i hated today

Those are strong words..."I hated today."
But I did.
I'm back in Guatemala now, and that's a good thing. But it was difficult traveling with 4-year old twins, a pregnant wife, a small dog, and 6 pieces of luggage to a foreign country. And then we waited at the not-so-safe airport for our mechanic to pick us up in our own car.

(Sidenote) Yes, we finally spent money on a car. Here in Guatemala, a 1996 Toyota 4-Runner cost us about $8,000. I know it's outrageous, but it is what it is.

(Back to my story) I wanted a few things done on the car while I was in the States just to be extra safe. New shocks, brakes checked, lights checked, oil change, etc. It was in great shape, but I just wanted to be sure. I arrived in Guatemala and was handed a bill for 12,000 Quetzals! We paid the bill and went on our way. Remember, it is what it is.


When we were a good 45 minutes out of the city, my car practically blew up. It started dragging like it was in a low 4-wheel gear. I slowed down, and did my best to mess with the 4-wheel drive gear shift....but to no avail. It suddenly siezed up and yanked us to a stop as if we had hit a cement wall.


Now, mind you. We were in the middle of a ton of traffic, in a third-world country, with a smoking, busted car. I didn't know what to do, except get my kids over to the side of the road (yes, those twins), along with my wife (yes, that beautiful pregnant one) and my dog (yes, that poor Yorkie) where everyone would be safe.


But we weren't safe. We were soooo not safe.



And yet...30 minutes later we were picked up by friends who just happened to be traveling to the city, and who just happened to have room for, well...everyone.


And now we are home safe.



Today was a hard day to fast. It was my third day. And I have been disappointed and grouchy almost all day today.


But I know...I know that I am only seeing half the story.


Maybe we weren't supposed to be in that car driving today? Maybe God wanted to protect us in a different way than we can guess or imagine.
And no...we don't have the money to fix the car (we didn't have the money the first time)...but it will show up, I'm sure. I believe it will.


And you know, when we got home we received hugs and kisses from a couple of our Mayan friends. How huge was that? They had been praying for us. They had missed us.


Maybe I don't hate today afterall?

fasting

I'm fasting. I started yesterday. I will try not to make this blog be about my fast, although I'm sure I'll have some things to share if I make it the full 40 days. I wanted to do this for a few reasons:

1) I've never done this before (40 days)

2) My home church in Carlisle is bringing over 20 people here to Guatemala in 40 days, and I wanted to pray for them by name each day. Maybe some of them will join me?

3) I want to learn to listen to God more effectively.

4) I wanted a challenge.

5) I want to lose a few pounds.

I think some of those reasons are good and healthy, and right...some, not so much. Some of my reasons for doing it are coming more from my human nature.

But I'm sure those will be cleared up in 40 days.

40 days!

This is my second day, and I already feel a little lost.

Have any of you done this before?