Learning Every Day

During the two weeks we have been back in Texas, I have thought about what to post here almost every day. Then I would stop thinking about this blog and go eat something either in the swimming pool or with some friends. It's been pretty terrific.

Some themes seemed to emerge. People would ask "So, how is it? What's it like there?" and I'd find myself saying almost every time, "I am learning so many new things!"

That's true. Every day that I spent in Nicaragua this summer I learned something new. New things about food, and the mission, and myself, and 4-wheel drives, and living with other people, and tropical illnesses, and airlines, and the Spanish language, and laundry....

What I didn't expect was that the learning would continue once I was back on familiar ground. Even here in Texas, in "my" house, where I know everything about everything, I am still learning every day.

Here's a little chunk of the syllabus from "Returning to Texas 101"

• I learned that while I would normally classify myself as a cheapskate and a trashcraft lover--I have actually been quite the connoisseur of quality. I learned this when we went into the everything-costs-a-buck-store and this time the merchandise seemed too fancy.
• I learned that the "baby Christians" we knew at Riverside are becoming leaders in worship, in their community, and in the sore spots of their broken families. I learned that God can do so much more than we ask or imagine and that I don't need to be worried about how He will accomplish His plans--He's got it covered.
• I learned that supermarkets are amazing! Did you know there are more than 300 kinds of fruits and vegetables in the grocery store? That's amazing. I learned that even hamburger and ice cream lovers like us will go nuts over the vegetables now that we know how amazing that is! (p.s.--I totally researched this number--don't believe me? read this )
• I learned that I know more Spanish than I thought. After listening to the familiar accents from my Mexican friends, I learned that blaming all my language acquisition issues on "Nicaraguan accent" wasn't a total cop-out after all.
• I learned that there's a wonderful freedom to packing when you only own 8 days worth of clothes. Decisions? No thanks. Just put everything in a bag and you're done! I learned that too many options can be their own burden.
• I learned that Texas in August is really, terribly, awfully, hot. Air conditioners are super great and you should definitely have one. I learned that if it breaks, the repair man could pretty much charge us anything and we would pay it. Gladly.
• I learned that I have never been appropriately grateful for the nice soft tires/bouncy suspension/soft padded seats in our pick-up truck. (p.s. I did not research what makes a ride smooth so quit laughing) I learned to be thankful for room to wiggle my legs and to celebrate ending a ride bruise-free.
• I learned that there really is no substitute for good dairy products. No offense, shelf stable milk people...I tried to buy in to it, I really did.

It has been so exciting to look around these familiar spots with such new eyes. It makes me aware of how much God is teaching me--not about cultures or countries--but about Himself. 

• I am learning that the more I learn, the bigger God gets.
• I am learning that trust feels better than fear.
• I am learning that "dying to yourself" is not a bittersweet sacrifice--only sweet. 
• I am learning that God has hosts of blessings waiting for me when I am finally ready to accept them.