My last blog showcased my wonderful, supportive family. The first week we were home, we spent with my family and Scott’s family, going back and forth between Wilmington (Scott’s hometown north of Boston), and Braintree (my hometown, south of Boston). And I even managed to attend my 10 year high school reunion.
It was fun to answer questions from old schoolmates. most of the questions centered around “where are you living?” and “what are you doing for work?”. To which i answered, “I’m homeless” and “I’m jobless”. Needless to say, some eyebrows raised, and some lips were bit. My friends Denise and Jess made me come clean though. I would then explain about this year, and that I really haven’t a clue where life is taking us at this point. But as a Tom Petty song explains, “the future is wide open”.
After the craziness of our first week was over, my friends planned a weekend get together so that we could all connect before the Christmas season got into full swing. And i had another chance to cry again. Seeing their smiles, sharing stories and feelings from the last 11 months, I couldn’t help but get a little emotional.
We went to my best friend, Denise’s home up in southern New Hampshire. She and her husband have 2 kids (Tony was a new addition this year, and he’s already huge!). She’s a music teacher and he’s a chef. Lia was probably one of our biggest prayer warriors. They know ministry is their future, and their doing the faith thing. Everything’s unclear, but that’s the way it needs to be. And it’s good.
Jess, my other best buddy, and only single friend (dating a really nice guy, Chris), just got her assignment for the Peace Corps. She’ll be headed to Botswana in April for a couple years. And she had me in tears, as she’ll be going to help with AIDS education. She asked for my thoughts on Africa, and the only thing I could say through tears was “just love them”. Regardless of what the purpose is of her stay is there, if they know her love for them, things will change. Never go in with an agenda, go in with a heart that longs to love and serve. And she’ll cry… a lot. It hurts to see others hurting. And sometimes it hurts to love others.
Becky and Bernie, Scott’s sister, and brother-in-law (who were very instrumental in the Scott and Linnea love story), also came to our winter weekend. Having gone to Malawi while we were in Nelspruit, South Africa, we were excited to hear their stories. And we’re still looking forward to more chats on how Africa changed us (well, really God, but He managed to use Africa in a big way for the Molgard crew). Haley, their daughter (ok, weimeraner pup), was in tow, and Sequoia loved putting Haley’s whole head in her mouth.
Jodi and Nate had also had an eventful year. And they were actually the first friends I saw when we got home. I went to parent’s church of which they are members, and spoke for a few minutes about thankfulness during their church’s thanksgiving eve service. Nate made his way through police boot camp, and now serves the community as an officer. They’d gotten married last summer, so they experienced their first anniversary this year. Congrats!
And last but not least, Rachel and Tim added a new member to their family. Joshua came along this summer, and already sleeping most of the way through the night. Parenthood certainly changes you. And life takes on new meaning as a parent. It was awesome to see the new parents in action.
Thanks to all of you who prayed, read our blogs, and supported us financially. We are truly grateful for friends like you!
