Wrapping up our Family Time

The corona virus has thrown us all into an ocean of oncoming waves, paralleling our emotions. Earlier this year it called for people to return to their home country. This is what brought our Indonesia family home at the end of March,  We prepared a place for them to quarantine and waved to them as they drove up with a truck that had been left at the airport for their use. A strange welcome home.

Spring time had us learning new ways to communicate. There was the first zoom meeting, the delivery of Easter baskets to each home, gathering around the fire pit in family units. Mother's Day came around and we thought we may be almost through this time. My best gifts were hugs from my family in just another outdoor setting.

As time moved on we had one of the best summers!  With several family members working together, we had a lot of contact with each other anyways, so our home was a good meeting place - I can say it has been well initiated! Chris and Paeton had numerous projects going here, including a pickle ball court, a skateboard ramp and a tree house. Never before have all of our families lived so close to us for such an extended time and we made the most of it. I truly have many times felt like I was surfing the crest of a beautiful wave, enjoying one day at a time.

The highlight was that we could end our time together with a Thanksgiving meal, all at one table. We did not know at the time that the visas were on their way and that rules for getting together would also be changing. Yes, this farewell week is reminiscent of early spring, yet with hearts full of so many memories. By now we all understand that the call for our missionary family to return is embedded in their being and it's only right to keep doing what we can, some of us giving, some of us going.

I'd like to think that one day we will think of this year as standing out in a unique way, one of being creative and intentional even in our masks, awkward waves and bubbles. I want my grandchildren to remember that special days were not forgotten. A drive by birthday parade, cookies or meals at the door, backyard parties or tea party ingredients packaged in a box ... for all the ways we found replacements for plans that had to be changed and for all the ways that love found a way, I am most thankful and blessed!