Today is sucking pretty hard.
I know it doesn't sound like a big
deal, but I'm so incredibly sad because El Chupacabra's cheap little
netbook has a cracked screen. But, I guess that's not really what I'm sad
about.
His screen has actually been cracked for a couple of
weeks, so he went and found the absolute cheapest replacement
online, had it shipped to someone who was coming down to Costa Rica,
got it from her this morning, ran home to install it, aaaand.... the
new screen was cracked, too. *sigh*
$80 wasted, and his computer is still unusable.
But that's not really what I'm sad
about, either.
I'm sad because I love my husband more
than any human being on the planet, and the guy just can't catch a
break. When that stupid screen blipped to life this morning, all
technicolor stripes and black blobs, I saw a look on his face which I've rarely seen cross that glorious bearded countenance.
It was the look of defeat.
See, a guy can only feel bent over so
many times before it really starts to take a toll, and I'm afraid
this was a bit of downer for El Chupacabra. He looks tired and he looks a little defeated. And that
makes me very, very sad.
The guy needs a win. He
deseerrrrrves a win. He's earned a win.
I wish you could meet him; I think
you'd like him so much! He's the most unpretentious person I've ever
known. His friends are a wild array of musicians, athletes, nerds,
beer enthusiasts, theologians, cops, jocks, geeks, and construction
workers. He's the guy people invite to the party, but he's also the
guy they turn to in a crisis. I love that about him; He's a
friend to everyone, but in the most genuine way. And he works very,
very hard.
While I'm writing blog posts, he's
running a ministry campus.
While I'm surfing Pinterest and
upcycling my clothes, he's doing homework to finish his degree so he
can better lead his family.
While I'm falling asleep on the couch
at 7pm because I'm just sooooo tired from a day of... what do I do,
again?..., he's walking out the door to coach football because he
doesn't simply talk about investing in other people, he does it.
While I'm making dinner, he's making
disciples.
While I'm deciding not to make dinner
because “it just feels like a cereal for dinner night”, he's
still making disciples.
Seriously? If a better half ever
existed, it is to be found in this man. He's the Very Best
Missionary! He really, really is.
You know, I love writing the Very Worst
Missionary. I'm constantly encouraged, inspired, and blown
away by the kindness and generosity afforded me in comments. It's
kinda cool to have a cheering section for your life. But the truth
is, when it comes to missionary-ing, I'm not really deserving of
accolades (hence, the name). It's El Chupacabra who embodies the
things I only hope to do, the kind of person I'd like to be. It's El
Chupacabra whose love for Jesus is apparent, and true, and lived out
in blend of boldness and tenderness that is so beautiful and so
impossibly simple.
Don't get me wrong, he isn't perfect.
He likes to argue. He's kinda moody. He forces me to play board games
and then never lets me win. And he's bit of an ass-grabber (Mine
only, of course! But he doesn't always choose the right moment to cop
a feel. It causes problems.) But, in general, he's a stand up dude.
He is just a good guy, and he needs
a win...
There's not much I can do to cheer him
up. I can't fix his computer. I can't buy him a present. I can't
clean the bathroom so he has a “fresh bowl”... Ok. Fine. I'll clean the toilet!.... But I can definitely be his cheering section. And I can ask you to join me.
I'm asking you, first, to pray for him if you're the praying type,
then go follow his blog (he
doesn't write often for lack of free time, but follow him anyway),
leave him an encouraging comment, befriend him on the Twitter, and like his Facebook page. It will only take you a second
to encourage this remarkable missionary to hang in there because he's doing an amazing
job!
So - even if you never comment anywhere ever, even if
you're "famous”, even if you're not the “Barnabas” type, even
if you hate board games with a passion, even if you you feel weird
about it, and wether you know him in real life or don't know him at all - please, please, please go give El Chupacabra your support
on this sucky day, when his screen is cracked and his heart is a
little bit broken.
Let's bombard him with internet love.
Let's give him a teeny-tiny victory by coming together, in recognition of
his hard work and personal sacrifice, to say, “Well done, Man!”
Please? El Chupacabra really needs a win....
.... .... ....
PS. I love you, Babe.
