Coming to an end

Well, furlough is almost done. I am having to really pause and pray through those words.
Our time in America has been full and we have enjoyed just being here, but now our sights our set on the very near future-like hugging our son!!!!-and with that future comes some uncertainty and LOTS of emotions. We are all ready to feel settled once again, and I guess that is because God has called us to Thailand, so until we get back to where He has put us, we feel a little out of place. Yet, some of us (no names) aren't quite as ready as others. This is natural, though. It is kind of like the end of summer break. You have enjoyed your time with your kids, but you are ready for routine and order again, but during that first week of school, you sure miss the laziness of summer mornings! (Even homeschool moms feel this way!)

Since the end of furlough is rapidly approaching, I want to take a little time and share the blessings of our time here in America.

1.Preaching. In English. I have learned to listen to podcasts, so at least I am not leaving this behind. 
2. Singing hymns in church with brothers and sisters in Christ! I always love this is Thailand, too.
3. Speaking of brothers and sisters--family! Oh, my sweet nieces and nephews-I am going to miss you so very much! Our time with family has been limited, but treasured.
4. Hot water in the kitchen sink.
5. Central AC. Although, for several months, I was praising God for central heating. 
6. Walmart. So easy. So cheap. So wonderful. 
7. Friends! Ahmet and I have enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones, BUT we have really loved watching our kids spend time with their friends. They are so blessed to have friends who lift and encourage them!
8. Family vacation-and the sweet church that provided for this once in a lifetime trip!
9. Being able to step away from the mission work and look back on all God did. Sometimes it is hard to see what God is doing when you are in the thick of battle. You can miss His victories, even though you KNOW He is winning the fight. 
10. In that stepping back, we have had the chance to re-evaluate and make new plans. Most are spiritual (at least for me) but some are practical. Rest days, new routines, future goals. 

These next two months will rush by--full of packing, finishing appointments, and lots of goodbyes. Most likely, everything won't get done, and we will wonder if we spent our time doing the most important things. When we get to Thailand, being with AJ will pretty much fill our joy cup, and we will transition back into being in one place all the time. (Believe it or not, this is harder than you think!) Our hearts will fill when we see old friends and hear how God has worked while we were gone, and at the same time, we will miss our family and friends here in America. It is incredible the way God has given us such huge capacities for love! We are blessed to have people we love spread all around the world!