America

The discussion of moving started in October. We believe God confirmed in December and has been affirming it ever since. The biggest question we receive is about my grandparents. It has been a journey of conquering guilt over the last few months. In our human plan, we wanted to stay long enough to see that they were taken care of; however, in time we have had to learn that we cannot make sure that they are cared for if they will not accept help. When we first arrived, they were still recovering from a car accident that had left them in bad shape. They were physically in pain, and they were emotionally depressed. John and I lived with them for the first 9 months we were here. We devoted most of our time to them. John worked with them physically, took Grandpa out for breakfast and newspapers each morning, did handy work around the house, and much more. I was able to just hang out with Grandma; I washed dishes, hung laundry, paid bills, and cooked when they let me. Towards the end of my pregnancy, we moved just across the street. It was an amazing story of God’s provision and faithfulness. Things had to change with Grandma and Grandpa, and that was all right. Even though we live so close, we have asked them for months to consider accepting some of the free help they are eligible for. They are able to do most of the things around the house; however, accidents happen. Although we are across the street, we are not home all of the time, and we are not aware something is wrong unless we’re told (and we’re not always told). When we began discussing the possibility of moving back to the states, we hoped it would initiate a desire for change in these folks. … We’ve had no such luck. So, we have had to come to the realization that we’ve done all we can. Right now, we firmly believe God is leading us back to Texas, and we intend on following Him. We must entrust my Grandparents to Him now…

I feel like I must preface the remainder of the story by saying our lives have not always been easy. In our marriage, we have moved twice without knowing anyone where we were moving. We have lived in 234 sq. ft. without running hot water or a kitchen. We have had lower financial incomes than (I know for a fact) many of my friends could not fathom. This adventure has been one lacking security, comfort, and ease. With that said… we would not change a thing. We serve a big God who has proven Himself time and time again. He has provided. He has been faithful. And He has taught us a perspective that we pray we never lose. We do not count leaving the office in Hormigueros as a failure, but as a learning experience. We don’t think moving here was a mistake, but a necessary stepping stone God has used to make us who are today. Our (almost) two years in Puerto Rico gave us irreplaceable time with irreplaceable Grandparents, these years gave us a stronger marriage with a deeper bond, and this life pit stop blessed us with the most precious baby boy in the entire universe (I won’t apologize…it’s true). Not every piece of our lives turns out perfect. We have worked hard, and we continue to work hard for what we have. However, brace yourself because the rest of this is God’s story. He’s absolutely ridiculously incredible.

The second most common question we are asked is where we are moving to specifically, and, like many other times in our lives, we are not sure. Despite the lack of certainty, God has made one thing clear: He is not leaving without!  A wonderful mentor of my husband’s has gotten the island bug, and wants to live in Puerto Rico (or at least have a permanent spot for when he comes). So, when we first started considering the possibility that our time was coming to an end, we let him know. As God would have it, we are now trading things in the most absolutely amazing way! We are signing the titles of our vehicles to each other, we are leaving our house here furnished so that he doesn’t have to look for furniture, and he is giving us goodies from his house so we don’t have to look for anything either! This journey has been a rollercoaster, and even though it still it…this part of it is my favorite!

There you have it. It’s late, and we head out in the morning. We will miss the sounds of coquis, random roosters in the backyard, free mangos from the tree, the simplicity of life, and the beautiful mannerisms of a hospitable and respectful culture. BUT…we are beyond excited to enjoy a bathtub with enough hot water to use it, cabinets in the kitchen, driving laws for the road that are enforced the majority of the time, American grocery stores, closer proximity to family, and a security of finances that we left behind some time ago. We leave with bigger hearts filled with friends, family (new and old), and experiences we will always hold dear. We will certainly be back relatively often, Puerto Rico. Nos vemos. Dios de bendiga. 



**Thanks for following this journey. Look forward to a different kind of blog in the future at learninglivinglaughingalongtheway.blogspot.com