Por Fin

  The plane came in hot! I thought to myself this must be this pilot’s first time flying in to Managua. As I walked to the door I spotted the pilot. I gave him a smile and asked if this was his first time here to which he chuckled and said “How did you guess that?” I smiled and said “you came in mighty hot for this short runway.”  He held his head in shame and the flight attendants both said at the same time “ Told ya” and let out a chuckle.

  I more often than not go through the same line at customs. The agent takes my passport runs it and looks back and says “Welcome back it has been a while since we have seen you”. I don’t know if he remembers me or if he just looked at the info on the screen but to me it was like a friend not seen in a while saying it’s about time you came home.

  I was welcomed at the gate by a little princess who grinned from ear to ear and said “Hola Aaron.” Her mother and my sister in Christ welcomed me like a member of the family. All I could think was it’s about time. It had been 7 months since I had been here and it felt like longer. I really enjoyed my time in Ecuador but there is no place like here in my heart.

  We walk out the door and all familiar heat gut punched me. The smell of diesel exhaust permeated my nose and I loved it. There was the normal arguing with the baggage handlers that I don’t need help and if I did I can’t get to my money to give you a tip. As the little red Izuzu Trooper pulled up all I could do was smile. My good friend Pastor Johnny gave me a grin and a pat on my knee and said “Welcome Brother I am happy”.

We made our way to the office and spent some time catching up and discussing what we each hoped to accomplish on this trip. We shared a meal together and even had his two year old daughter Anita there to entertain us. He tells me he wanted me to preach that night but could not find a translator. My Spanish isn’t good enough yet for that so it will have to wait.

  We pulled in to a very familiar barrio and I quickly realized I had been to this church twice before and knew many of the members. As the children came in I was amazed by how much they had grown. Pastor Jorge came and embraced and welcomed me back to his church. We pulled the chairs in a circle and chose a passage to study. Everyone took turns reading as we went through the chapter. Young and old alike read aloud the words of Jesus. I read and of course someone had to read it again so that all would understand.

  It was such a blessing to be a part of. I can’t wait to see what this trip has in store.