Of Baby Detergent and Life...

I read this week a funny quote that alluded to the fact that marriage is pretty much saying 'I was just about to do that chore...' I laughed, because I have pulled that one on the husband rather too often. I have been wanting to sit and write for a while, but despite having many things that I would like to share, and then life sort of just takes over. I sit down, and there's no Internet. I sit down, a kid cries. I sit down, I fall asleep. The last couple months seem like a blur... Maybe because I used the same pair of contact lenses for three months.

Many things have happened since we welcomed our daughter. She is doing great, and her brothers are still very excited to have her and have become sweet caretakers. Brother #1 is still very smitten, and now has realized he can make her smile and laugh. Brother #2 has realized jumping around her head when she's in bed and smacking her face with his shoes wasn't fun the first time, and it still isn't; he is now also working hard to make her smile - as in pulling her lips with his fingers. Beside hanging out with my little peeps, I have been given great opportunities to fellowship with some amazing folks.

A few years back, my friend Katie started a playgroup with a few of us moms in town. She also started leading La Leche League, and I have been able to witness the way she is ministering to new moms, and how she has enabled all of us to build this loving community of support - it is amazing. My other friend Katie has worked really hard creating aquaponics systems for one of the schools in town. It is just really fun to hear the stories of these ladies' ministry, and share with them the joys and burdens of our communities. Our kids play together. We sip coffee. My friend Charo and I get together every so often to talk about ministry and life, to share about what the Lord is inviting us to do, to pray. I cannot say enough about how much them and a lot of other ladies in this town have been such a lifeline for me.

Charo and I at a wedding

Some of my friends in Central America got to travel and visit Young Life friends in a different country. Six people ended up coming to spend time with staff here in the DR, and this was one of the highlights of the season for me. I get to see these friends every week on a video conference, but to be able to see them, hug them, hear their stories, share a meal, have them meet and play with my children - this was a true treat for me.

Enrique, from Panama, and baby girl.

Pili from Costa Rica

One of my favorite things has also been to continue mentoring my college friends who are Young Life leaders. We've figured out that hanging out after kid's bedtime is a doable thing for us all. So, we've enjoyed some fun nights of just sharing life, questions, games of Sequence, our love for Christ and the struggles and joys of following Him. The aches and hilarity of inviting friends to meet Jesus.

Mis hijas...

As I look at all these friendships that surround me, I get glimpses of the Kingdom. My mama friends who have given me encouragement and support in this adventure of mothering and who challenge me to be faithful to my calling. My Young Life friends throughout the region who motivate me to get creative and think of ways in which we can make sure we are able to reach the next kid, the next community, the next city. My younger friends in Jarabacoa, who are courageous and continue seeking kids out in communities where there is little hope for them. I am grateful for the good fellowship. I am grateful, because each one in their own way, points me to Christ. I catch a whiff of Him, and I long for more.

Not long ago, I couldn't make a trip to the city, so I couldn't find the baby detergent I usually get. I ended up purchasing a different brand. When I opened it, the smell overtook me. I quickly remembered this was the first detergent I used when the first kid was born. Smells can be such powerful memory triggers. Suddenly, the memories of that season were all coming back - what it felt like to be a new mom, working around the house wearing my new baby, the sweetness of him... And I wanted to stay there, if only for a few more minutes - to go back in time and see my sweet baby boy again, to hold his little face, to snuggle him a bit. And it hit me: This is who we are to each other in Christ. The apostle Paul tells us that we are the aroma of Christ. To each other, we are this memory trigger of who He is and what life with Him is like...

May we leave each other longing for more of Him.