Cancun Trip - Jan 21-28
Greg’s Trip Home - Jan 21-28…
It was a blessed time. After being away for exactly 2 years, a personal visit felt way overdue.
It started so well, too! Even though I’m a permanent resident of Mexico, I wondered how I might be received after being gone so long. One glance at my Mexican ID was all it took to get my US passport stamped and be waved on my way… welcome home!
No luggage to wait for, so straight to the Customs checkpoint. They scanned my backpack, as they do for everyone… from the plane to outside the terminal in just a few minutes. Via Whatsapp, my family managed to find me a few minutes later. We were happily off for tacos on the way home.
My great grandson, Junior, sat next to me while we waited for our order. He will be 8 years old in April. He’s a walking question machine. I got down to do my pushups one morning… he followed with his own set … just like they should be… I was impressed. He takes care of the dogs—miniature schnauzers—they treat him like he’s the man.
My new grandson Mathias was born Dec. 9th. No questions or pushups with him. He just basically cried every time I tried to hold him. There were a couple of moments though…
The day before I left, it was my birthday. Grandson André, María José and great granddaughter Alexa helped make it special. They work at Costco in Cancun. Well, Alexa doesn’t work at Costco. At 6 months old, she just works on refining her sweet disposition and heart-melting smile.
I love them very much.
Top Right to the Right: Rosy was a close friend of Linda’s and remains close to our family. Her husband and our dear friend Miguel went to heaven a year and a half ago. Who says covid isn’t a thing? Who hasn’t suffered deep losses? Let’s pray for one another and work harder at being there for one another.
THE REST OF MY SPIRITUAL FAMILY…
Jeremy took this picture Tuesday evening, Jan. 25th at Iglesia Bautista Berea (Berean Baptist Church), downtown Cancun. It was our first and oldest church. It’s where my two children grew up. The picture represents a small part of my spiritual family… but it’s a big part, too.
It looks so nondescript… which in itself is a good point to make. We barely see people unless they standout. You see a handful of faceless people. I see 40 years of history. I see a room full of faces with names… and stories to make you weep and leap for joy at the same time.
About 25 people came… masked and socially distanced. Fist bumps are hard to acquiesce to in a culture of hugs, kisses and back slaps. I even spoke with my mask on.
What they asked for was right up my alley. Would I share something about how we got started in Cancun? What were those first years like? It just so happens, I’m blogging about those things now. So I tried to answer their questions.
They listen dfferently than people back in the USA do. That’s because they’re looking for encouragement and guidance. They’re not sitting on their hands wondering what to do for God. They’re already out there on the front lines… shepherding missions, starting fresh in other people’s houses… meeting and praying for the lost people around them.
Their stories fill my heart. The hardships and personal sacrifices that bleed through their commitment leave me ashamed for thinking I paid some kind of a price to serve God.
I love them very much.
More about our other churches coming soon…
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, ESV)
Brother Smith, So thankful you made the trip to see family. All beautiful and I found myself loving them. The Lord has directed your path for many years and you are still listening! That is refreshing my bones! Blessings to you and Carol.