A Good Place to Heal

We are here according to plan even midst plans that have not gone accordingly.

Even before my little health excursion, I had already been determined that the unsettled nature of our summer given the BIG MOVE would not disrupt our family time at the cottage. It was and is a tricky set of logistics to pull off, and we certainly may have to adjust slightly here and there between now and closing. But I am delighted to report that the first part of “Family Cottage 2024” is actually underway.

Ladies and Gents, we present to you…..
Abby’s 18th Birthday Girls’ Weekend!!!

We arrive yesterday under perfect summer skies. I get myself all snug and comfortable in the van, tolerate the drive quite well, and enjoy the farmish scenic route we always take these days to avoid the 401 and 400, at least until near the very end. When we get to the marina, the ladies of our party pitch right in to make sure I didn’t lift ANYTHING except my own little purse.

The boat ride is so refreshing!! Remember, I’ve been such a model patient that I’ve basically been looking at the one bare wall across from my bed all week. That, or glancing around at the organized confusion that has become our interior decorating scheme right now. Not now.

Wide open skies, the wind in my hair, fresh air in my recently intubated lungs; it all makes for quite a dose of everything the doctor ordered in terms of rest and recovery, just sayin’.

So we settle into our respective sleeping quarters; Ken and I off in the bunkie while we entrust the main cottage to our sensible, but likes-to-stay-up-with-friends-way-past-our-bed-time, young adult granddaughter who is apparently killing all the spiders herself.

Ah, the adult rights of passage.

And while there is still some confusion at the house yet to be de-confused into the move proper, what a gift of healing it is to be here right now.

So many blueberries! Everything is lush and green. And it’s quiet.

Since the according plans include a prolonged stay here between our KW homes, it’s also just simply good to be unpacking and putting away the clothes and personal items we’ve brought with us instead of putting in storage. A little bit of nesting during ‘the great unnesting’ of 2024.

Today is my daughter’s birthday, which will be noted and posted separately.
Also a young lady for whom I have become an honorary Gramma, again, worthy of a separate post.
For now it is enough to sit quietly in the morning on the deck.

And as if on cue, I am graced by the presence of two loons. Magnificent creatures.

"Cease striving,

and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

Okay.

I think I will do just that.

Wonderment Reflections on the First Few Days

Escargot, anyone?

This is Steve, a new friend I named and who gave me permission to post his photo, as well as send it along to Jayden who has a fondness for snails.  So, no, we won't be having him for lunch.

Strangely enough, Steve is helping me to feel right at home.

It's these quirky little touches, for example, the fact that a rather large snail in the bathroom doesn't phase me in the least, that remind me of how far away from home I am, and how I've come back home all at the same time.

I think that's what surprising me most in these first few days.  The lack of intensity I sort of expected since I was gone for as long as I was.  [Two years, eight months, two weeks, six days, eleven hours and 33 minutes, to be exact, in case I haven't mentioned it.]  With that much time in between, I expected things to feel strange and different again, or to have to get adjusted all over again.

But no.  Just two days in, with two decent night's sleep under me, and it sort of feels like I never left.  I feel calm, safe, happy, healthy, and ready and able to serve in the ways I'm called to while I'm here.

First night handing out the Sponsors' packets, I was still travel-weary, and a little jet-lag spinny.  But being there to watch the kids receive with such delight all the treasures in their pouches....so much energy from that right there.

Im's new shirt fits perfectly!

I've slept well already, although still getting up too early, which is an advantage for morning worship.  By 5:30 when everyone else gathers, I'm up and dressed and have sent out a few emails already.  Then breakfast, and great news is that I'm eating well, taking it easy on the over-travelled stomach for the first few days, and experiencing the benefits of that.  

Fresh and cold.

And while I think I've lost a bit of ground in pronunciation, I'm quite surprised that my Thai language comprehension is as good as it is.  Not bad for this old brain, considering how easily language leaks.

So things are very, very good, and I am very, very relieved.

To take this a bit deeper...

Last January when I was beset with a three-in-one health challenge (difficult tooth extraction, significant sciatic pain, suspicious kidney stone activity) that literally kept me in bed for the better of three weeks, I sincerely wondered if I might be done the travelling thing.  I was not sleeping and not eating probably for the better of six weeks.  The medications I was on caused a wretched amount of heartburn, and made me dizzy.  

The idea of putting this unsteady body on a plane and hauling it halfway around the world provoked no small degree of anxiety during those cold, dark nights last winter.  My heart was wrung out at the thought that the physically demanding part of what I do now might not be possible.  

And yet....

Here I am, feeling amazing.  Feeling like I never left.

Don't worry.  I'm quite aware that my gut might betray me at some point.  And it hasn't really been all that hot yet.  Also, there are any number of unexpected 'friends' more sinister than a bathroom snail to be wary of.   Still, I am so very encouraged by this very strong start.

All our girls are growing so tall and lovely!

Father God, I am amazed again by Your tender intimacy.  

To hold me so beautifully those uncertain weeks last winter.  

To carry me safely here now.  

To provide everything I need, as promised.  

My heart is Yours.  

No matter what. 

No matter where.