This morning as we get ready to fly back to MN, I started thinking about astronauts. Yes, astronauts... Specifically, I was thinking about the process astronauts go through to re-enter the earth's atmosphere after having spent some time in outer space.

Puerto Vallarta is not “outer space”, but it is a very different world than I live my usual life in. During this past week, I have gained perspectives on love and life here that I hadn't seen quite the same way back in MN. The people of Puerto Vallarta, and especially the Santillan family – Mario, Lety, Anna-Elle and Luis – captured my heart in special ways. I will miss them, and hope to return to visit them soon.

We have had a wonderful week. We were thrust into the life of the La Vina church community, and had many, many opportunities to pray for people. God moved in some powerful ways in people as we prayed, encouraging them, bringing hope and healing, and helping them see themselves as God sees them. It was an awesome experience – something I will never forget.

But now it is time to “re-enter.” And time to adjust to a 75 degree temperature drop!!! I am so eager to see my family again, as well as the people of our church. Being away this week has given me a new-found appreciation for community and family. I am excited to express that as I return home.

PS - I added another album of pictures on facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=69572&id=635119326&l=7eb10