…Somewhere Over New Mexico, Reflection by Matt Thom
Before our trip, it would have been a fun exercise to write down some experiences I was hoping to have this year in Guatemala. Recalling previous mission trips, I know I could have come up with quite an extensive list. There’s at least one thing that definitely would NOT have made the list though…
It was exciting and felt great to be back in Guatemala, even if it was just the airport. I watched as the colorful assortment of bags circled the carousel looking for their owners. Eventually I began noticing the same bags over and over as they made their journey around one side, into that mysterious “tunnel”, and back again. The other missionaries gathered their luggage one by one. “There’s mine!” one tripper would exclaim, “Does that one have an orange ribbon? Grab it!”
After some time, I was the only one left who needed to collect luggage. I began playing out a series of worst case scenarios in my head. Letting go of the last bit of hope as the baggage carousel stopped, those scenarios became a reality. My luggage didn’t make it to Guatemala. After 25 hours of traveling, with about 8 more to go and a week of construction work ahead, this seemed like a particularly inconvenient time to lose all my clothes and toiletries. I took a mental inventory of my carry-on items and calculated how many days I could wear the cloths I had. I remembered my days as a camp counselor and a camper telling me he could squeeze a few extra days out his underwear if he turned them inside out. I laughed at the thought of actually taking his advice. It turns out that a sense of humor can significantly improve a stressful, anxiety-inducing situation.
I can tell you that losing my luggage would not have been on my trip experience wish list. I can also echo the axiom that God works in mysterious ways. If He had given me a choice, I would have gone with the option that included clean cloths and soap. But it would have been a mistake. I would have missed a unique opportunity to be uncomfortable, worried, nervous and in need while in a foreign, “developing” country. I would have missed the lesson he wanted to teach me through this ordeal. It might not sound like it yet, but one of the greatest experiences I took away from Guatemala started before we even left the airport.
During the l-o-n-g-g-g-g bus ride to Puerto Barrios I thought about how great a metaphor my predicament was. I began to think about some of the baggage I wouldn’t mind losing somewhere between Seattle and Guatemala City. Like my suitcase carrying fears, grudges, selfishness, irritability, etc. I could start by losing the one carrying stress, nervousness and anxiety. After all, no amount of “nail biting” would get my luggage back to me. So I gave it all to God. I prayed about my lost bag, and most importantly, about the bags I needed his help to lose.
He answered my prayers. My luggage was eventually found and arrived in Puerto Barrios Wednesday morning. And each day He’s helping me with those extra bags I need to toss out of the plane somewhere over New Mexico.
I cherish my luggage debacle. We never ask God to put us in situations like this, but I’m thankful he did. I’m trying to remember this experience every day. I realize this wasn’t a life or death situation and the whole thing may seem silly, but it truly was an exercise in praying, trusting the Lord, losing “baggage” and being assured that God is in control of all situations- big and small.
If there is ever a good time to have your luggage not arrive at your destination, it’s when you’re surrounded by a group of Lutherans. I would like to sincerely thank all of my fellow Missionaries. You’re all amazing! You couldn’t have made my uncomfortable situation more comfortable.