Reentry Turbulence

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for your prayers! 

My team flew into LAX late Thursday night after two smooth flights from El Salvador into Mexico City and then California. At LAX we met up with Rene and hit In 'n Out, where we indulged in North American food for the first time in weeks. Unfortunately, the next morning, I missed my flight out to Honolulu. Consequently, I spent eight hours gate hopping as a standby. It wouldn't have been half so bad if I hadn't been sick with a terrible stomach flu, throwing up and running to the bathroom every other hour with a violin and two other carry-ons. Home never seemed so far away. Despite the misery of my LAX experience that day, I thankfully was able to fly out the next morning on the first flight leaving for Hawaii. 

Transitioning from El Salvador to California was no easy task, especially at LAX, where people are more likely to be stressed and disgruntled due to the long lines, bad weather, or expensive McDonalds food. Coming from a slow polychronic culture where everyone says hello to those passing by to one where swarms of people move, swear at, and rush past each other focused on only one agenda - theirs - was unnerving. 

On the airplane on the way over to Hawaii, the awakening was no less rude. I sat next to a family of five in the typical tourist garb of matching aloha print outfits. If their puffed sleeve muumuus, khaki shorts, and strappy velco sandals weren't irritating enough, the parents bickered and the children were nasty to each other the entire way there. "Get in your effing seat, Jaylin!" the thirteen-year-old brother yelled to his sister. Disturbing. I can't quite imagine Salvi children playing on pink and black Gameboys like these kids, screaming about how they want to be the first off the plane.

Here in Hawaii though, I've been able to readjust in the comfort of my own family and home. I realized, until this Sunday I hadn't been home for over five months. Yet no matter how infrequently I spend time here nowadays, home is base. I love coming home and seeing my sisters' new artwork hung up on the wall, listening to them play the piano, and talking to my parents. Because we're very much down-to-earth, it hasn't been too difficult to readjust. 

The one thing that was strange for me though was seeing all my stuff again. After living out of a suitcase for six weeks and wearing the same five shirts for a month and a half, it was crazy seeing belongings. I gave away most of the stuff I brought to El Salvador and came back with a two pairs of clothes and the few presents I bought. To think that I left not even 2% of my stuff there was a funny thought. To see plenty again . . . clothes stacked in my drawers, food accessible anytime and anywhere in the kitchen, and books everywhere . . . made me realize how incredibly blessed my family is and much we really do have. 

This morning my sister, Chara, and I cleaned out our room and gave away a huge trash bag full of our clothes we never use. I somehow feel a lot better. I miss the simple life of having less. I feel little attachment to my possessions now and am even disgusted at some of the things I own (errm . . . like my SpongeBob collection).  If I ever get another chance, I'll fill another suitcase full of my stuff and pass it on to those who really need them. 

Sorry for the somewhat scattered update. I have more to share about our team's debriefing, which will cover other highlights of this trip. But thanks for reading. Please continue to pray for me and my team for our reentry, protection, and physical health. I've had no appetite, little voice, and have had sinus headaches for the past few days due to being sick. I'm recovering well but very, very slowly. 

Thanks again for your love. I hope you will continue to have a blessed summer and find the fullness of what God has for you in this season. 

Peace and Grace,

Trin