Furlough is over...

FURLOUGH IS OVER!

It was a busy year for everyone. They visited churches, worked, and taught.

I think one of my biggest concerns was that my grandchildren would have trouble adjusting to life in the USA. All four of them have lived in Vanuatu since they were very young.
They did not have a problem, instead they thrived, and it was a blessing to see.
They had the opportunity to attend a Christian school. They excelled and seemed to enjoy and appreciate
the different classes and extra curricular activities they participated in. This time allowed them and their parents the opportunity to see what their gifts and talents might be, and gave the kids a taste of what the USA is like.

This was a much needed furlough and it was good!

We spent the last two weeks with them. We were able to see some school and sport activities with the kids, and help with packing.
The house they were staying in needed to be completely cleaned up and out. There are new missionaries moving in next week.
It was hard to decide what to take, what to throw away, or what to give away. In the end they had around 8 bags and 8 carry ons. We stayed until the next day cleaned bathrooms and when all done I had a loaf of bread, an orange, and 1/2 jar peanut butter to give to the neighbor.
The house was spic and span, and the kids were on their way back to Vanuatu.

During the week before they left Erik reminded me of the verses in Matthew 10:37
"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not
worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
And He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.
He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. "

The truth of this verse does not take the pain of their leaving away, but it helps give the loss an eternal perspective, and that's good when you are a Parent of a Missionary.