I’m writing this from an airport hotel that is actually nice. I was just hoping for clean because of my nasty Rome experience. I got used to it then yesterday they moved me downstairs on the street next to a laundry shop that had a variety of characters coming and going at crazy hours. It was awful but the location was good for walking most places. I have not had a bath since September. I was told by a classmate that I hold the record for most showers but the record I am most proud of is that I sent out more correspondence than Wiler had seen from a student before. I know this is a second mention so I will try not to mention it again. I am also proud that I completed my DTS. I will say that I have never gotten used to adapters, weird commodes, and weird showers (not a fan of overhead rain-shower attachment). So in the other places I visited I was grateful to have a bed (always twin so I hope my new discipline of not rolling around in my sleep has a purpose). A few annoyances were bug bites, cold, snoring, people sleep-walking into my bed (yes that really happened), and people talking in their sleep. I think I have coped but am I cut out for this community living to become a real missions person?
What does God require of me? What does he require of a missions person. I hope they are the same requirements. I’m…internet keeps quitting so will finish this from home! Flying at 11 am arriving 5 pm with a time difference of nine hours! See ya’!
I am happy for the internet challenge so I can improve my attitude! So…it is now Wednesday and no one told me that when we age our toes wrinkle. Oh wait – that is because I just took a long, hot bath since I was unable to for SIX months (capitols for emphasis). I am happy to be home but it has taken a son and 72 hours for my phone to work, my car to run, and the heater to heat. This morning I woke up to 33 degrees in April. If you are getting the jest of this it is to point out that I – and most people – am a complainer. If you read the above again you will notice I was never shipwrecked, never beaten, not put in prison nor appeared before a judge for my faith. All of my complaining is nonsense. Why Paul described his sufferings was to prepare us for discomfort, no matter the form. I am now comfortable in my home but jet lag is real. Six months is a long time to be away in another time zone. I did not shout, “Thank you Jesus”, when I made my connecting flight. I did not kiss the ground when I exited the airplane but I will tell you that part of my transformation (or, at least, improvement) is that I will accept my circumstances with more grace and appreciation.
A lot has happened already in 72 hours and a lot can happen in seven days. I saw this shared on FB: the palms, the last supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection, seeing Jesus again. A lot can happen in seven days. Happy Easter my friends.
