We’re on the way back in the team van. I look outside and see a man driving a motor bike and behind him is his wife with their 3 year old child riding in the middle. We drive through neighborhoods that are are characterized by flashing Christmas lights, and colors.
Lots of Color.
Noises.
Karaoke.
The stray dogs are wondering. Many stores appear on the side of the road and then you see chickens. People are talking to their neighbors. Everyone is smiling. It’s starting to get dark so there is a different feeling in the air than there was when we traveled to the city. No more sun to worry about. Less heat and work is saved for the next day…
Then there is the smell. What is that smell? This all used to seem so scattered. So wrong. So strange…what is that smell? I really like it. I want to capture it forever.
I think about my mom and my dad. I think about my best friend Erin. How desperately I want them see this world that I live in. Not just see it but experience it. A picture isn’t enough. It’s that smell. You can’t put it in a jar or a candle but I want to.
I look outside to my left and I see the ocean view: my favorite view on the way home from the city.
Home.
It’s starting to feel like home.
I look straight ahead from the back seat of the van and look at my new family.
Eric turns on his phone and the voice of John Foreman fills my ears…”your love is strong…”
Jesus this life is so beautiful. You’ve showed me beauty beyond measure. I feel so full. I want to follow you. I want to breathe this air. I’ll go where you want me. I know you’re with me. I can feel you right now.