Gas - Edward Hopper
Current Music Mood - Thirteen - Big Star
Should I really be surprised when things come full circle. When prayers are answered and, after
seeming what was the longest of waits, things are as they were before?
It's been five weeks at the new job, and I feel the circle is complete. Had some old friends over a week ago and we were watching videos taken almost ten years ago of construction we were doing in Mexico.
Before our current situation, the wife and I had planned out our future. In an effort for this family to finally be together, we'd make our home in Mexico. I'd find work as a teacher/translator and we'd build our home somewhere in the Yucatan peninsula, where our two oldest girls lived. We thought about buying a house, but realized it would be easier (and cheaper) to simply put a second floor on the house in Yucatan. Construction started, we'd made alot of progress and in 2009 things were moving along.
I know I've said this before, but life is truly amazing. Now at the riper old age of 47, I can see the past and God's timing in it all. Where I'd see the momentary stoppage/failure/change, I now see the provisions. And I am amazed.
As I watched the video with my friends, my senses were piqued. I closed my eyes and heard the birds chirping, the motos driving by our house on the way to market, and the house slowly warming as the sun rose. I remember the warmth of the tortillas, the small of Zote filling the kitchen and sound of sandals shuffling along the floor. Why had it been so long?
Not all houses have stoves ;)
Then I remembered. Mari and I were expecting that same year (2009). In 2010, we'd learn that our two oldest could come here, and everything changed. Plans, the future, our hopes and dreams - everything. So construction would be put on hold. Money, time, and efforts were needed elsewhere.
But it would stop there. Three months after our second child emigrated to the US, companies were acquired and my work situation changed drastically. Over the next four years we'd suffer, and not have as much as we'd had before, or were used to. I took jobs based on need rather than desire, but it was okay because we were altogether. But I couldn't get ahead.
Then, doors began to open. Visas acquired, then we bought a house. One thing led to another, and before I knew it I was back in the game. A job that I enjoy with a company with endless potential. And it felt just like it did so many years ago. Processes to improve, issues to handle - my surgical, almost archaeological type investigations unearthing what was previously hidden. In the last 2-3 weeks, I've thought and dreamed of that old job so many times. I feel at home.
Several weeks ago, we received current photos of our future home/floor plan. Time hasn't been kind. And with a father-in law and a new pacemaker who now keeps our future home "warm", the strings of our heart were tugged once again as we saw the disrepair. Living in the land of the plenty, now being blessed as we were before arrangements have been made to continue the construction.
My sister-in-law sent me a video. I heard the mariachi song play, the same bird chirped and I could hear the humming of life, just as it's been every time I've visited. Yet in the quickest of moments, I saw something that would completely yank my heart.
It was the moment my father in law was sitting on the edge of his bed, seeing his "updated" surroundings. It's as he is taking it all in, absolutely amazed at what he sees. I've heard how hard life has been for him - extreme poverty, the loss of his wife, separation from several of his children due to economical hardships. And now he has - this. Tears came to my eyes. I'm not rich in financial terms, but i have been blessed with love and the greatest of families.Ad now, after several years of hardship and suffering, I am finally able to share that with someone in need. It is breathtaking, awe inspiring, and humbling in the quickest of seconds. Never could have imagined it, am eternally grateful for it, and I can't wait for next opportunity.
