joined at the hip

As of last night I am starting to seriously miss my husband! I am really trying to have a great attitude along with the I-can- do-it mentality. I don't want him to feel guilty for leaving, and think this is not something I support. Last night I started thinking about how much my life is connected to Jason's. My Mom said to me while talking on the phone "honey you are joined at the hip and really in tune with each other. You always have been that way." Jason's mom has said in the past we become "kind of weird" and "insecure" when we are apart. Maybe last night and this morning I am feeling myself morph into that bizzarro self. All I know is that when one becomes this deep and entwined with another the idea of not having them seems like a loss of oneself.
Over the last couple of weekends while Jason and I worked in the church building separately people would come up to me asking if I knew where Jason was, or wanted me to solve a problem in his department. Several people got a little upset when I would say, "I don't know. He is in the building somewhere." I was thinking, "Go find him yourself… Do you think I am his keeper?" When I said something to Jason he said the same thing was happening to him (only asking for me of course).
Today I think that all of those people sense what my Mom said to be true. We are joined at the hip. Funny, my left hip has hurt for the last few days. Coincidence? Hmm!!
Anyway, enough of the boo-hooing. Jason if you are viewing cyber-space from Brazil please know how much I love you! I hope you are having the time of your life, and although the girls and I miss you terribly, we are doing great.

Missing Husband

Well he is gone! My sweet husband of 14 years has left me for another country. I already miss him, however I am so excited for all that he will be doing and experiencing. I talked with him today and he said it looked a lot like Mexico only with more vegetation. He is doing some kind of BBQ outreach tomorrow. I am going to try to keep busy and not treat the girls like they are driving me nuts. (Even though I know without a break for 10 days they will be.) More and more I am realizing that this is what my family is all about. First Hattie, then Mexico, now Brazil and soon Panama. I have a resolve to become accustomed to leaving and being left. We can't be who we are as a family and not have this exciting yet uneasy side effect of being separated to meet and love new people.

I did tell Jason not to fall too "in love" with any Brazilian Bombshells. LOL If you have read his blog recently he toyed with the idea of a thong on the beach, and believe me a Brazilian Babe won't be able to resist! For any of you who may worry don't... I checked his suitcase and the only thong he took was a pair for his feet. Anyway pray for him in all he will be doing, and that our team will be safe and will have a lasting impact on this area and the missionaries who serve it.

MY MOM

Many of you have asked how my Mom is doing. We talk on the phone and she sounds like she is holding up well. My Dad is forever the caretaker and I am really glad for that. I know she has lost her hair and some weight also. She has found a new surgeon and feels more comfortable with this one. I live miles, and miles away and the truth is I have no concept of how she is doing. I don't know how she looks or what she goes through on a daily basis. She has just finished up chemo #3 and has one more before she starts a new kind of chemo for the next round of 4 treatments. We hope this chemo will have fewer side effects. I guess what I am saying is that I know all the details but I don't really know the shape of her emotions. I imagine it must all be taking its toll on her. She has a strong relationship with the Lord and He will do more than I ever could being there. She will say she is fine and probably be mad at me for writing all this. The truth is it is hard to be "called" by God to another place to be apart of a great church, but not be able to be there for your own family. I will go out soon and see her and I know that will help ease both of our longing to see each other. I am grateful that we live in a time where we can talk on the phone as much as we want to, and hop on a plane and be with each other in a 1/2 a day's time. Please keep praying for her healing. I really appreciate all the inquiries, and prayers on her behalf.


P.S. I love this picture of my Mom holding my youngest Alannah Belle.