Right now, I'm basically a stay-at-home-mom, minus the husband and kids. I've been cooking dinners and scrapbooking all day for over a week. But I'm seeking to do the same thing here in Indianapolis that I had to learn to do while traveling: embrace the moment, be thankful for every gift and experience that rolls my way every day.
I'm so thankful for the chance to rest and recharge. While traveling, resting does not come as often nor is it ever quite as restful. I went for almost four months without a nap, except for the travel nights where I only got at most three or four hours of "plane" sleep.
I've been reminded during this time of the importance of PEOPLE. Last week was productive, not because I saw historic monuments or learned a new language or entered a different cultural context, but because I connected with a lot of old friends, using a familiar language and cultural context. I spent good time with the Lord and with others. It's nice to not HAVE any packed schedule and just focus on people, like I know I always should.
I know that I need the extra rest I'm getting, (luxuriating in the eight and a half to nine hours of sleep EVERY night!!) because I know how hard we will work in Honduras and am trying to get myself prepped for that.
My favorite thing about this last week is being deeply reconnected with church again. It's so nice to be going to small group, going to Sunday school, and going to a church I am familiar with and can do the dance of worship rather than focus on the steps.
February, my not-so-favorite month of the year, is coming up, and I will again be in Honduras. Hopefully this will be a time of joy over what the Lord has done since I was in Honduras in February of 2002 (not a great time). But I am praying for the grace and strength to be prepared no matter what comes up this next month.
Perhaps this is why I have these few weeks: just to recharge my batteries for the battles that lie ahead!
