Love Again

Love like you have never loved before.
Kathi Pelton

Later this afternoon, we will leave for a family vacation in Europe. Since finding out that flying via Europe on our way home to Toronto allows us to have a stopover in London at no extra costs for us, we’ve initially toyed with the idea of traveling there. The idea turned into a viable option and soon, we were having yard sales to save up some spending money. Yes, it doesn’t cost us extra to get there but we do have to eat and live somewhere! All those materialized (friends to visit and stay with, and places to live in) and so we are embarking on a never before done family adventure for two weeks. Later today, we'll leave for London and then travel to different places in Europe before we continue our journey to Toronto on the 3rd of July. It is unfortunate that Evan is not able to join us but when he studied in London, he traveled to Europe as well so at least he’s been to where we’re going (except Holland). He is now in Toronto looking for a summer job.

So, yes, it’s sad to leave Chiang Mai and with somewhat heavy hearts we leave it but the Lord has a LOT in store for us, not just on our trip to Europe, but in our year’s stay in Toronto. We are blessed to be able to visit with family and to also share at different churches in Canada the work that is happening on this side of the world. We are also grateful for the full lives we lived here the past seven years. There might be an assumption out there that it’s hard to serve the Lord overseas. I would do it all over again for half of what I gained in coming here. It’s been a tremendous blessing and I wouldn’t change a thing (Eric’s having had cancer included)!

Yesterday, our sons shared their last supper with their friends. I should say remaining friends as a lot of them (especially Eric’s), had already left to go home to their respective home countries. It was good to be gathered together and to share that sweet time with them. The Lord has been so good in providing them with precious friends.

Finally, as we prepare to leave, I choose to live and do the statement above in my new community in Markham, just outside of Toronto. Loving hurts at times like this especially because some of my friends won’t be returning to Chiang Mai. Still, regardless of the pain, IT IS BETTER to have loved and lost. =) Thank you, God, for the technology that allows easier ways for us to communicate in the future. Most of all, there is heaven for all of us, our final destination for those who believe in Jesus as Lord. No more painful moves. =) Praise God.