Ever Refreshing Peace

When faced with difficult circumstances, opposition or just plain exhaustion I have found that without the overwhelming peace of the Lord we are unable to pick ourselves up out of the gooey muck we are in and make it through. This past month and a half has been such a circumstance for our family. We packed up all of our belongings into 10 bags (an experience always made more fun when your toddlers are unpacking and repacking for you) .... yet somehow we managed to get it done and get it all in there!!

It is truly crazy the things you can accumulate in such a short time. I can't tell you how many clothes pins I threw away.... its like when you play cards and you keep discarding a 4 but keep drawing a 4 every time - and then discarding it again... I could have opened a store solely for clothes pins had I realized the large quantity we had collected (although I don't even remember buying any or using them)

Either way we made it to Ecuador and after traveling for weeks we just needed to have a home - to be home - somewhere our son didn't have to sleep in a closet. But it just wasn't time for us to be there yet. Now in our car driving home watching the beautiful jungle pass us by I have never felt more at peace. Isn't it amazing how with just a glimpse of the Lord's creation our souls are instantly put at rest and His never-ending strength restores us!? What a miracle. 

My eye has finally quit twitching and the kids are content (especially since Sophia just vomited up dinner and breakfast all over herself and her car seat) Yet, as I sit and reflect - it strikes me how much Adam and I have changed and grown these past 4 years. We are a family now - a family that belongs in the jungle. A family that thrives in a small community and what a blessing of peace to finally be headed there for good - to know and to see how God has changed us, molded us and given us the ability to enjoy being different. 

What an amazement it is that even when its hard - when we get frustrated at the continually changing laws of a third world country, when you say good bye to all your friends and family - when you are in a constant state of change and limbo - to have that peace that passes all understanding - that you are right where you need to be and even when your kids lock themselves in the bathroom or you have no furniture or your son poops 5 times in a 8 hour road trip - that you do have the peace of God in you.

Thankfully, we are home now - and we can begin the long process of making it our 'home' with decorations, furniture and toys. We will start to build relationships and settle into a routine and perhaps start a new collection of clothes pins. 

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" John 16:33