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!

Muddling through

Here's a copy of an email I sent earlier (slightly edited)...it will catch you up on the latest...

Just a quick note because it's late and I haven't showered yet (can't actually remember when the last shower was?)...it's been one of those weekends! I think I really crashed after Miguel left on Saturday and it's NOT a good time to crash! I have been so tired, w/o energy, achy, have a light stomach flu, headache coming on...the LAST thing I've wanted to do is take care of four little ones who seem to be sucking the energy right out of me! :( Have really had to deal with the attitudes on my part, I am, after all, the adult here! I've had to plead for supernatural strength and patience!

But honestly, the kids have been exasperating at times...so slow to obey, easily distracted while doing their jobs, fooling around,whiny, etc. and patience is quite scarce on my part! I know that we're all a little out of whack with Miguel gone, but we also seem to be lacking quite a bit in the area of discipline, apparently we've gotten somewhat lax in the last few weeks? Not fun to work on by myself! Anyway, have had to apologize several times for "talking rough"...after one time today, Micah asked me, "Mommy, did you get a good sleep today?" :) Guess he's catching on...

It's true, I generally don't sleep well when Miguel is gone (I usually use ear plugs to tune out the noise, but can't while I'm alone in the house) and to top it off, each kid wants to take turns sleeping with me (Gracia didn't last long, as soon as she fell asleep, I put her back in her own bed due to Very Loud Snoring)...I think after each has their turn, I will have to put a stop to that since I need to get the best sleep I can every night. I have been able to arrange for a good nap each day and I can feel myself slowly regaining energy and joy. Today was a better day as I was able to take more control and had a plan for the day...Gracia spent the day with a friend, even down one kid helps! :) LOL!

The big thing today was a trip to Walmart (not quite like Walmart back home, but still oh so wonderful! We're from Walmart-land, what can I say?!). I used up the last few coffee beans this morning...in fact, there weren't even enough for 2 cups, so I scrounged around and found one little packet of coffee, like you get in a hotel? Not great (esp. since it was decaf!!!!), but it worked, so now I'm restocked on the basics (coffee beans, pull-ups, and milk!) and I shouldn't have to go shopping again until Miguel gets back. whew!

Tomorrow Micah and Gracia head back to school and that will help putus back into a regular structured schedule and I seem to handle that a bit better. Crud, I just realized that I'd forgotten to turn off the coffeepot after making coffee several hours ago...can you smell the charred remains of that pot? I think I'd better call it a day!

p.s. guess you kinda know how to pray for me this week, but also could you specifically pray about dreams? I wrote a post about it awhile back...it seems like when I get physically and emotionally 'down', I experience very bad or scary dreams. Last night I had another one and it was kind of terrifying...I will definitely read the Word before going to sleep, but would appreciate knowing that others are praying about it too. Gracias!