Barber's Concerto for Violin
Before today, I hadn't even thought about listening to my ipod. It's very odd to be alone after a month of having a "pal" to keep company with. Sadly, my English teacher & friend, Carole, took off for Lubumbashi yesterday afternoon. She had a ticket stating the departure would be 6:00 p.m. Luckily, Bravo Airlines called her the day before she was supposed to leave to inform her that the flight time was changed to 1:00 pm instead. She arrived at the airport in plenty of time to learn that the 1:00 pm flight was canceled. She was told to hang around in case they turned up a plane. Fortunately, they did and she actually took off around 4:00. I just talked with her to learn that she was getting settled in her new surroundings. Barber's Concerto seemed like the right mood music for being alone this afternoon.
My new roommate, Perie, short for Peregrine, arrived last night. She's been studying in Paris for the last 2 + years, and is originally from Kansas. She'll be working with Ben to produce a drama on HIV/AIDS that they plan to have broadcast on television here. I'm on assignment from the embassy to help them. From the sound of the conversation at dinner last night, maybe I could carry their equipment? They must be all of 30 years old, if that, and have seen every movie and heard every band you could mention. They've also traveled the world over and yes, they are very nice "kids" too. Ben walked here (over an hour away) this morning to pick up Perie. They left on foot about 11:00 and I haven't seen them since. Barber is a good choice for being alone.
The hardest part about today is that as I write I am missing the baptism of Sadie Grace Houston. I'm feeling very sad to miss it, but I believe that God will bless her and in His own gracious way will shine His love into her life. Barber is a good compliment to this mixture of emotions. I am so thankful for your many messages to me. I have been here exactly one month. If the rest go as quickly as this one has, the time will go fast. Till the next time, I think of you all often with joy and fondness. Stay in touch.
posted by MeJane @ 12:14 PM
5 Comments
5 Comments:
Dear Jane,
We certainly have been enjoying your blog and the reports that you have been giving us about your activities. It sounds like you are meeting some very interesting people and that you are staying busy. We had a wonderful service this AM at Second, the beginning of our Mission Emphasis Week. A wonderful young man from Kenya was our speaker and he became a Christian when he was a young shepherd with the Pokot tribe. He is now attending Western Theological Seminary. His beautiful wife and their 14 month old son were also at our service. Our sanctuary is beautiful with a new banner surrounding the flame with streams of material flowing toward the sides of the flame and also toward the ceiling. Four of our precious young girls did the liturgical dance. What a joy it is to see our young children participate! Yes, I am sure you are feeling sad about missing your granddaughter's baptism. We talked to Ed and Murial last week and they told us how happy they were to be going out to Lynden to do the baptism. What a joy to know that your children are walking with the Lord!! I am doing quite well and am hopeful that my eyesight will return in my right eye and also hopeful that I will not have a problem with my left eye. Life is unpredictable! I will keep you informed. Stay strong and know that we are praying for you and that God is with you each step of the way. Love and blessings, Don & Barb
Dear Barb: How thoughtful of you to (once again!) write the news from Second CRC. Even though I wish I could be there, I am glad that I am here doing what I need to do. I am so thankful that the 125th celebration went well. I did talk with Virginia, Dan AND Rev. Tamminga yesterday. They said the baptism went beautifully and Sadie cooperated with the whole program quite nicely.
My prayers are with you, too, about your eye. As you know, I have had two eye operations this year. Although not for the same reason, I can appreciate your sense of loss and yes, also fear of losing something that has before this time, been assumed you would always have. May God give you peace and also choose to have your vision returned in good time. I'm glad you have hope for that.
I think of you and the others from our prayer group especially on Tuesday mornings. Give them (and Myra and Marv, of course) my greetings. I look forward to being there in person when I return home. Best to you and Don. JHD
Dear Jane,
You sound lonely in your posting from Sunday. How I wish you could be transported out here to Green Valley for a couple of hours of sister talk, some coffee, biscotti, and lots of hugs.
Your experiences, and the people you are meeting, sound almost other worldly - certainly nothing like our normal day to day routines. And yet, you keep the faith and sound so very positive in spite of missing Sadie's baptism and the company of your former housemate. You are a great role model! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
B and B
Hi Mom! I am at Grace's apartment right now--she and Dan are grading quizzes, Jon and I are playing on the computers and Sadie is sleeping on their bed. We had a really good flight--Sadie did really well and barely cried at all. It has been fun staying at Mari and Nathaniels and seeing Grace and Jon. We go to Grand Haven this afternoon to stay at Beth's. Anyways, I of course wish you were here with us also, but maybe next year :) Hope you are doing well, Virginia
Hello Jane,
Ed Tamminga said how we could contact you. Do you check your e-mail in the States? We can definitely identify with many of your experiences.
God bless you and keep you safe and in good health.
Lee and Mari
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