Impressions from home

First impressions, being away from home for 3.5 years is enough time that there are first impressions again. The USA brought back the old like a new experience. The smell of green, Bocachica has green in the rainy season, but the smell isn't the same as NC. The grass smelled what I would have imagined green would smell like. I know the smell of brown, the dirt and dust. Burlington smelled of freshness and green. Grass felt like carpet, soft and clean.

 Food, there is something spiritual about food. I think I had an experience when I came back and tasted the ordinary. The flavors were rich and deep. The quality of food and the tones. Baby back ribs, bacon, Ginger chicken, steak, Italian sausage. There is so much variety that three weeks isn't enough to review the American menu.

Safety, it is strange that the laws of order liberate one to exercise freedom, even strange freedoms. No walls with iron bars and barbed wire. Some inject fear into such tranquility, but the reality is there is freedom to do a lot without recompense. Bikes in the lawn, windows open at night, a simple lock on the door with no one needed to guard the house.

 Abundance, there is so much of everything. Cars, clothes, houses, shopping centers, tools. Everything can be done right with the right tools. Everything functions in order, and it is upsetting if on occasion it doesn't. Water, electricity, telephones. I enjoyed the blessing of being home, it is the best place in the world, I think. It is sad to imagine that the majority population in the world will never get to live in an environment like the USA. Bocachica is closer to the environment of the world majority, it has benefits, but it is hard living compared to the USA. Americans have a privileged place in this world. That privilege shouldn't be rejected, though that seems to be in style these days, but used to bless others. Use the advantage to lift others up, and spread the good news.

Patriotism, after touring Washington DC and seeing the history of our USA. Seeing the museums and monuments gave me an appreciation for the work and lives that have gone into our past. Christianity has had a major part in this considering the referencing of God in so many places. At the Lincoln memorial a friend mentioned how awe inspiring it was to read what is inscribed on the walls. Not only the quality of writing, but the depth of relationship with God that shows. The USA can try to ignore this aspect of history, but until they erase the stone it is permanently reminding us. The Christian culture of the USA is something that is taken for granted and something that I miss.

 Church, Christ's bride, it was refreshing to see old friends, and renew relationships. The church seemed the same and new. The church in NC wasn't so overwhelmingly lost in sensation. I think because we have the church in Bocachica. Two very different styles and places, but very similar. Similar because of Christ. I miss our friends from Antioch, but the building, liturgy, music didn't create the ambiance. What triggered emotion was fathers holding young children close, something that isn't common in Bocachica. A young sister crying for her sister that passed away. Gray hair showing among many sitting with third generation heritage. It is great to experience church in the ways it is supposed to be.

Via Geoff Gentry

Via Jorge Caraval

 Thank you all who helped with this trip, and all those who support our work here in Colombia. It was great to see you all, it was refreshing and fun.
We think of you all often, blessings,
Nate