Eldest Son
Eledst Son reads the Christmas Story in our
family’s “Little Christmas” celebration.
This morning, my heart is torn in many directions. Eldest Son left for Columbus, Ohio at 8:30. On Tuesday, he flies to Nepal. I have dealt with this whole thing pretty much “his way” — not talking about it, just not even thinking about it. This morning, I can no longer just not think about it. He is gone, and unless something happens that I really don’t want to have happen, we won’t see him again for six months.
How thankful I am that Raph wants to serve God.
How thankful I am that God has chosen to use him in the Kingdom.
And How I pray that there will be people in Heaven someday
. . . Because He went to Nepal.
Delaware Grammy 
It is a SAD thing to have to say good bye to someone for a while like this……..it seems to happen frequently in our family.
A very good thankful list you have there … but inspite of all those things, the “good-bye” still has got to be so very hard. I can’t imagine. Love you!
I am “catching up” on Xanga after a very busy few days in which my computer had been untouched and enjoyed seeing the WONDERFUL village “Shady Acres II”! Wow! That beats all I have ever seen!
It must be difficult saying “Goodby” to your son knowing he is going so far away. But what a blessing to know he has found a mission in life and is fulfilling it! God bless him and all your children as they go off on their life’s journeys. You can be so proud of them all.
Of the “goodbyes” I have said to my children, to have them leave for a missions experience have probably been the easiest. Oldest son was gone two summers with teen missions and I believe that helped to “buffer” the away times after that. That experience was one of the defining experiences in his life and in our relationship. I have said “goodbye” several times with other children that have been much more difficult.
Missed you this morning. Hope you will be able to get extra rest today so you can function better in the days ahead. I love you and I pray that the goodbyes of today and tomorrow will not bring sadness into your life. L.
My mind travels back two years when we said good-bye to one of ours. Knowing she felt strongly that this was God’s will for her life and also a passion of her own heart made the parting so much easier for me. We took her to KC airport, and I honestly don’t think I shed a tear. However, on the way home I fought them some. I never want to get in the way of my children doing what they are sensing God is wanting them to do, and I’m sure that is where you are in all of this. May God watch over your family as you are absent from one another.
I remember the joy and pain of saying goodby to our daughter, son-in-law, and first granddaughter when they moved to Maine to help establish a mission church. Their decision to follow God has changed their life and broadended ours. Raising the children God has given us is one of the most rewarding – and sometimes most painful things we do. Many times I have to remind myself that these children are His.
i feel your pain reach mom:) it’s rewarding as well as heartbreaking to see them go.
another reach mom
Yes it must seem like such a long time away and so far but what a joy to have a son willing and able to do this. You are the mother of a warrior,a warrior for Jesus and as such you can be happy and proud of his choices. Can you send packages to him? Is there a “needs” list?
Mary, Napal and Morocca sound so very far away and I am so thankful that God is ever present every where.
I can’t imagine how you are feeling! I am glad that I am in the stage that I am! I am not looking forward to my children growing up and leaving. You are a testimony to me that God gives us what we need in each stage. Blessings ……
One of the most humbling things in my life is watching my children hear the call of God and do what He asks them to do. I watch and think, “Where did they GET that?” (‘Cause so often I feel like I fall so short of that goal) I just am so humbled that by God’s grace they have figured out that obeying His call is the way to life abundant. I’m sure you feel the same–it gives us no greater joy than watching our children walk in Truth, eh? My mama’s heart feels your bittersweet sense of loss–I’ll be praying these next few days as you adjust….
I thought I’d cheer you up with this thought (ha, ha): When our daughter Miki went to Sweden on a YES team, God had her future husband there as the interpreter for the team. And you know the rest of the story! These days, with modern technology, it hardly feels like we’re that far apart. Will Raph have access to email and internet in Napal? I’m not trying to minimize the ache in your heart. I understand it, but I know from much experience that these six months will fly by. Wish I could be there to give you a hug.
“Hello”,how are you this morning? Thought I’d stop by and check in on you my Dear Friend. It is warm here today and is to get into the 60’s……………then plummet to the more normal November freezing cold weather for our little corner of the world………..I better dig out my coat! Take Care.
Good morning! Was directed to your site by “phantomwave” who said I need to check out your Village (City I’d say) ie. Shady Acres II. WOW, that’s beautiful! Yes I’d LOVE to drop by and see….will be in your area this wkend… but sure there will be no time! We have a little Burg of 7 buildings & etc. that my kids like to help set up. Ours is from Heartland series. Yours any particular brand? Thanks to my slow dial-up, I also got to hear your inspirational song! Blessings to your son in his life changing experience, and to you Mama as you adjust to a different kind of mothering. Our Mama job changes with the years and circumstances. One of the hardest circumstances I’ve faced is learning how to ” not be a mother anymore” when a son took his “ultimate journey” All of life is a –learning/ trusting God/ faith building–experience. Chin-up Mama, all those prayers are/will pay off! ~~Renee’s M.I.L.