Once we were able to sit and think, we quickly realized that we were totally emotionally wrecked. Leaving home, for some reason was a lot harder than we had anticipated. Once we left the heartfelt goodbyes, we sat on the plane thinking, “What in the world are we doing?”
Justin looked at me and said, “It is hard to imagine that there is something better out there when you have some many people who love you at home.” This is so true. And the longer we were here, we kept thinking of all the things that we could have been doing. Justin also said, “We could be at home watching LMN with Kalise.” This made my heart sad. (LMN is Lifetime Movie Network and a favorite activity with KaliseJ)
There were some initial reminders that we weren’t in America that hit us right from the beginning. Of course, the traffic was insane and Justin might have said his first cuss word as we dodged a road sign. Also, the smell of waste and sewage is an immediate reminder that things are different. For some reason, this time around we aren’t as shocked as our fellow team mates. Instead, we kept thinking about home.
It is our catch 22 because we long to be in the company of our family but we are propelled to continue such a journey because we have had nothing but love and support. I just wish I could put them in a little bottle and carry them in my pocket and let them out when I need them. We are selfish beings and I want both to follow where God leads me but keep all my comforts within arm’s reach.
We have however seen how thankful we are to be together. We know this has to be one of the best ways to strengthen our marriage and the dependence we have on each other. I can’t imagine being here alone. God has created this time and our marriage to benefit each other. For that we are thankful.
I joking wrote in my journal, “Most married couples sign up for a weekend retreat, in an air conditioned building, with Jimmy and Karen Evans with a cute title like, “Rekindling Your Romance.” We sign up for a year long trek away from all comforts, away from our loved ones, in hopes that God shows up and changes our hearts.”
