Today mom & dad arrive for their summer visit. The house is prepared. Food shopping done. My favorite part this year was that the girls participated actively in thoroughly cleaning the bathrooms, we used the big vacuum, dusted the bookshelves, prepared the bed. Our hearts and minds are ready.
There is going to be rain. But we don’t mind it. I think the grandparents longed for cooler weather compared to Texas in the summer. We will be together, play games, travel to see the painted churches, and travel to Sibiu the 6 of us. Last time we were there with Jackie when she was little – and made lovely memories. Time to travel there with Ivy as well.
A full year. Whatever doest fit on the front page we don’t fret about it. I hold lightly the friendships, and delight in the company at hand. There is room in my heart and mind for all. I let my self expand and not fear the expanse.
ROM was incredibly rich, for me personally. I felt challenged and we felt useful. Fulfilling doesn’t even come close to describe how lovely my time in Croatia has been. I prepared as well as I could in advance, and I was readu and willing to try things last minute. But one major difference: I didn’t built up anxiety leading up to any of my talks. I lost myself in anticipation, creating the scenarios in my head, and then my heart would pump like crazy. Then iff I lost my train of thought I would be so disappointed with myself. This time I kept my cool.
Prior experience helps. Knowing my tendencies helped. Facilitating a handful of events just the month prior, interviewing at the radio, in the midst of busy life, speaking at church (that made me most nervous) and yet pushing through all these public engagements, and not losing my head, my words, my self …
Now in the eve of grandparents visiting, having a plan and a menu puts my mandate ease. After they leave ivy goes to VBS but our presence has also beed requested at Lacu Rosu by Brian. He pulled the very last strings of our heart. His last conference in Romania. The man who gave so much. I owe him a debt of gratitude. He connected his church to mine, He brought my father in law to Simeria in 1996. Then because of him I met Gloria and later I went to stay with her for the summer. It all connects. I willingly and wholeheartedly pay it forward today, but I can reflect briefly on his impact on my life. He lived life with gusto, pursued the Word and loved people. He made things happen, connected the dots …and my in-laws are visiting us, their son, daughter in law and grandkids in Romania, where we live a very adventurous and fulfilling life, because of Brian and the ripple efect of his love for Jesus.