Here we are just 17 days until we come home for a summer visit.
I MADE IT!
A couple of months in I wasn't sure if I could continue living here being so far away from my family and usual lifestyle. Not only did I miss my role as mother and grandmother to those at home but I also missed some of the freedoms I have taken for granted all my life. I couldn't see many steps ahead and really struggled with wanting to remain here. Even in the Saudi heat I was living through a winter of my life.
I am pleased to report that God's mercy brought me through as I prayed and pleaded for a willing heart.
Today as I write, I am very eager to board a plane, (actually several of them), to return home for the summer. Following are some musings as I reflect on the past year as well as look ahead.
-Ruby has learned to talk, goes to Nursery, loves to swim, rides a tricycle, cracks her own eggs for breakfast, recites stories from books, efficiently uses her IPAD to watch cartoons and Facetime Mammie.
-Jeneva grew from infant to toddler, got teeth, learned to walk, says a few words, (one of which is Mammie) :), and smiles a LOT.
I think first of my beautiful grandbabies when I think of home. I DO think of my kids and parents as well, of course!!!
-We have learned a whole new lifestyle and culture here.
-Our characters have been stretched and we have grown a lot.
-Our self confidence has increased.
_Our personal testimonies have deepened.
-Our appreciation for temporal well being has been strengthened.
-Our concern for others all around us has expanded.
-We realize more just how blessed we are to live in a free country full of abundance.
-We know even more surely that God knows where each of us is and that He reaches out to us all.
-We know even better that He answers prayer.
-We know He loves ALL His children.
We are grateful for this experience. It is often difficult to leave our comfort zones and try something different. It was with faith that we accepted this assignment and our faith has been rewarded in so many ways.
A few of my friends shared with me that they thought I was brave to come here. I wasn't sure if I would live up to this measure. However, I humbly say now that I feel that I/we have been courageous...and it feels good.
We expect to return here in August for at least another year. Who knows, perhaps I will be posting on this blog for a long time yet!
Homeward bound,
Clint, Liz and Carli
Friday 29 May 2015
Sunday 25 January 2015
I SEE THE LIGHT!
Finally I am at a point where I feel I can write a new post! It has been a trying few months and I really felt like I was simply treading water.
Today I see some light at the end of the tunnel.
We had a wonderful time with Cortney and Skyler over the holidays. They brought a lot of joy to us and lifted our spirits immensely. As some of you have seen Cortney's pictures on FB you can see that we did some touring and played hard. We had a fantastic time together over all.
We are now setting our sights on Carli's trip to Thailand next month for a week of service, as well as Clint's trip home to Edmonton and Toronto. It will be a year since he left there. He will visit home and family for a bit then off to Toronto for some work he has been asked to do there. I've never seen him so anxious to go home. He longs to see his children, grandchildren and his parents. I'm so happy for him.
One of the projects I took up in the fall is quilting. I made queen- sized quilts for Cortney and Skyler before they came and am now working on others. I have found a niche that I thoroughly enjoy! This helps me feel purposeful.
Carli is doing well at school and is looking ahead to next year, planning which classes she will need to take. She will have to take at least three IB classes, in Science, English and Social. It will be a lot of hard work but she keeps meeting the mark. We are very proud of her efforts.
Carli and I have our flights booked to come home mid-June and will be there for the summer. Thus, the light at the end of the tunnel! It will be a year away for us by then as well. We are looking forward to being home with family and friends before returning for another year here. I have a few more responsibilities on my plate now as well, so time will seem quick in passing until I get to hug my little grandbabies once again. I can hardly wait! Carli hopes to find work in Edmonton for the summer as well.
We are learning much here in this part of the world. We feel great compassion for many people around the globe. We have so much to be grateful for. We are also learning much about ourselves and growing within. Our faith is being strengthened and our desire to be like our Heavenly Father seems to deepen every day. Life is good amid the struggle. It is when we are more often on our knees that we grow taller isn't it! I'd have to say that I haven't reached the point yet to ask for another mountain to climb but I sure see the benefit in the struggle.
Until next post, we are continually facing toward the Light of the World. We will carry on in the cause.
Brightly beaming,
Clint, Liz and Carli
Today I see some light at the end of the tunnel.
We had a wonderful time with Cortney and Skyler over the holidays. They brought a lot of joy to us and lifted our spirits immensely. As some of you have seen Cortney's pictures on FB you can see that we did some touring and played hard. We had a fantastic time together over all.
We are now setting our sights on Carli's trip to Thailand next month for a week of service, as well as Clint's trip home to Edmonton and Toronto. It will be a year since he left there. He will visit home and family for a bit then off to Toronto for some work he has been asked to do there. I've never seen him so anxious to go home. He longs to see his children, grandchildren and his parents. I'm so happy for him.
One of the projects I took up in the fall is quilting. I made queen- sized quilts for Cortney and Skyler before they came and am now working on others. I have found a niche that I thoroughly enjoy! This helps me feel purposeful.
Carli is doing well at school and is looking ahead to next year, planning which classes she will need to take. She will have to take at least three IB classes, in Science, English and Social. It will be a lot of hard work but she keeps meeting the mark. We are very proud of her efforts.
Carli and I have our flights booked to come home mid-June and will be there for the summer. Thus, the light at the end of the tunnel! It will be a year away for us by then as well. We are looking forward to being home with family and friends before returning for another year here. I have a few more responsibilities on my plate now as well, so time will seem quick in passing until I get to hug my little grandbabies once again. I can hardly wait! Carli hopes to find work in Edmonton for the summer as well.
We are learning much here in this part of the world. We feel great compassion for many people around the globe. We have so much to be grateful for. We are also learning much about ourselves and growing within. Our faith is being strengthened and our desire to be like our Heavenly Father seems to deepen every day. Life is good amid the struggle. It is when we are more often on our knees that we grow taller isn't it! I'd have to say that I haven't reached the point yet to ask for another mountain to climb but I sure see the benefit in the struggle.
Until next post, we are continually facing toward the Light of the World. We will carry on in the cause.
Brightly beaming,
Clint, Liz and Carli
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)