Sleep on ground required... uh, I'm not so sure

As I wrote in the previous post, the decision was to sacrifice the garage and/or home remodeling to go to Peru.  I wish I could tell you that I signed up immediately without further pondering or questioning.  But that would be less than honest.  Rather, I had the audacity to debate the decision and leading with God.  God the Most High Creator of the Universe, Alpha and Omega --  that God. 

Before I would pay the down payment, I had to convince myself that I could survive without some comforts I am accustomed to at home.  I readily admit I am a spoiled princess.  I have a soft bed, running water, flush potties, heat and cooling on demand.  I am not an outdoorsy, camping kinda girl.  I gave up tents when every adventure in camping as a young girl turned into monsoon rains and tornadoes.  I have decided that hotels are best for me.

The schedule for this trip includes time in a little village high in Andes where we will sleep on the cold ground, hopefully in a building, a building that does not get heated.  The night time temperatures drop to around freezing as August in winter in Peru.  I simply and respectfully told God that  my hips could not tolerate sleeping on the cold, hard ground.  Seriously, they ache and cause discomfort in my soft, adjustable mattress.  In very predictable God-like fashion, He quietly reminded that His grace is sufficient, He is the God who created me, after all.  God and I discussed this detail for some time.  Yes, I lost the debate.  I am going to where I sleep on the cold hard ground, BUT I am bringing an air mattress, thank you very much.

I do not recommend debating with God.  I have yet to win a debate.  He really does know what is best.  I guess I am just bull-headed.  Thankfully, He is a patient, merciful, compassionate God.  I am praying that I do not wear out His patience.  I admire the quality of Mary who immediately responded to God in a positive manner without any questioning.  "May it be done to me as you say."  It is a quality I really would like to strive to achieve, I fail daily in attaining this character trait.  

In the end my suitcase includes a sleeping bag, an air mattress, and a camping pillow.  Hey, did you know that make small camping pillows that roll in a bag?  I didn't, nor did I know that there are compact, yet warm sleeping bags.  Those outdoorsy, camping stores have some really neat products to make outdoor living more comfortable.  I can learn and I can enjoy.  I am really hoping it doesn't rain.  It is only temporary and I will survive.  I may suffer aches and pains, I may find it difficult to move those mornings following ground sleeping but I will also learn that God's grace is sufficient.  Prayers are most appreciate for those three nights high in the Andes Mountains as our team attempts to rest on the cold ground in our sleeping bags.