Monday had lunch with Paul Sands, the closest thing Tom has to a pastor - rather manic, high-energy guy, and glad to ask us hard questions and bring up difficult subjects. I really appreciated the time with him. Setting was fun, too - a church converted into a cafe, which still has services after serving breakfast on Sundays - much more a part of the community and inviting than your typical church.
That afternoon drove out to a Bible college to meet with a young couple who used to live in Tom's city and are interesting in returning when they are done with school in the fall. Future teammates? We got on quite well. Tom had not met them before, either.
Tuesday had chapel and hooked up with Jay and Teri, the couple I was really hopeful we would be able to spend time with, and not only did they warmly welcome the reacquaintance, they also took us out to lunch and we had a wonderful conversation about what they are learning these days as they walk with the Lord. We were all so blessed.
Wednesday drove to Bradford, met with my colleagues there, had dinner with them, spent the night at Bob & Kathryn's. Highlight for me was pulling away for coffee with Kim, who was for quite a season my closest coworker. She is now in Britain engaged to marry this fall. Lots to talk about. So good to have time with a close female friend like that.
Leaving shortly to reconnect with the kids, and then take them North to see and spend the night on YWAM's latest ship, the Next Wave. A tremendous amount of driving, bad traffic likely, and I am nervous about it all working out. Trying to bite my tongue. Ouch!
Little internet acess, down time, or opportunity to get away alone and reflect - taking its toll. I want a break. But the conference we are attending this next week may be less intense.
As much as Tom and I see the world through remarkably similar lenses, the differences are a bit tough, like wearing the wrong pair of glasses. Running up against my fears and disappointments, trying to sort them out, have hope and joy and peace, press ahead without being reckless. I am not sure I love him enough to - but why the rush? Emotionally this is quite draining: trying to enjoy, evaluate and stay in a wait-and-see attitude at the same time.
2 comments:
Don't burn yourself out. I know this is an intense time so make sure you get that hour or so to be quiet and honest. We're praying for you.
Thanks for being so honest, Marti. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and keep God at the middle. The answers will come. The prayers continue. Miss you.
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