Getting Things Through US Customs

Usually when I come home from Haiti, I don’t bring much back. On the last day, I pack the big green suitcase with stuff I might use next year, then give the rest away. The green suitcase stays and the other suitcases get consolidated, one inside the other, with the innermost suitcase stuffed full of smelly, dusty, shirts, pants, and bandanas. It’s easy to get through US Customs when you don’t bring anything back of any value. However, this time was a little different because I did bring back at least a couple of things besides dirty clothes.  One that I am hoping to lose, and one that I am hoping to keep.

The thing I am hoping to lose is a little bug that decided to take up residence in my intestines and cause problems.  As I write this, I am hopeful that my immune system has just about won the battle and run the bug “out of town.” The bug was a reminder of Haiti I don’t want to keep. Thankfully, his trouble causing days are about over and he will soon be forgotten.

The other thing I brought back is something I hope to keep. It didn’t take up any space in the suitcase, but it did fill my heart and mind. I am not sure what to call it. Maybe an attitude? Maybe a mindset? Maybe a blessing from God. Or maybe all of those things and more. Whatever it is, I don’t want to lose it because it has given life some perspective. Whatever it is, it has made me realize that life is a joy. That I am sooooo very blessed. That God is in control and all the little things I had become so used to worrying about are just so trivial and unimportant. I’ll call it an attitude of gratitude and a perspective of peace. It’s priceless.

On the way home, when we went through US Customs, I think the dog might have smelled it. Sam noticed some of it on my face. I think I even got some in my eyes. I guess the Customs agent didn’t notice though. I went right through without a question about it.