Going Home

Me and my friend Marc returned yesterday from a wild trip to Caracass, Venezuela. "Interesting" was a soft way of describing the eleven day adventure. Now understand, I have been on a total of 13 of these trips and have lived for a few years in South America, so there isn't much new under the sun. At least that is what I thought. We had the joy of experiencing a concrete bed...cold showers....no outside world communication....no soft chairs....bugs that enjoyed 'deet'.....nine other roommates....including snorers, coughers, and neat freaks....and big spiders attempting to sleep with us each night. Oh, and I can't forget the dust. But, we did experience 85-90 heat, beautiful moon rises, a peacock on steroids, gecos and little Iguanas, bats flying above our heads in the dining hall at suppertime, lots of great fruit and Venezuelan cuisine, and the building of new relationships. All in all, it was a good trip and God's presence made it worthwhile.

However, none of the experiences equaled the feeling of 'coming home' on the last day. It all started innocently: Marc and I were rooming on the eighth floor of a Caracass hotel along with the rest of the 27 person team that were spread out from room to room. We were to meet in the lobby at 4:45a.m. to catch a bus to the airport. (This is yesterday!) So, we packed and headed for the elevator at 4:44a.m. trying to give ourselve plenty of time. PROBLEM ONE: None of the four elevator were functioning. We waited and waited. Finally, we ran down the hall with our luggage and took the 'Pool elevator,' with the thought of going down to the swimming pool and entering from the back patio. PROBLEM TWO: The elevator took us to the basement. Oops. We went back up a floor...oops, not the lobby. We ran down two flight of stairs only to find the doors locked (Hope they never have a fire!) We ran back up two flights of stairs and got back on the elevator. We went up a floor then ran down the hall to the main bank and found one that worked. Whew! We then dropped to the Lobby.... The team was all loaded on the bus, all luggage was on the truck and THEY WERE LEAVING! No "see ya later," or "sorry we forgot to count you." Man did I feel insignificant. They were actually going to go off without us---and after all that work we did!

I suddenly had that 'close call' feeling....you know....the sensation that you just about missed your ride and were going to be stuck with HUGO CHAVEZ forever and all you want is to get on a plane and go home? Wow! It's the same sensation I have deep in my spirit.....like I am stuck on earth when I really want to be home with Jesus in paradise. Within the heart of all true believers, there is a yearning that is increasing in intensity, a yearning to go home and be done with the gecos and spiders of this world (the sin, failure, and loneliness) and find our place in the glory of the Lord.

Well, don't be down and don't get panicked over elevators. Here is the NEWS.... We will be going home soon. Jesus is coming to get us and if you know Him, you won't be left behind. He will see that you are ushered safely into the place for which you were destined. What a day that will be! 'Til then, keep your chin up and your eyes open. We are going home!!!
Pastor Jim