Our trip to Peru to pick up James has come and gone...six months have passed since we arrived back home. I had one of the most magical experiences while on that trip. Anticipation for the trip and seeing James again had reached an all-time high. Weeks of hotel searching, trying to communicate with a Spanish-speaking tour guide, tying up loose ends with James in the weekly allotted email time, creating masterpiece gifts to deliver to the people, and finding just the right outfits and bags were over. I jumped on the plane with a full ipod, including the new Reflections of Christ CD--Another Testament. I had listened to it a few times while packaging gifts, but it's impact on me had not yet occurred.
I wondered as we flew toward Peru if James and I would hug and sob upon greeting....or would he even be at the airport for our arrival? I had seen pictures on the Cleverly's (senior missionaries in James' mission) blog of parents and children seeing one another again after two years of longing. The feelings in my heart were starting to build. My first-born, having honorably, faithfully, and optimistically fulfilled a two year mission. As we approached Lima, the sight was beautiful: fluffy clouds sparse enough so that I could see the land below and buildings coming into view. The sun was shining, illuminating the clouds, and my excitement was mounting. It turns out that the first song on the Reflections of Christ CD (Come See the Light) was a perfect fit to the majesty going on around me (He is Alpha Omega. He is the life and light of the world....the shadows flee, His quiet voice, come see the light of hope descend..). With the music playing in my ears, and studying the scene outside the window, I began to sob with gratitude for this beautiful world Heavenly Father has blessed us with; for the blessing of being able to visit this great land and it's humble people; and for the untold excitement of being able to see my son again. The only way I can think to describe the feeling I had was like when you are a young child anticipating a grand vacation or holiday. My heart felt like it would burst!
We landed and James and his temporary companion were there waiting in the crowd. I didn't even cry! Nor did he, but the sincere hug felt awfully good. United at last!
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| Our night of arrival (in Lima)...George, the first member we met. The departing Elders slept at his house the night before. |
Since our trip, I have been able to feel that magic in my chest every time I hear that song. I have never wanted that special feeling and link with that song to end. For awhile I would only let myself listen to it when I could close my eyes and bathe in all those feelings. I still cry when I hear it, but I can feel the magic starting to die; the feeling in my chest isn't as powerful. I long to keep those emotions with me forever. I love music. I love the powerfully deep emotions it can produce. What a blessing. One I will never forget and can never truly convey.
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| With the renowned Cleverlys in the mission office for final farewells (they were leaving that day too). |
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| A view of the valley just outside Cusco the day after we arrived. Notice the fluffy clouds like I saw on the plane ride. |
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| James overlooking Cusco. He served here for the last five months of his mission.He was an Assistant and helped set up the new Cusco mission. Cusco is an AWESOME place to visit...many more archeological sights than we ever expected. |
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Together at last!!...overlooking Macchu Pichu.
P.S. Jason Barney composed that song. He's in our ward. My admiration for him and his talents shot waaaaayyyy up! |
