On Wednesday Rob and Marta left around 3:00 and we suddenly felt a bit small on this big property. There is so much that could go wrong. It was brutally hot and no clouds in sight, so we jumped in the pool. I had a moment in which I realized what an unbelievable gift this really is. I felt so loved by God that He would work out such amazing plans for us. I could not stop thinking about how the bible speaks to the truth that God has amazing, abundant plans for our lives that we cannot fathom. I thought about how odd it was that we met these people while we were working at TCA, and how random it is that we would find ourselves three years later enjoying all of the things we love about Toledo District but without the pressure of nagging doubts. The nagging doubts tried to consume us when we lived here. It came with the pressure of wondering if we had made a mistake. But, on Wednesday, sitting by the pool amidst huge trees, plants and birds calling, I had a deep sense of wonder of how little we gave of ourselves, and our things, and how much more we received. And, how much more there is yet to come.
I started making pizza, and Kevin took off to drop Aaron out to Machaca Road for a game of football (soccer) with his teacher, fondly known as “Sir.” They play at dusk. I could envision the bugs and mosquitoes having a party, calling all of their friends that fresh meat was on the way! When we lived here, Aaron was oblivious to how much he was getting bit. He hated bug spray and would scratch until his legs were raw. He had staph infection twice due to the bites, yet he never complained. Rob and Marta both came down with malaria this year, a good reminder that these little buggers can be dangerous.
On Tuesday, I promised Marta’s mom that I would make her something American. I had no idea how much she missed something simple like a hot dog roasted over a grill. So, when I told her about our dinner plans she just looked at me and said, “I love pepperoni pizza with black olives.” Noel was fortunate that there was one more can of black olives at the market and it was only $7.95! After we ate, I took Noel her pizza and we sat on her veranda for almost two hours, (I have the bites to prove it). I love listening to her stories and she loves telling them. I could not believe how much time had passed as I realized I forgot my flashlight. No way to get back across the grass to the main lodge. Well, I supposed I could have done it, but my mind was awash with creatures waiting for my white legs to tromp through the grass. Finally, I saw a head light….it was Adam! I said goodnight to Noel with the promise of a special dinner on Thursday night too.
As we tucked in for the night, we heard the wind begin to blow. Grace jumped up out of her bed at the first crack of thunder. She made Kevin put his hand over her right ear as she buried her left ear in the pillow. It was really bizarre sleeping under a thatch during a tropical, rain storm. It is sort of like camping but it is different in that the thatch drops its old leaves etc, on your bed as the wind blows and the rain comes down. Grace said…”This thing better work!” She was referring to the thatch. I told her that it was very safe and put together by people who have slept under them for thousands of years. I am not sure when we all fell asleep, but it was a good end to a beautiful day.
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