I wanted to post about the fact that I was coming back to Indiana for a week, but I couldn’t. Know why? Because I was coming for my dad’s birthday and HE DIDN’T KNOW! I wasn’t too sure we’d all be able to keep my visit a secret from him, but it actually worked.
I had an amazing time with my family. I can’t seem to get over how particularly wonderful they all are. It was the first time we’d been together without spouses in a long time. I missed Mark and Becca, both, but I will treasure that snippet of Swartzendruber time. Of course, I have to brag a bit on my niece and nephew – they are two of the most beautiful, fun people I’ve ever known. Rotten stinkers, sometimes, but they’ve totally won me over anyway.
Avery & Poppy
Amdon, the charmer
they sure do love their Poppy
I got to skip down to Indy to see all my horribly sick friends. They even shared some of the love. The time was too short, for sure. But it did fill my tank up a bit. (Thanks, girls…and Jason.)
I wish I could have seen a hundred more people and had quality time with each of them. Alas, it was not to be. I did have a good trip back home. Mark’s face at the Dublin airport was sure a welcome sight. Even with Skype, it’s not too much fun being on a different continent from the one I love! And I just missed the horrible weather and came home to balmy temperatures and beauty…
the reservoir of spelga dam
rolling clouds - the view from main street
We’ve got a friend, Beka, visiting right now. She flies home on Boxing Day (Dec 26) and Mark’s parents fly here a few hours later. We can’t wait to see them! Even though we’ve lived here 3+ months already, I’m sure they’ll have some secret wonders to show us in the place we live. (They do have their own history in this place.) If I don’t manage to get back here before then, Merry Christmas to you. Thanks for stopping by again!
Check out “The Year 2008 in Photographs” from the Boston Globe. There are some BEAUTIFUL photos (and some disturbing ones):
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/12/the_year_2008_in_photographs_p.html
Peace.
It’s been a lonely week here. Ange got to go home for a very short visit as a surprise for her dad’s 60th birthday (Happy birthday, Lloyd!!!!), so I’ve been bach’ing it. I’ve spent most of the week catching up on work stuff and missing her. I did break away for Sunday lunch with our friend Ross and Kathryn, Glee Club practice (oh yeah), as well as taking some time for reading, prayer, hanging out with friends, even a little recording.
Monday night Campbell and I went to pick up our friend Beka from Muncie, who has been in Bosnia for the past month. She’ll be with us (staying with Campbell and Kristi right now, of course) for the next 10 days, and we’re glad to have her.
Ange gets back on Friday, though, and I can’t wait!!
It’s been a while since we posted anything, so I thought I’d give a little blip. Things continue to go well for us. Yesterday I got to speak to about 14 14-year-olds at a youth retreat for the Catholic church in Newcastle. It was really fun. I just told some stories about how we got here and how God has led and provided for us, did a little bit of teaching on worship and then taught them some songs. They seemed to enjoy it, and the leaders liked it enough to invite us back to watch the X Factor finals (similar show to American Idol) with them that evening.
I’m so thankful for the stories God has given us. That is such a powerful tool to connect with people and make them hungry for more in life. I pray that God would give us all more stories of His faithfulness, goodness, and nearness.
For those of you that missed it (which was not many, judging by the myriads of facebook wall-posters), I turned 28 yesterday. One of the first things that my lovely bride said to me that morning was: “Wow, you’re just firmly in the late-twenties now. I mean, 27 is kind of on the line, but 28 is no question.” Thanks, babe. Why don’t you call me grandpa while you’re at it.
It actually set me thinking, though. Being in my late twenties doesn’t sound like a bad thing right now, which is a radical thing for me. Usually I have this foreboding sense of life slipping through my fingers, but this year I don’t. This year, I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing. I have such a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction to be putting my hand to what is, as far as I know right now, my life’s work. It’s not all roses and it’s not even that impressive, but it’s our adventure with God and I love it.
And so today, I’m proud to be firmly in my late twenties and there isn’t anything else I would rather be doing.
