Lands left behind

Mark 10:28-30

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
²⁹ So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife^[a] or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, ³⁰ who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.

I often meditate on Mark 10:28-30.  Surely this verse applies to me!  At times it seems that I left it all behind in order to follow the calling of God on my life.  But, then, doesn't everyone sacrifice something in order to truly live for Jesus?  

Corban in front of the Spring House at Grandma´s

Now that I have children I feel even more keenly the loss I have endured to bring the gospel to families so very different from my own.   There are childhood memories I cherish and wish my children could claim for their own.  Sunday dinners at Grandma's house full of rowdy cousins, animated adult conversation,and  delicious dishes made by aunts.  Grandma´s house is a bit of history in itself.  The house is older than the civil war and was used by the Yankees as a hospital.  The spring house still stands and still houses fresh, cold water.  

At times it saddens me to know that family members I hold dear are strangers to my children.  

Visiting Grandma.  Having lunch with some Aunts.

 There are traditions firmly established in my family that bring us comfort and joy.  Going to the State Fair every year was a  highlight of my childhood.  Oh, that my children could boast the same.  This year we took our children.  Corban enjoyed every aspect.  He loved seeing the big tractors, the shops that sold a variety of agricultural necessities, the food, the rides, the animals, the shows... How fun to see Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins as we spent the day at the fair.  

at the petting farm

There is something special about spending time with cousins.  There is something special about the love and unity of family.

I am so thankful that even over the time and distance I am able to maintain a close relationship with my siblings.  I am thankful for friends that are as close as family.  

Even though there are occasional times when I feel the losses I have suffered of lands, houses, family, and culture.  Above all I can testify that the Good Lord has been faithful to me.  I have reaped 100 fold in this lifetime all that I ever sowed.  AND I CONTINUE TO REAP.  I have made friends in Guatemala that have stepped in to become the family I left behind.  I have married into a warm loving family.  My husband, my soulmate, my bestfriend  is there for me at all times.  He is a good provider for this family, affording us a nice house in a nice neighborhood.  I may not have the 350 acres I left behind, but I do have a good life.  One full of rewards both spiritual and material.  I am satisfied.  And if hindsight is 20/20 then I can look back and say that I have no regrets about leaving so many things behind in order to pursue the plans and purposed of God for my life.  

learning to fish with Uncle Frank and the boys

cousins

 

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.