How Long Will This Last?

A poem dedicated to my parents Tom and Ann Rybolt, whose love for their children and each other has lasted so long.

Joanna and Thomas...growing up too fast

A sudden cry in the middle of the night.
How long will this last? How long will this last?

Rocking back and forth, feeling her warmth against my chest.
How long will this last? How long will this last?

Rushing to the bathroom. Will he make it in time?
How long will this last? How long will this last?

Holding him in church and clapping together.
How long will this last? How long will this last?

Another mess to clean. Where'd I put the broom?
How long will this last? How long will this last?

"Neigh," he says. "Oink," I snort. "Eek," she squeals, our giggles follow.
How long will this last? How long will this last?

Dirt on his shirt and spit up on hers.
How long will this last? How long will this last?

He grew out of another pair of shoes. She will soon wear her first.
How long will this last? How long will this last?

So many joys amidst the difficult days.
I just have one question- How long will this last?

How long will I get up with her at night?
How long will he need my help so often?
How long will will the laundry determine my schedule?

How long will this last? How long will this last?

How long will I get to rock her to sleep at night?
How long will I sing and clap together with him?
How long will their laughter fill our home?

Not long enough. Not long enough. 

January Update

Thomas and Joanna enjoying a little bit of snow in Chattanooga

What a wonderful time we had in the states before our return to Honduras January 30th. We enjoyed lots of time with family, not enough time with friends, and really loved the chance to worship with our church family in Chattanooga. We had the opportunity to share with many friends about the work God is doing in Honduras and our expectations for this year. We were often asked, "What is a typical day like in Honduras?" Our response was usually just laughter. Finally, I think we have an answer to this question. Our second day back in Honduras, moving into a new house while Marvin was getting ready to travel to the mountains to bring Josue and Manuel back, felt like a "typical" day.

WHY? Because...
- the power went out from 8am to 9:30pm
- we ran out of gas to cook with
- a piece on the radiator of the car broke
- we couldn't do errands with no car
- the internet installers never showed up
- the 220 outlet we need for the dryer has no wires running to it
- the "meat" we cooked tasted like a sponge
-we couldn't do laundry and already had 8 loads to run

Back together again! Josue, Marvin, Joanna, Thomas, Karen, and Manuel

A typical day for us means lots of trial, lots of unknowns, a few tears, and a cry out to the Lord for help. But a typical day consists of something else too. It consists of playing with Thomas and hearing his contagious laughter; watching Joanna smile and seeing her personality develop; knowing that many people are praying for us; appreciating the sacrifice my mom made to come to Honduras and help us settle into a new home; knowing that Marvin and I are on this journey together; seeing Manuel and Josue's excitement when they arrive at their new home; and most importantly, trusting God amidst the trials to bring peace and joy into our hearts.

Mom helping make tortillas with Nolvia at the Home of Blessing Feeding Program

Great to see the kids again at the Home of Blessing

Manuel and Josue came ready to serve at the feeding program

But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

-Psalm 3:3-5