Made it to my Mom's house in Colorado late, late last night. Everything went perfectly for the whole trip!
My Pastor was giving his friend a ride to the airport, so they picked me up along the way. We were early, so I got them a coffee and we gabbed. While we sat there one of the ladies from church came to say goodbye! How sweet. That's a big thing in Honduras, to have a million people see you off.
The flight was on time. In fact we were boarded with the doors shut a half hour early!
As I passed through customs in Miami the man asked, "Where are you coming from?"
"Honduras," I replied.
"Welcome, " he said. He handed me my papers and as I walked away he said, "Keep up the good work and happy belated!"
My brain was still thinking in Spanish, so it took me a minute to understand what "Happy Belated" meant. Then I realized, I never told him anything about Honduras. I have no idea how he knew I was serving there. I could have been vacationing in Roatan! But I could tell that somehow, he knew. God put it in his head to say that.
I had already left by the time all of that sunk in. Suddenly I felt really emotional. Someone from my country was happy to see me back, grateful for my work in Honduras, and even took time to wish me a happy birthday! That was so cool, it brought me to tears. The thought of returning to give him a hug passed through my mind, but I figured that might get me in trouble with people at customs. So I wiped up my tears and thanked God for the little ways he shows us love.
The flight to Denver was loaded and pulled out of the gate early too. The lady next to me coughed a lot, but North Americans are more conscientious about covering their mouths. I was grateful for her thoughtfulness.
I didn't sleep, which is unusual for me. Usually I sleep from before we take off until we land.
The shuttle was there waiting. It was so late, I didn't dare ask any friends to come get me. And my family couldn't. So my Mom said she would pay for a shuttle. The driver was very nice. He moved to the US from Iran in 1979. He had bottled water in cup holders by each seat.
By the time I got to my Mom's house it was almost 1 a.m. We hugged and said good night. Usually we stay up talking, but last night we were both exhausted.
And today is the start of my holiday in the US! Mom volunteered at the library all morning and is currently practicing for her choir. This afternoon we are going to walk in the mall because it's really cold outside. A storm is on the way.
I'm happy to be here. Tomorrow I will see my nephews! Expect a ton of photos!!
