A Whole New Adventure!

The day finally dawned.  We were going to Virginia!  I was ecstatic- albeit a bit apprehensive about traveling with 2 small children.

It had been almost 2 years since our last visit.  Corban couldn't remember much and was anticipating seeing snow like the last time (he has no real concept of seasons and couldn't be convinced that it never snows in September in Virginia).

After a busy morning of last minute packing of toothbrushes and toiletries, filling the diaper bag with a days worth of bottles and baby food, and then packing lunches and snacks for the rest of us we were ready to go.  A friend who owns tourist buses and helps us with mission teams came to take us to the airport.  The 4 of us, plus 3 suitcases, 3 carry-ons, a laptop, a diaper bag, and a stroller don't fit easily into just any car.

brotherly love while waiting at the airport

watching our plane approach

I was so proud of Corban that day.  He took charge of his own carry-on.  He was so well behaved.  He was a real joy to have around.  Even when we almost missed our connection and had to literally run from one end of the Miami airport to another.  Shew!  I didn't even know that I still knew how to run!!!!!!!

After a VERY long day we arrived at my sister's house.  Somewhere after 1am.  We were all exhausted. The next day dawned bright.  Our little family woke up sluggish, but quickly rose to the occasion as we greeted Aunts, Uncles, and cousins galore!

with Uncle Richard and cousin Nicholas

we took it easy that first day- only venturing out in the afternoon to the grocery store and then to visit my best friend.  Since my family lives in the country (and i mean country) that small trip was a 3 hour adventure!  It felt strange to be driving those roads again after 21 months.

Unfortunately, Cohen had contracted a cold which grew into an Upper Resp Infection on the plane.  He started the trip on Antibiotics and was not quite himself for several days.  That combined with sleeping in new quarters, a new time zone, jet lag, and culture shock meant that our family didn't sleep well for the first several nights.

Still, on Saturday we drove out to my parents house to visit the farm.  It was a fun filled day.  Corban and I rode in the dump truck with my dad--- I even drove it!  We helped put up a round pen, we helped train some horses, went on a trail ride and had all kinds of farm fun.

helping to set up the round pen

Corban helping with farm work

My favorite pastime- riding my horse!

Only 2 days into our trip- the boys were exhausted by mid afternoon and konked out in my parent's den.

Jet lag catching up with the boys

The interesting aspect of this trip for me was to see Corban's reaction.  Going to Virginia to me is synonymous with going home.  Not so for the rest of my family.  My children have grown up knowing Guatemala as home, Corban, therefore felt out of sorts for a good portion of the trip and suffered a very real culture shock.  He was  very impressed with the dishwasher having never seen such a contraption.  Was leery of drinking tap water.  Confused by all the English that bombarded his unaccustomed ears.  Overwhelmed by all the family that wanted to talk to him, play with him, and love and hug on him.


A bit later in our trip he casually explained to a friend how to roast a chicken over an open fire- a reflection of time spent ministering to village families.  He missed tortillas with his meals.  He wondered at the very modern vacuum cleaner.  And while my son is outgoing, his accented English stood him apart on several occasions making him uncomfortable as he tried to explain himself using phrases and expressions familiar to him and often used in Spanish.

A leisurely stroll through the woods

And so, what I thought would be a grand adventure of returning home to visit family, friends, and churches who support us turned into a different type of adventure altogether.  It was a time for my husband and 2 boys to travel to a country and culture foreign to them.