Opaque Reflection

We sat by the fire last night with our small group, catching up on each other's summer activities. It was a beautiful night, crisp, clear caught somewhere between summer and autumn. There is a thin layer of leaves on the ground, we were clad in our T-shirts, capris, flip-flops and sweatshirts making S'mores, having treats.

We started around our group, sharing what we'd done, where we'd been, what we walked away with. One couple had attended a high school reunion, with multiple reflections. There were memories of life past, friends who'd moved on and those who remained attached to their wild and crazy high school roots, typical, common stories one might hear about a reunion.

Next couple had taken a much needed break to the beach for a few weeks with family, friends, having fun, swimming, relaxing away from life as a pastor at our large church. It was great for them, but left them feeling like they needed just a little more time away.

Another couple had taken their four children, ages 5-7 (a set of twins in there!) to California for two weeks on an adventure to the mountains. The kids enjoyed meeting family for the first time, waterskiing, hiking, Sequoias, and just getting attention! They had a great time, very memorable, all positive.

The last family had taken a trip to the Colorado Rockies, and told of adventures driving up to 12,000 feet, seeing beautiful creation, meeting up with old friends, some family and just creating beautiful memories for their family. I have to admit, with all the talk about out West I was becoming slightly jealous! I LOVE Arizona, Colorado...

Tucked into that conversation was our recollection of our Hungary trip. That was pretty much our "vacation" for this summer, given that T's new job means very little accumulated vacation time. As it was, we had to borrow time to go! We told of the families we'd met, the third culture kids, the spiritual condition of Europe... it was exciting to talk about, we felt passionate about what we'd done and where we'd been. I didn't feel like that excitement was felt by anyone else. It was almost like looking into a pool and seeing no reflection at all.

Sometimes, that is exactly what a short term trip translates into. It's very difficult to transport someone to where you went in just a little 5 minute synopsis. They were interested, just not really understanding and definitely not getting our connection. And that's OK. That trip left an indelible mark on our family, on our hearts and I think we're about ready to put together our trip report. Processing nearly done. The challenge will be to express to our supporters just how amazing our summer trip was.

I'd love to take a family vacation next year, and I have some dreams for that. I have gone places with my family that they don't know about (hehe), but the truth is that God's plan just seems to be taking precedence over my fantasy vacations. Of course, after Hungary, I can see that God knows my heart, because there was something there I'd never thought to dream about, a much richer treasure than I'd ever come across in my own la-la land. And I'm really excited for next summer!