Home again

Andy and I were talking one day about what we missed the most from living on land and in the States.  My answer (aside from the obvious family and friends) was the simplicity of everything.  I’ve often talked on the blog about buses and hauling around groceries and walking miles and miles…  it just seems like things were easier in the States.

When I went home this past week to see my parents, I discovered it’s just the ILLUSION of simplicity.  The first clue was the fact that my parents didn’t have a home phone or the internet due to spending weeks arguing with Verizon about what kind of service to get and when someone could come out and install everything (again).  I personally witnessed an hour long phone call.  At least I get intermittent service in Mexico.

 

The second thing was one of Jake and my many trips to Chick-fil-a., one of my favorite fast food restaurants.  They didn’t just screw up my order, they gave me someone else’s order entirely.  I know this happens all the time but when traveling in another country you seem to forget that and think it’s because you’re in the middle of nowhere dealing with foreigners (even though technically, I guess we’re the foreigners here).

I was finally convinced the “simplicity” I was looking for was an illusion when we were at CPK having lunch and I discovered they had taken EVERY SINGLE THING I ever ordered off the menu.  When we finally decided what we wanted, the pizza crust was still doughy.  So they put it back in the oven.  Then it came out burnt.  When it was time to get our bill, it took forever.  In Mexico, getting your bill is a time consuming event but it’s not because they forgot about you, it’s because they truly don’t want to rush you through your meal.

I’m not writing all of this to complain about the United States (I’m a big fan), but only to point out that living in a different country really isn’t all that different.  I needed this little reminder.

Walking to church with Papa and Gigi...
(I can't believe this is the ONLY picture
I took of Jake and my parents)

Overall our trip was fantastic and Jake and I had a blast seeing our family and some of our very closest friends.  Luckily we were in CA and missed the extremely cold weather everyone else is getting up there.  I’m not sure we had the clothes for it anyway…  I was able to get in some shopping (only a slight understatement), had dad help me with my taxes and enjoyed some rest and relaxation (because you know I don’t ever get any of that on the boat).

Some pictures from our trip....

Jake with his long lost buddy Jett!  One of my best friends, Jennie
flew all the way out to see me (well, technically her grandmother, but I know it was me
too :) ) and brought Jett up to play with Jake.  Two peas in a pod.

Jake with our good friends Eric and Nicole Tilford.
Can you tell he LOVES Nicole?

Jake and Eric arm wrestling.