I’m so thankful for the quality time with family and friends while home. I engaged in so many things that I love about summer in central Illinois: Independence Day celebration at Aunt Lori and Uncle LeRoy’s, the parade and carnival, canoeing, the county fair, the rodeo, swimming at the Jacob’s, planting and harvesting garden vegetables, the read reunion, mocha freezes with Grandma, Casey’s pizza, bicycling, sweet corn, BLTs, and cream peas. I love home and I love family. It’s sad to leave people you love, but what a blessing to have such great love in your life.
Two stories
1st Story
For those of you who don’t know me very well, I have a history of letting fear get ahold of me when I’m home alone. I like to say, “you never realize how loud a quiet house is until you’re home alone.” I have many stories, but it seems appropriate to share the most recent.
After stepping out of my car into the dark driveway I hear, “VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM” the sound of a car blazing by a typically quiet country road. This wasn’t just any sound; It was a LOUD engine roar. I hesitated, and quickly ran through my options, I could go to grandma’s and wait there for my parents to come home. Quickly, dismissing the irrational thought I shut the car door and head toward the front door when… “VROOOOOOOM!!” Then, I hear another noise coming from the office, “ffffffhhhh-ting”. I look out the front door and can see a light beaming through the basement window. “VROOOOMMM!!” “ffffhhh-ting.” I reach for my phone. Who do I call? Mom: No answer. Dad: No answer. 8+ month pregnant sister: No answer. Brother in Texas: Answer, Finally!
Partway through the explanation of how I would like him to proceed, I gather enough strength to peek into the office. I hear the “VROOOM!” again, and it hits me. TRACTOR PULL, that noise is the tractor pull.
It is incredible how quickly our minds can make associations and create scenarios. Before we know it, we’re midway through the escape from an oscillating fan blowing a lanyard against the wall, a dehumidifier light, and a tractor.
I know what you’re thinking. “we” or “I”? Trust me, I think you would have phoned a friend in this situation.
But seriously, in times of the unknown how easy is it to let your mind go to the worst-case scenario? I believe the Holy Spirit slid that “It’s the tractor pull” realization in my head, and man did I need it. God knows what we need even when we don’t ask. He is there with us even when we don’t acknowledge it.
2nd Story
Around 11:00 PM Sarah, my sister-in-law, pulled into a rest stop. We switched, and I got into the driver’s seat. I turned the key, but the ignition sounded funny and the van didn’t fully start. I released my foot from the pedal as I thought, “Now is probably not the best time to clarify to Sarah that I haven’t driven in the past 11 months.” Feeling a little self-conscious about my in-ability to successfully start the van I tried again; Success! About an hour later we carried the kids into the hotel, only to load up again in the morning to finish the journey from Houston to Putnam. The following day the car wouldn’t start; the battery was dead. Praise God that He provided safe travel, and van trouble happened at the destination when many hands were able to help out.
It’s hard to put into words how much I enjoyed my month at home.
Nora watering her sunflower seed.
Left to right gets a bit confusing with twins… George is in the middle and Issac and Marcus are on the sides.
Left to right: Issac, George, Marcus
Big brothers testing out which bows will be best for baby sister.
Left to right: James and George
summertime donuts, James
I’m in Georgia finishing up training before I head out to Chile.
I’d love prayer for unity and healthy community formation, deeper understanding of who God is and who He says we are, and courage to share love and truth.
My beautiful sister is in her VERY final stages of pregnancy. Please pray for health and safe delivery. My parents will be watching the boys for a bit after Ms. Abbott is born; I’m sure they’d love prayer for energy, patience, restful nights, and well-behaved grandchildren.
Much love!
Catherine
