We are on the lasts. Last Monday, last Tuesday, last violin lesson, and last week of school. We said goodbye to our Weston church friends and pastor and I found myself a little sad as the SS teachers hugged my kids and told them they would miss them. We handed the minivan keys back to the gracious couple that gave us freedom and accessibility to do life here for the past three months. Honestly, that van gifted us the ability to go to school, doctor appointments, teeth cleanings, LEGOLAND, and many holiday fanfares. We were able to visit friends, give rides, go to parks, and pick up groceries. I can’t imagine how different the time here would have been without it. Oh I hope that I will be as graciously giving to people in need like this couple was to us.
On one of our recent park trips, I was talking to some other spouses and asking them how they were feeling about this time ending. Surprisingly, they were shocked at how sad they were too. Don’t misread this, we are all so happy to be back with our spouses and life, but sad to be leaving this oddly quilted together family we have made here. We have become bonded through trials. We gather at the bus stop two times a day checking in with each other and seeing if there is any need. We gathered at the donation room for months to grab necessities and to see a familiar face. Our kids all splashed in the pool as we sat and talked about how blessed we were while still trying to figure out how to do life in a hotel room. We had no idea when this makeshift community would end, so we gathered when we could. We made friends with people we may have never met while in Puerto Rico. The hotel helped this bona fide bonding by hosting Thanksgiving dinners, bouncy houses for the kids, a Christmas meeting with Santa, and a spot for the Coast Guard to have an office so we could get mail, make travel claims, and figure out what plan was best for each family. There have been many people and companies that have served us so well.
Speaking of serving, the housekeepers here have dealt with us making their rooms a home. They enter my room while Annabelle and I are finishing breakfast and starting school. We have had pumpkins and crafted scarecrows for Halloween and Thanksgiving, Christmas lights, taped Christmas tree and stockings hung with command hooks. We communicate brokenly in each other’s language, yet the smiles from all break down all walls. They hug all my kids when they come on the weekends and I find out a little about each of them in the few minutes between them grabbing towels and wiping sinks and toilets. They have taught me how to work hard and be thankful for work.
The Lord also allowed us to be able to see medical staff, dentists, and cardiologist in our own language while here. There were no long delays or misunderstandings. That may seem silly to many of you, but these services have not been easily available to me and kids since we started this military journey, let alone in our native language. Ronnie and Lydia have blossomed in their speech while here too! Their days were full of learning with play at the school that graciously opened their doors for a busload of evacuated kids. Their teacher was kind, but firm and have helped them communicate with others much more clearly! They even know colors and can point out objects! I’m so thankful for every, “LOOK MOM! CLOUDS!”.
Why do I write all this? I want to remember. I want to remember how what looked like the worst thing to happen…being sent away from my husband and home…turned out to have so many blessings! Yes, the kids and I all had hundreds of lice, I had an eye sty that closed my right eye, potty training went…well, to the potty, and we often had heads stuffed with colds or allergies, but through it all, the Lord was faithful and kind. He provided what and who we needed just on time. We were also able to give timely hugs and encouragement to others who had rough days too. Trials really do make us run to our Savior and Sustainer more. He is the only one that can lift our heads and hear our cries. We realize that we can’t do this on our own. If you were here, you would often hear all of us pray for the Spirit to help us do what we could not do in our own strength. And He did! Praise God, the Lord was present here in room 1116.
As we leave this Bonaventure hotel and spa adventure, we leave a people who became family. We will mourn that, yet look forward to the homecoming that is coming! Praise the Lord that although we can’t see Him, He always see us! We can trust Him no matter where the wind blows!
Josh 1:9
“Have I not commanded you?nBe strong and courageous. oDo not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for theLORD your God is with you wherever you go.”