What a beginning – I think it I have a Guatemala curse or something. Last trip to Guatemala I left my passport at home. This time I carried on 2 bags on my first flight (the one from Atlanta to Detroit), and while going through security I put my wallet in my bigger carry on. Anyway, I arrive at the check in gate in Detroit, and the lady tells me I can check 2 bags. I debate doing so, but I figure, why not? So I do – within minutes I realize that my wallet was in the bag, so I quickly go back to the counter and ask the lady (who is presently working with the person right after me) that I had left my wallet in my checked bag. Less than 30 minutes later my bag was returned – devoid of $555. That’s right, whoever returned my bag released me of the burden of carrying $555. For some reason, I really didn’t appreciate it.
Anyway, the curse of the beginning of the Guatemala trips has continued. All I know is the last trip was a wonderful trip, so I am confident that God is not going to allow this trip to be ruined by a thief. As a matter of fact, on the plane, God challenged me to pray for the person who stole my money. Not really sure how to pray, I stumbled around in my thoughts. “God make them experience 10x the calamity they have brought upon me.” “Father, make them feel so bad about taking it that they find out who’s it was and return it.” “Lord, bless them.” What?? Bless them?? Are you out of your mind? Well, that is what God challenged me to do, so (and I must confess – with much disdain and a little complaining) I prayed that God would allow them to use the money for things that they needed, and that ultimately they might come to know Him as a result – who knows? Maybe someday I will be greeted by a brother who came to know our Savior because of a $555 withdraw from my luggage. Only God knows.
Well, it is 1:16 our time, 11:16 local time, and I probably ought to get to bed. The team is getting settled in at the Wilsons and the Osbornes (thank you both for sharing your homes while we are away). God has been good – we arrived safely with all of our luggage and our health so far. This team is going to be an energetic bunch, so I hope I can keep up. I feel like I am a little tired – some because of recent travel, some because of mental anguish with me stupidly putting my wallet in a bag, and some because a part of me still wants to be home with my family.
Enough for today. Time for rest. Tomorrow we have church and then we are going to Antigua.
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