Friday, January 16, 2009

BACK!!



Hi everyone! The Christmas break is over. I'm back!!
While in Florida I decided to take a break from the blog and since being back on the island we unfortunately haven't had internet at home it's has been awhile hasn't it? Some of you are hounding me (in the nicest way of course) to get back to writing so here I am.

I trust you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. We were grateful for the time we were able to spend with Bob's Mom.

We had a great time going to many wonderful Christmas banquets, and concerts at her church. It was special for us to be able to listen to her sing in the Christmas cantata at their church. Thanks so much Bev for all you did for us while we were together. It was a great time. Have you ever seen a Christmas golf cart parade?? Well here ya go!!


We had the kids come for a visit too. I can't begin to say how wonderful it was to be together again!! The boys flight was delayed due to snow and they arrived 2 days later then we had anticipated. It made for a short visit (only 2 days!!) but I would have been grateful for even a few hours together.

Just to see the kids, hug them, laugh together,celebrate David's birthday, go to the pool, enjoy Christmas giving and sharing, go for drives in the rental convertible with the music blaring (shhh.. don't tell Bob!) It was a great time. I found leaving them to be more painful then the first time we said goodbye. I miss them more then words can say.


We were thankful though that Emily came to Roatan for an extra week. We had such a wonderful time together... touring around the island, eating out, hanging out in the hammock, reading, relaxing.. just enjoying her!! I hope that many more of you will come to see us soon.

We have moved from our little beach house on the water to another rental home in Sandy Bay. This is a larger home up on a hill with a gorgeous big deck and a view of the sea that is breathtaking. We spend alot of time out of the deck eating our meals, and that is also where I have my devotions.
There was no internet set up here so we were grateful that our friends Chuck and Tia over at the Sonrise Cafe let us come over and use their wireless. Although it was an inconvenience it was also such a blessing to be able to be with them more. We thank them for the many coffees they made us, the meals they shared, the games we played and the times we talked, cried and prayed together. The fellowship is wonderful. It is so nice because now we are close enough to be able to walk over. I realize that walking on the road here is a bit risky but I am careful!!

One thing that I love about being at this place is that we are sharing the property with another family (it is a huge piece of land with 2 houses on it) We are enjoying getting to know Lilianna and Marco and their dear little family. Lilianna's grama and niece were visiting from the Mainland and they were such a joy to get to know. It was quite funny because they didn't speak English and our Spanish is still very limited but we managed to communicate. There is something wonderful about LOVE... words are not always needed. Yamaleth is 10 years old and so special.

She stole my heart. I brought back clothing, shoes, jewelry and toys from the States so I shared some of these with her and she was sooooooo grateful. In return she gave me her heart. I think I got the better part. As they left today we had a very tear filled goodbye at the door. I will miss them greatly.

Bob bought a guitar while in the States so
we have been helping with the worship at the Sonrise church. It is good to be able to minister in that way. Just recently I feel that my heart has been revived in a new way. It is too long to write about here but if you care to know more then just email me and I would love to share the changes that are happening deep in my soul. I am grateful beyond words for the joy that wells up inside me. I thought that I would never regain what was lost but how wrong I was....thanks Lord....

Someone on facebook said that Bob and I just keep looking younger and younger. I have been thinking about that and wondering why. It is true. I even feel younger and more healthy here. I wonder if it has to do with the lack of stress and the simplicity of our lifestyle here. We are constantly amazed at the people He brings across our path to love and support. It feels so right to be here. I do miss everyone (don't miss the snow!) but I believe that this season is meant to be and we are grateful for the many opportunities to serve here.

We are very excited that Lindsay Tufts is going to be coming here at the end of the month to help out at the clinic. She will be here for 3 months and we look forward to having her in our home and together serving Him here on the island. What an opportunity.

I want to close with a line from the book "The Shack" that absolutely melted my heart. "the Father is especially fond of you" I hope you will let the trth of that sink in. We theoritically know that He loves us but do you know how 'fond' He is of you. May His love overflow from you to those in your world.

Blessings. xo