Spending a month on the road was something I’d never thought I’d do, but it’s just a part of the path we’re on right now (yay visas!). In the end, you can either go with it or fight the current and end up exhausted. 
For Payton and I, a month is long, but doable. Finn on the other hand, has now spent 1/3 of his life away from our “home” with all of the trips we’ve made. That thought tempts me to coddle Finn or let guilt start to build up inside myself for dragging him around everywhere (like the beach). 
When I read baby books, I’ve had to start remembering that they weren’t written with tropical heat, visa trips, or blended cultures in mind. God really reminded me that if Finn is fed, clothed, and loved, then he’s got what he needs, even if he doesn’t fully sleep through the night yet or have adequate “tummy time.” Home is where we are and God totally knows the path He planned for all of us. That thought has helped me to enjoy the twists and turns that happened as we travelled.
Plus, what kid doesn’t want to splash in a tub and enjoy a swing set under a mango tree? Well, maybe Finn wasn’t really that thrilled or it could have been because he’d just spit up in his bath water…but he did like chilling in the swing.
Another lesson that God prompted was how serious complaining is in His eyes. Delays, heat, and crying babies always begin to evoke a sour attitude in my heart, especially if it involves waiting on an airplane! 1 Corinthians 10:10 says, “And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.” What?!! When God dealt with Israel, this was a serious thing. I’d forgotten that complaining wasn’t just what you do when you don’t get things your way. We don’t want to get stuck in the groove of whining about our apparent “misfortunes.” Pray that our hearts begin to change as we walk through life that is often not exactly what we had planned…Ya know, like, 300 roaches invading our house when we got back home. We didn’t have time to complain…we were too busy chasing these gross bugs and finding new weapons to try!
While visiting one of the regions where we might end up, we were reminded to take advantage of the study environment that we have right now–lots of language coaches, grammar classes, and a house helper who takes off a load of house work so we can study. If I neglect this blog or my English starts to sound wonky it’s because we’re plunging back in to try to hit that point where we can converse without it being painstaking. That means lots of long hours—no cheating and using English!
Our new friends reminded us that one day, we won’t be mentally exhausted after hanging out with our national friends. I had forgotten it was even on the horizon. I was super encouraged and motivated by that thought! 
I love this post, Grace. Made me cry. Thank you for sharing your heart and being so transparent. And thank you for the handwritten note – just blew us away! Know that you are being prayed for. Love you.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Loved reading this Post even though i heard a lot of those thoughts during our chats which is miss as well as your whole little family.
Alia still asks about “baby” and i love the picture of you walking with her.
Oh, my precious friend. I too easily fall into a whiny attitude – I feel ya. But as I read your post, I kept thinking, “He knew! He knew!” When you were praying for this baby – when we all were – God knew he would be ‘dragged’ from pillar to post. No guilt! This path was chosen for Finn as much as for you and Payton. Not only have you dedicated your lives to reaching the unreached for Christ, you’ve set the stage for opportunities for Finn that most kids never have. I have so much respect for what the two of you are doing. Really…you’re heroes to Mitch and me. Love ya.