Clearly I am no longer on the airplane because that would be pure torture considering we left the DR two days ago, but I wrote this on the way home. Then I got home and was nearly assassinated by a huge pile of laundry and forgot all about it. So I’m posting it a little late. Just pretend like I’m not and the world will be a happier place.
At the moment I’m writing this I am on the plane from Miami to Dallas. I’m listening to my sweet 80’s mix on my iPod because international travel puts me in the mood for Chicago’s greatest hits with a little old school Michael Jackson and some Tiffany thrown in for good measure because who doesn’t like Mall Rock. I won’t lie, it’s a mix that is 31 flavors of awesome.
We left the hotel this morning at around 7:00 a.m. and I immediately regretted my decision to stay up until 2 a.m. the night before and then take a Benadryl. The good news is I’ve been able to sleep intermittently on various legs of the flight and treated the people next to me to the glorious sight of me sleeping with my mouth open.
When we got to Miami we had to clear customs, which took a sweet forever and then headed straight for some comida Americano (that means “American food” for those of you who aren’t bilingual). Most of our group decided on California Pizza Kitchen, but I went straight up Burger King because my gastrointestinal system hadn’t been exposed to fine fast food cuisine in six days and that is too long, mi amigos.
I am so ready to get home to my peeps I can hardly stand it. And I’m not just saying that because we’re going straight to eat Mexican food the minute they pick me up from the airport. I’d be glad to see them with or without the presence of warm chips and guacamole. But don’t think I’m not going to scarf down copious amounts of avocado and cheese-based products.
This past week I’ve talked a lot about Compassion and the people of the Dominican Republic, but there’s a whole other element of the trip that I haven’t discussed, spending a week with eleven people I’d never met before.
It’s kind of a weird thing to go to a foreign country with a group of strangers. If you don’t like them then the best you can hope for is that you find a few locals to hang out with who don’t get tired of you asking them how old they are because it’s the only Spanish phrase you know.
I can say with all honesty that the group exceeded my expectations. And there’s nothing better than starting a week off with everyone being polite and ending it being comfortable enough to make fun of each other.
On the last night, we all met in the conference room of the hotel to talk about the week and share any thoughts we had about the whole thing. We talked about the serious aspects and then talked about some of the other things we’d done, such as jumping off a cliff into the Caribbean. (Not me, by the way. My days of jumping off cliffs are long gone, if they ever existed at all. Which they didn’t. Risk taker? Not so much.)
One day a group of us went down to the beach area outside the hotel to witness the aforementioned jumping off cliffs. I made the comment that I’d stuck fairly close to Marlboro Man on the way down to the water because I figured if he can wrestle steers (cows?) to the ground, then he could probably take on a thug hiding out near the ocean if the need arose.
Shaun asked why I didn’t feel that way about him and I had to tell him it’s because he’s a musician AND he went to Baylor. Neither of those things really scream BODYGUARD MATERIAL.
But, Shaun, if I am ever in the need for some great adult contemporary music, you are totally my go-to guy. And if y’all don’t believe me you can go here and listen to Shaun’s new song. I’ve probably listened to it a hundred times in the last week.
Glad you made it home safely and can’t wait to read more about the trip & how you’re processing it in the days to come. Peace of Christ be with you, Melanie.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. I’m glad you made it safely home and I know your peeps are glad to see you.
I’ve loved reading your posts all week. What a great experience you had. And you did such a wonderful job helping us to live it – at least just a little bit – through you.
Glad you’re home. Hopefully the laundry monster has been placated.
Glad you are home safe. I have enjoyed your posts. I sponsor a little girl from Malawi named Mercy. She has the same bday as my 3 year old, so we celebrate her too. Oh, and you are just in time for my blog debut!!!
Thank God for all things constant & healing, such as His Love, Mercies, and chips & guacamole! And of course, an experience in the DR that will probably never be forgotten. Glad you’re home safely!!!!
How did Caroline greet you when you got home?
Welcome home. Wonder what He has in store for you now…..?
Ouch.
I took you to the Caribbean and…just…well…I…ouch. That’s all I have. Ouch.
And I’m buying a Stetson, some boots and some pec implants first thing Monday morning.
I’m missing your humor, Melanie. How will I ever stay humble without you?
What you talking about, Fat Girl?
It truly was a remarkable journey with a wonderful group of people. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Well, maybe I would have seen Ana light up with hope and joy after meeting you, but I have no doubt that will come with time.
You’ll make a difference in her life.
So glad you made it home safely and can’t wait to hear more about your trip. It was awesome reading about it daily while you were there.
So glad you made it home in one piece, and I’ve loved reading about your experience. I’ve been truly moved by all your group has seen.
what happened to your blogroll??
Grateful for your safe return…grateful for your willingness to go and to share with your readers…grateful for what you left behind and for what you brought back…God is faithful. What a beautiful, amazing journey!
Wasn’t it just the most awesome group of people? I have y’all on my ‘wanna blog about it’ list.
Mary, glad to be home but missing y’all
My Chris and I were just discussing Baylor guys and how he always teased his bro in law for going there. Said bro in law called to rub the game in our face this weekend. He’s totally off the Christmas list…and certainly getting coal.
Yipppeee for being home. And that Baylor comment…………I guess I have to forgive you for that one then move on.
Clearly, your blog is suffering from jet lag. That’s why the timing is all messed up.
Marlboro Man was clearly the better choice. I mean, I’ve heard Shaun’s arms even look like ZUCCHINIS at times. You don’t want to be one green squash away from disaster.
It has been so great reading all of your posts. It is so strange though – thinking that if I hadn’t had a nursing baby, I would have been with you. But I believe God knew all about that timing and Jennifer was meant to be with you.
Howdy. I am so touched by your recent trip to DR. Aren’t mission trips awesome. I still think of my trip to Russia in 94′. Life-changing event. I wanted to get your address because I have a surprise I want to mail you. Please email it to me when you get a chance. Thanks. Heather Rice Owner-Faith Creations, LLC.
casaderice@att.net
There’s a broken link in this post. The word Compassion links to an error page.
Nice to have you back state-side again.
Welcome Back! I’m so glad that you all made it back safely. I enjoyed reading each of the teams posts while you were gone. Continuing to pray for each of you as you settle back in at home. Praying that God’s blessings will continue to surround you.
Thank you for sharing your insightful and thoughtful posts from your journey.
About that Baylor comment, though…well, we grow ‘em strong in a different way there! http://tinyurl.com/6czxfx
I have enjoyed stalking your blog (not in the freaking weirdo way:). I am so glad that you had a wonderful trip. It makes me want to hop on a plane to India to meet our sponsor child M. Rajamani (don’t know what the “M.” is for, but that’s how he signs everything)
I have to tell you I am completely jealous you got to spend a week w/ Marlboro Man. I mean did you just grill him on his favorite recipes that Ree makes, does she ever go anywhere w/out her camera, etc ?!? I just made Penne a la Betsy tonight….yummy.
Have fun getting back to “life”!!
Thanks for sharing your experiences from your trip with your readers. How awesome that you ‘answered the call’. I’m sure this was an experience you’ll never forget.
Thanks also for sharing a beautiful song. I totally understand why you’ve listened to it 100+ times!
Blessings always,
Kaye
Boo Ya