Another fun weekend

Sunday, June 11, 2006

I discovered something else about myself. I come across as a serious person, which I know that I am. My mamá and I were talking at the kitchen table. She thought I didn’t like the family. She thought maybe I was angry about the family or the house or something. I think she also had that thought because I changed from staying eight weeks to only staying four weeks.

I assured her that, “No, I’m not angry. I am a serious person most of the time. Plus, I’ve lived alone for a long time. I’ve gotten very used to a lot of time by myself. It’s been an adjustment to be in a house with a whole family.”

She understands. They have been so respectful of my privacy, never disturbing me when I need to be alone, while making sure to take care of my needs.

When I told her I lived alone, she asked, “Who cleans your house?” I do. “Who cooks?” I do.

“You’ll make some muchacha a great husband.” We both laughed.

Okay, you’re probably going to laugh at me, but I was listening to Christmas music today. Now before you fall out of your chair making fun of me, Christmas music and classical are all I have on my laptop. I needed some English, so it was Christmas music. There aren’t many words in Mozart’s symphonies.

There are several songs that I really like, but this one seemed appropriate somehow. I’ve never really listened to the words of this song, except for the very last verse.

Are you far away from home     
This dark and lonely night          
Tell me what best would help
To ease your mind
Someone to give direction for
This unfamiliar road
Or one who says follow me
And I will lead you home

How beautiful, how precious
The savior ?
To love so completely
The loneliest soul
How gently, how tenderly
He says to one and all
Child you can follow me
And I will lead you home
Trust me and follow me
And I will lead you home

Be near me Lord Jesus
I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with thee there

Take us to heaven
To live with thee there

While I’m listening, it’s actually afternoon, and I’m not lonely. Instead I’m craving some time alone in my house, just me and my dog. But the sentiment is nice.

I’m here in Puebla because I felt God leading me here. There were many obstacles, but He cleared them all.
“God, there’s no way I can afford this.”
     That’s okay. I’ll provide you with friends and family to help out.
“What will I do with my dog?”
     Ask Will and Vivian. They’ll say, ‘Yes.’”
“I don’t know what to do about my house.”
     Did you forget about Dean and Mary, right across the street?
“Yes, I remember them. But what about my lawn?”
     Talk to Donna, she’ll know somebody.
“I’m not sure I can be away that long. I am a rules official during the summer.”
     Vicky will pretend to be mad, but she’ll support you. I’ll take care of her.
“I’m very used to living alone. I’m not sure about living with a family all that time.”
     You’ll be fine. Trust me.
“Are you sure I can learn another language. I’m not a kid anymore.”
     You’ll be fine. Trust me.
“What if I get sick? Wait, I know. I’ll be fine. Trust you.”
     You’ll be fine. Trust me.

So I did, I am, I will continue to.

It’s an interesting adventure. I thought I had prepared myself for what to expect. My expectations were very close to reality. Reality has turned out to be better, like it usually does. Often in my life I have told God what I needed, and how I thought would be the best way to handle the situation. He doesn’t very often follow my advice. Can you imagine that?

He does seem to know what He’s doing, so far. I keep trying to give Him hints and clues though. Someday, in Heaven, I’ll ask Him to explain himself.

“I realize everthing turned out fine, but are you sure I wouldn’t have been better off as a multi-millionaire, or a star professional athlete?”
     You were fine. You trusted me.