle available for us to use...so many blessings as we see God provide!

Okay, gotta run and tuck in some boys who need their mommy to pray with them.  Good night and God bless!