WOW!

A few days ago some friends from our home city arrived here for a two week visit. I would be spending the bulk of that two weeks with them in another part of the country doing various kinds of activities. Many of these are friends from a long ways back, so it is always good to see them.

A few days after they arrived the group leader asked me if I had gathered all my things that they brought for me and my family. In a slightly uncertain tone, I asked if he was talking about the small computer part we had ordered for a friend of ours, since that was all that I knew of that was coming for us.

“No” he said. “I am talking about the stuff that will nearly fill a suitcase that is for you guys.” Oh my. Not what I had expected.

After dinner I went to the luggage room and began looking through all that was there. I was honestly overwhelmed by not only the volume of goods, but by the creativity and specific nature of some of the goods. There were things in there that my wife had mentioned some time ago on her blog, and some things that just plain showed people knew us, or had thought of us and wanted to send something special. Nothing extravagant, just thoughtful.

The goodies sent over with the team were a very significant reminder that we are loved, thought of, and special to a number of people who took time out of their busy lives to buy something and make sure it got sent over with the team.

To each of you who sent things to us, a heartfelt than you from my and my family. You have blessed us in ways you likely won’t understand.

Just what the doctor ordered

I have been away for two weeks with a group visiting another part of India. This is an annual trip for these friends. My challenge is that this group is followed by another group, and this year they were literally separated by less than 24 hours. That would mean a whole month away from home in one stretch. I was not looking forward to that part.

Nearing the end of the first team, we were given a cash gift by two special people and I was told that was to help pay for me to be able to go home for the weekend to see my family between these two teams.

After clearing my late arrival for the second group with its leader, I quickly secured my ticket. I would arrive home late Friday night, and leave again very early Monday morning, arriving at my destination in time to begin the day with the team. Perfect.

While home for the weekend we packed it as full as could be. We had the kids Sports Day on Saturday morning (an event I had missed each year so far due to being away for these trips) and followed that with lunch at a local hotel, and then haircuts for my son and I. Afternoon naps for most of us were in order.

In the evening we went out for dinner and them went to go see a new animated film that had just been released here. Sunday was church together as a family, then home for lunch and naps again in the afternoon. In the evening we had time together at home, and I got to help my son do his weekend homework.

As I left early Monday my emotional tank had been at least partially refilled. I hope the same was true for my wife and kids. This weekend was just what the doctor ordered so I can carry on through this next two weeks before finally getting home on Feb 14th.

Thanks to our two special friends for caring for us as a family in such a practical way. Your gift made a huge difference.

Great quote

Watching a quirky little show tonight on tv called “Ed”, I heard a quote from someone whose name I did not catch. As much as I want to credit the initial source, for now, the show gets credit for it.

“Out side of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside a dog it’s too dark to read.”

Any response?