Finally home...

Finally, after months of raising funds, traveling, speaking, stressing, doubting, fighting, planning, packing, storing, sorting, moving, and every other possible action associated with preparing for and getting to the mission field, Lisa and I are finally here. 

We woke up at 3:30 am in Oklahoma City yesterday, May 26th, and arrived at the airport at 5 am. Somehow God apparently caused our luggage to get lighter and all of our bags were under the weight limit, well one was exactly 50 lbs, but the others cleared the limit by about 2 pounds. After a tearful goodbye with my parents, Lisa and I walked through security to begin our first major adventure as a married couple. After a brief layover in Houston, we arrived in El Salvador at 11:10 am, tired and weary from weeks of living like nomads, long days, and short nights. Once again it appears that God was making His hand evident because from the time we got off the plane, it took a total of about 15 minutes to get our bags (all of which arrived!!), get our tourist visas, and go through Immigration/Customs. Now, how in the world 2 gringos with a cart full of luggage cleared Customs without getting searched I'm not sure, but God has his way, even in foreign customs. 

We were met by some good friends who are also MA's here, Jacob Noel and Faith Bates, and enjoyed the day getting back in touch and getting settled in our home for the next 2 months. We are staying at the Castle Camp on the beautiful Lago de Coatepeque, a lake that is in the crater of an active volcano. It is quite the beautiful sight, particularly as the sun comes up over the mountains and fog rests on the waters. It is amazing how a country so full of such beautiful vistas can at the same time be home to some of the greatest acts of violence and unthinkable attrocities. 

We have hit the ground running and will be going steady until August 3rd when we board the plane to head back to Orlando for General Council. Can't wait to get started and see all that God has in store for us.