Was it a dream?

After a wonderful ten days with Dan's brother and family did we really get on a bus and travel another five hours? Did we then arrive at a PALACE hotel where we got to stay for the next three nights? Did all of my children receive gifts like brand new backpacks filled with toys and a fun blanket for Silas when we got our name tags? Did I not have to lift one finger in preparing delicious meals for my family besides putting the food on our plates and did we even have food delivered to us pool side? Did we basically spend two full days at the pool and my boys even had swimming lessons and learned the back float? Did I get a doctor's appointment, have a massage and oil rubbed in my hands?

WE DID!! Monday, November 2nd (2-5) the whole family boarded a bus along with twenty other missionaries in Asuncion and travelled the five hours to the Rafain Palace Hotel where we enjoyed an ALL EXPENSE PAID CHN GetAway!!! The Christian Hospitality Network hosted this annual event for all South American missionaries. There were missionaries from Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile mostly. It was unbelievable! I actually felt lazy one of the days as we literally woke up, ate breakfast and headed to the pool. We ordered lunch right there and had it brought to us. The kids swam and swam, Silas slept and I think I left to use the bathroom and go get a free massage :) !!! We had snack (ice cream) and finally left to change into dry clothes for supper. While we changed the kids got to watch cartoons, we sat in an air conditioned room and life was glorious! What an amazing treat the time away was! The people who came to serve us were some of the warmest people we've met with a heart of understanding and appreciation for what we do on the mission field. Just when you think no one really understands or cares or even appreciates what it means to be called to leave your family, friends, all you know to serve God in another country...you meet people like this! It reminded us of what a special call God has on our lives and the amazing life we get to live. Not an easy one at all but an amazing one because we are right in the center of HIS will for our lives. And whether that means being here or there, it's being where HE wants us that matters.