Two Weeks Too Long

4 Comments 11 September 2005

I miss my kids. Sophie, Aidan and Julia, if you are reading this, I miss you and love you! Please know I think of you often.

I’m in Den Haag (the Hague) in Holland for two weeks of field orientation. I’m through one week and have one more to go. Thankfully, the time has been productive and helpful. I’ve met some really cool folks who are planting churches with Christian Associates all over Western Europe. It’s really cool to be a part of this amazing, cutting edge, church-planting movement.

But, alas, I miss my family. I realized a few days ago that Sophie is twelve. (Yeah, I’m not the brightest light on the Christmas tree!). But that means she’s been under our roof for 2/3 of her total time with us. Where did the time go? Why do I only have 1/3 of her life in our home left? It makes me sad. She’s so secure, so self-assured. I admire her heart. When one of her leaders from Camp Juice (CAI young adult camp) saw me she said, “You know, I learned so much about Jesus from your daughter.” I feel the same. Sophie, thanks for showing me Jesus. He shines through your eyes.

Right now I’m in a cafe. The tea I ordered is Darjeeling. The last time I had that kind of tea was December of 1989. Patrick returned from his missionary work in Calcutta (he worked at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying and Destitute . . . yes he met Mother Teresa.). We were not yet dating, but he brought me a gift of Darjeeling tea anyway (that sly dog . . . trying to win me through fragrant tea!). I took a sip today and remembered that gift. And I remembered him. My husband is a blessing to me. I believe God put him in my life to show me what love is, to tangibly be the hands and feet of Jesus to my needy, broken heart. Patrick, I love you.

Today Aidan sent this:

dear mom

i lost my tooth and i got 4 euros. i miss you

love aidan

First off, wow, what an awesome tooth fairy!!! Four euros! Inflation is an amazing thing, isn’t it? But second, I’m sad. I missed a lost tooth. I missed a portion of Aidan’s life. He’s a sweet, artistic, musical, focused boy who loves and protects his mommy. He’s one of the bravest boys I know, weathering difficult French schools. Aidan, you’re my hero.

And Julia went to a birthday party while I’ve been away. She loves parties. One thing beautiful about Julia is she loves to give gifts. But more than that, she gives gifts of affirmation with her words. When she senses I’m down, she’ll say, “You’re the best Mommy ever. I love you.” I think we all need Julias in our lives. I know I need mine.

So, yeah, I totally miss my family. I wish they were here or I was there. In six days I’ll hug them all, grateful to the God who abundantly blessed me with them.

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relevantgirl

Ame,Thanks for your words. I am happily back home now, thankful for my children and husband.
relevantgirl

Ame,

Thanks for your words. I am happily back home now, thankful for my children and husband.
Ame

Ohhh, my Mother-heart is flowing with tears! I think like that often – how many precious years left. Perhaps it crosses my mind frequently because we had children so much later than our friends, and their oldest children are just a few short years away from college as they bask in the active social life of high school. Two weeks! And missing the little things. Only when you know God has called you can a Mother’s heart endure such a long separation.
Ame

Ohhh, my Mother-heart is flowing with tears! I think like that often – how many precious years left. Perhaps it crosses my mind frequently because we had children so much later than our friends, and their oldest children are just a few short years away from college as they bask in the active social life of high school. Two weeks! And missing the little things. Only when you know God has called you can a Mother’s heart endure such a long separation.