“Man. I’m sad today. I find myself crying for the same reasons I cried when you left for Australia. I see Annabelle and think of all the people that love her and can’t be with her each day. Phew, breaks my heart. She has been crying more today than all the days we were in the states combined. I’m sure its the jet lag but part of me feels that she is missing her family. Makes me sad. I just see her sitting on the coach next to Ang staring at him and him telling her that he is going to feed her solid food and rub olive oil on her head to make her hair grow. I see Bertha just staring at her and being calm and content for the first time since she left the hospital. I see your dad with tears in his eyes while holding her and saying he loves her. I see your mom on the floor with her whispering secrets and singing. I see Dodi smiling and walking with her asking her what she wants to do next. I see Tama putting her in the dumpster dove chair she claimed and dressing her up as the cutest little devil you’ve ever seen. I see my mom cuddling her and wiping the projectile snot from Annabelle’s nose when she had a cold. I hear my dad say “Hello!” over and over again to her and giving her a huge smile. I see the three of us on their bed watching Annabelle trying to sit up while watching the Mentalist. I see three young Caron girls trading turns to carry her around in love with each moment. I see JJ stuck in the jumperoo that was too big for him and my mom trying to pull him out. Then I see him talking to Annabelle as she chilled in the thus mentioned chair. I see Gray and Lexi in awe of her and wanting to spend each moment they could with her. I see Uncle Roland holding her clumsily because he never holds babies but wanting to love on her so badly that he tried. I see Aunt Alma just smile from ear to ear while she held her in her arms. I see Chris and Leah holding her like their own child not wanting to let her go. I see Jonathan having her on his lap while playing pass the pigs like it was normal and Amy snuggling and smelling her head and holding her close. Man.”
We really had a fantastic trip. Space and time won’t allow for tales of train trips, faces of friends, blowouts in high chairs, candid conversations, and hospital hilarity. We are so thankful to the Lord for such an encouraging trip. I realize that the tears would not have fallen if not for the trip but the same tears evidence the love that was shared and the memories that were made. Thank you to all of our hosts and visitors. Our sadness will disappear to joy with the recalling of each escapade and the gaze of each photo. We love you all and look forward to our next visit. In the meantime, we are off to living our vibrant life here in Okinawa in full color. We are thankful for the ministry and the opportunity to share the hope of Christ in our everyday lives.