It is
incredible be here for the first time with my entire family. Shepherds
historically are nomadic, and I suppose that characteristic has helped us
arrive at this place. Somehow I breath easier when I am here, and after
watching my wife and children in this place for a day… I can tell you we all
know that this land is now our home.
We boarded
our flights today with feelings of peace and excitement. Aleksandra was in full
blown chatterbox mode as she watched the earth fall away and greeted the
clouds. Caleb had pointers for everyone on ear-popping techniques and flight
seat operations (tray-tables, armrests, earphone jacks, lights, air), and
Sterling was an absolute riot, making us all laugh while we watched her laugh
and squeal during takeoffs and landings. The bumpier the ride… the more she
loved it. The only times she cried was when the flights were smooth (and
boring). That child demands to always be on the move!
By our
second flight… I had two cool-cat veterans. They kicked back and joined me with
my love for flight. We spoke some about the 10 days to come. I thanked them for
being willing to embrace this life that we chase, and I gave them my
expectations for the week. Keep your eyes open, keep your minds sharp, listen
for deep truths, be respectful, be flexible, and most of all… do everything
with love. The plane held us with its’ deep rumble and carried our dreams
across the gulf. Several diapers, bathroom
breaks, head bobbing naps, and mild head-thumpings later… the seatbelt sign was
lit and our wheels met the tarmac. Welcome to Guatemala!
We moved
smoothly and quickly through immigrations and customs, picked up our bags, and
made our way outside of the airport where Edgar was waiting to take us to
Mimi’s House. It was amazing catching up with him… like we had never left. We
carried our bags into Mimi’s House and immediately set out on our first
excursion. It was time to pick 9 of the girls up from school. So the five of us
loaded up with Fontaine and made 3 right turns through the city and then pulled
into the compound. We listened as the monitor called through the intercom and
out bounded the girls, dog-piling us with greetings, beaming out smiles, and
burying us with hugs.
We returned
to Mimi’s House where I took the kids and set up home for the next couple of
weeks. Kellie was off with Paula on an errand run and quick tour of the city.
Welcome to the Shepherd Apartment at Mimi’s House! The five of us have our run
of 8 beds, a full bathroom, and an incredible porch with a view of volcano
Pacaya (active volcano Pacaya).
Outside of
our window… the girls laughed and played with Caleb and Aleksandra. Aleks ran
up to me and said breathlessly, “Dad… I don’t know how, but this place is awesomer
than you even said it would be!” She told me about all her new friends, calling
them by name. Yes, we are at home.
Sterling
certainly felt comfortably at home! She stood still with rapt anticipation as I
unpacked and assembled her sleeping pad for the week. As soon as the pink
blanket was in sight… she was reaching for sleep. This evening she has been a
miniature socialite, going from arm to arm, sharing smiles, giggles… and even
snot drool. Our story of adoption rings out loud and true in this place. We
feel our souls deeper entwine with each return.
I spent the
evening on the porch sharing plans and vision with Fontaine and Edgar. It is
powerful how God has drawn our stories together in this place. We come from
different parts of the globe to find ourselves brought together with common
belief.
There is
peace that is greater than the unknown. There is contentment that reaches
beyond comfort and convenience. There is strength that is found in something
bigger than ourselves.
Over the
coming days we will continue to cast vision on our future, and we will work
with the people in Labor de Falle to construct 2 homes, dig and set up a
tilapia pond, and share a day with the children of the local school.
I look
forward to sharing our experiences with you each day.
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