Impressions After Three Weeks

It may not seem like much,
but it's home - and filled with
a thousand little blessings and
opportunities each day.

It's been just over three weeks since we arrived in Xela. Hard to believe, huh? It's also been almost 6 weeks since we left Iowa. (Harder still to believe!)

I find myself frequently awe-struck by the beauty of this place, the mystery of a million little differences between here and home, and the wonder of the fact that God allowed US to do this.

Seriously - at least a few times a week I can't help but comment, "Hey, Farriers - we are living in GUATEMALA!"

I hope that never wears off. (The language barrier, though- that can wear off. Aaaaaany time now. For real.)

Mark and I were talking with Rachel yesterday (as we walked miles back to our house after a malfunctioning electronic key fob hampered us from being able to get into our Jeep... it's a long story), and we came to the realization that so many of the things that were/seemed really hard to begin with have become total non-issues now.

Not being able to flush your toilet paper. No papertowels in any bathrooms. Remembering not to rinse your toothbrush under the faucet. Having to wash all the veggies with elaborate, scientific precision. The suicide shower head. The horrible roads. The constant dirt and dust. All of these things are now completely insignificant -to the point that we really don't even think about them anymore. They're just a part of our dailys lives.

In fact, instead of noticing and focusing on the negatives and challenges (of which there are many - don't get me wrong), we're actually at a place where we're discovering a whole wealth of new, tiny wonders and delights each and every day.

Payphones on every corner, which people still use...

The way they wipe the dust off the 5 gallon water bottle before they pass it across the counter at the little tiendas...

That a hug and a kiss on the cheek are the standard greeting...

Haircuts for men aren't complete until the barber has shaved the stray hairs on your neck with a straightrazor...

That the employees at McDonalds open the door for you, carry your food to your table, and gladly take your tray when you're done...

The girl in the market who carries around a scale and will tell you your weight for 1Q (and the fact that paying 5Q [around $0.40] for our whole family to get weighed costs us practically nothing, but gives her enough to buy something to eat that day) ..

The window washers who so tirelessly (and perilously) wash windows at stoplights in hope of earning a couple Qs...

The beauty of the people...

The beauty of this place...

The beauty of being allowed to be a part of it all.

Honestly, I don't know what else to say except that God's been so very, very good us, and we are humbled and privileged to be here, and excited to see what new wonders, blessings, and opportunities He sends our way in the days, weeks, and months to come.