I am really not sure how this week flew by so quickly,
especially with so much that changed from day to day.
On Monday afternoon we got a message from our Indonesia family
that the Canadian Embassy was strongly encouraging Canadians to go home.
Within a matter of hours, tickets were booked for the next day.
Although I cannot imagine packing up in such a short time,
I know that packing was not the hardest thing they faced.
Having to say goodbye to friends, neighbors and a place called home,
not knowing when they will see each other again,
was realistically harder.
Meanwhile, we followed them on flight apps ...
the first leg from Papua to Jakarta.
and then from Jakarta to Tokyo.
When they booked, they did not know that they would be one of the last flights out of the country.
From Tokyo to Seattle and then home to Vancouver today (Thursday).
The hardest thing was that there was no point in all of us meeting them at the aiport.
Kristal and Shaun drove out with two vehicles, leaving one for them.
They watched them being greeted by Global News, instead of family.
Such are the times.
A couple of hours later we met them on the lakehouse driveway,
welcoming them with a place prepared, to hide away.
It was so good to see their smiling faces.
Oh how we love them all and thank God for being their Keeper.
Among other changes this past week ...
it was a joy to see how our families did church.
One family going the whole route of playing greeters,
having a coffee and coloring table,
and worship band.
The other family snuggled on their couch in their pjs.
Even though we can't physically be together,
there is a feeling of being united in spirit.
Mom's care home is closed to visitors but we can set up an appointment via facetime.
The health care workers in this home and all over are going the extra mile
and we appreciate them very much.
Praying for them.
As I do for you now, who visit here,
that you may have peace in the midst of uncertainties,
asking the Lord to help you and finding Him near.
♡♡♡
10 comments:
We find ways, don't we, to connect with those we love. How fun it was to recognize your family on television last night. You must be so glad that they are "home". Just two weeks until you can hug them all. Oh, these times! The truth of Christmas is ever true - Immanuel - God with us.
Oh wow - so glad they made it "home"!!! The Lakehouse is such a perfect place for them to isolate. This virus is certainly bringing us to our knees in prayer. Stay safe everyone.
So thankful with you that your kids from overseas made it safely back to Canadian soil. So good to see their happy faces.
Thank you for the update, Anneliese! I have been wondering about your mom and about your overseas family. So thankful they are back on home soil.
Such a great post....of memories and a story you will look back on for years to come. Much to pray for, much to be thankful for.
So many things to give thanks for here...despite what is happening all around us. Sharing in your joy of having your 'kids' home from Indonesia...and so fun to see them on Global.
It breaks my heart to see these pics of your family and you not being able to be with them, but these are the times we now find ourselves in. And I must say that being quarantined at the lakehouse would not be horrible!
Kathy, yes, the lakehouse is the perfect place to quarantine!
I'm so glad you can imagine the place. We've taking our turns driving over there ...
dropping off food etc. That twenty to thirty minute drive is nothing, even for a social distance kind of visit on the driveway. It's all very surreal, but we're all in this together.
So happy to hear your family made it home safely from so far away.
This time of isolating will pass and you will be able to welcome them with hugs.
Its the kids and grandkids that I miss, especially not being able to cuddle the little one, while we watch her on our phones as she is learning to walk.
God is in control and we will get through this together.
Stay safe.
Helen
Great bblog post
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