Here’s just a few random pictures from our trip to the capital city. I usually don’t like trips because they are usually just chaotic, but this one was different. I asked God to change my perspective during it, and He did just that. A lot the work came with adjusting my expectations vs actual reality. Not surprising, huh? When you travel with an almost 2 year old, you will not get everything done on your list. But you might make some really good memories if you’re on the lookout for the bright side of things.
We were traveling during the month of fasting, which made eating and snacking quite a feat.
Mostly we took regular taxis and uber around the chaotic city, but we jumped into these small propane-powered, 3-wheel taxis if the pickings were slim. Finn liked riding the “blue tractors” as he called them.
We did a pre-birthday Chilis dinner and it was awesome. It reminded my of family birthday dinners as a teenager, where you got to pick out a special place to eat out. Do you see the nachos?! Do you see the jalapenos?! Jalapenos are a rarity in our city–or if they are around, it’s $7 a jar, and I can’t bring myself to buy them. But you can get almost anything in the capital city, including nachos and burgers that register in your mind as real burgers and real nachos! And did I mention there were real tortilla chips? And I even scored some bottles of Ortega Sauce, a bottle of real Flordia orange juice, and feta cheese. It’s strange what begins to make your mouth water after a few years.
This was us walking across a busy overpass because our taxi had gotten lost and stuck in a mega traffic jam and we were already late for my lasik appointment. We walked 15 minutes, but managed to get there.
And this was the easy part. Payton was the hero who had to watch Finn during every appointment in all sorts of random places. I did feel pretty accomplished, though, doing the whole thing in Ind0nesian.
Here’s our kid out way past his bedtime. We were out on the town trying to find our growing kid some new, non-polyester clothes. Cotton is such a luxury. All of us went home with clothes that fit, which was amazing.
Finn made friends everywhere. And Payton was still the hero, taking care of a still semi blind wife and a zippy little toddler.
And by the start of the 4th day, Finn was very ready to go home and so were all of us.
But best of all, Finn got to travel with his big sisters, Nia and Kristine. He loves them and so do I! I was glad to travel with friends.
Strangely enough, I felt like I fell in love with our little family after this trip. Sometimes the day to day grind in the hot, sweaty heat makes me feel like we are just three people who live in the same house. Who knew that God was going to use the trip to plant new seeds of thankfulness and joy in my heart?! Thanks to all those who prayed for us.
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