the good life

I've heard different missionaries name all kinds of things as being "the most difficult thing" about their life in their country of calling.

But man, for us, it's just always been missing life with family.

A lot of the "American dream" has lost its luster for Matt and I as we continue in our walks with Him and the longer we live in a country that's not consumer focused.  It's all just stuff.  

All the stuff we have is His.  From Him, for Him, to be used by Him, at His disposal.  

As such, it doesn't really matter to us.

We can do without air conditioning, without Target, without good roads, even without ice cream.

We don't feel like we're missing out not having any clue what's on TV, not knowing how to text, not knowing what's in theaters, not knowing who in the world Adele is, or not having any clue how to use Adam's "magic phone."  (though he found it amusing that I just kept yelling commands in it's general direction..."WASH THE DISHES")

Living without lots of stuff has kept us from thinking too much of it...keeps us from thinking the stuff matters too much...keeps us remembering what we really need and what really matters.

Which at the end of the day, is not all that much.

But our families matter an awful lot.

And while we thank God EVERY day for the family He has given us in Haiti and around the world, we sure do miss our first families.

Lily thinks no one is as fun as Aunt Lee,

and I have a LOT of sisters out there, but I must agree.

And there is almost nothing quite as peaceful as being taken care of by my earthly daddy.

And Uncle Adam, who even jumps in a freezing swimming pool first thing in the morning because his niece wants him to, only to have her immediately get out because she's too cold, is as giving as they get.

His faithfulness to provide ALL that we have needed has never wavered.

But we sure do miss our first families.

So thankful for a few days away, for a great place and great weather, for the gifts good internet, phone service, restaurants, on-demand movies and grocery stores bring, and for the family He has given us. 

It is a GOOD life in Him, because of who He is, and nothing else.

Bags are packed, and we fly home at 6 am tomorrow.