Thursday, March 27, 2008

Adios

She's gone.

I hugged my sister good-bye and back she went to South America yesterday. Of course, yesterday was also the day American Airlines chose to ground a certain type of plane, thereby cancelling the first leg of her flight! It's a long day under the best of circumstances as she has to fly to Dallas and then Miami before her final destination. They got her rescheduled pretty quickly, but by the time she was in Miami, the entire AA network was a mess, and her flight out of Miami was 2 hours late leaving.

But she made it safely there, and after leaving our house just before 7:00 a.m., she made it home about midnight. Nothing like coming home rested from vacation!

Meanwhile, I've had a rock in my midsection ever since she's been gone, missing her. I know, I know! What an oxymoron I am! Can't live with her, can't live without her!

We were talking with my pastor on Sunday about some of the dangers she faces, including the armed robberies she has experienced, and the fact that she was making sure that I know where all of her important papers, passwords, etc. are kept in case something happens to her. I told the pastor (in my sister's presence!) that it seems like there could be a happy medium between her being in my spare bedroom and being killed!

It's easy to banter about the situation, but the reality is that each time I tell her good-bye, it is in the back of my mind that it could be the last time. That's true for any of us, of course, but living in a dangerous, impoverished, and politically corrupt third-world country (which borders one known for its drug trade) raises the risk.

Do I trust God to take care of her? Absolutely! But I also know that His promises are for His presence and eternal safety and His glory. Physical comfort and safety are not necessarily guaranteed. Just ask the apostles or any of a long list of those who have been martyred for their faith.

And yeah, I beat the socks off of her in Scrabble. But the victory wasn't as sweet as I anticipated. Because we have never had such a lopsided marathon. And I worry that the effect of living in such a high-alert, tense situation is beginning to take its toll on her.

Of course, I wasn't worried enough to "throw" the game! What would be the honor in that?! A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. . . . .

So if you think about it, please pray for her and for all the missionaries serving around the world. And the ones back home who love them could use a little prayer too.

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15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Linda,

I will absolutely pray for them and for you. What a gift God has given the two of you in each other!

Kelli

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

I just said a pray for all of you. The bond of sisterhood is like no other. And I understand not being able to live in the same house as each other, but aching when apart...especially if one faces danger. Blessings to you. Angela

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Prayers, Linda. For both of you.

A Stone Gatherer said...

Just said a prayer for you all! To have such a close relationship with your sibling is a treasure!

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and your sweet sister!

Have you ever heard of Skype? It's free software that you download and you can talk to each other for FREE over the internet. Get a webcam and you can see each other, have a cyber coffee get together. It is so much fun and would be great for the 2 of you.
Sandy

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

Linda=I read your response to the "scale issue" on Lysa's blog site and found it just too funny!! I had to share it with my husband! It was a good way to start my morning-laughing!!
Hang in there regarding your sister. Keep reflecting and praising God for the time you got to spend together! I'm sorry for your sadden heart in this.
In His Graces~Pamela

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

It's always hard to say goodbye...I'll be praying for you and for her.

Xandra

Mocha with Linda said...

You gals are making me feel so loved with your sweet words of comfort and encouragement! Thank you!

I will say that we do get to talk about once aw week through the internet. It's not Skype, but another computer-phone provider. That has really helped, especially for my mom.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Will do. I know a couple of people serving like this, as well, and I get the oxymoron.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

When I first read "pot," I thought you were insinuating drug usage, which, although I'm a little weird and off in la-la land sometimes, I can assure you is all "au naturele." Unless you count the allergy meds.

Mocha with Linda said...

LOL Well, sometimes people probably think I am too. . .

Linda is referring to my SPRING comment on her post from today. I had to make it a Second Pot instead of Second Cup. . . couldn't find a word for cup that starts with "p".

Connie Barris said...

I am definitely praying...

I can't imagine my sister not being close to me... ouch...

Tracy said...

I will pray. Knowing how much I LOVE having my sister just 20 minutes away...it's hard to imagine having her in another country!!

Blessings,
Tracy

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

I'm fascinated by sister relationships. I don't have a sister; wish I did! And I have four daughters. I constantly pray that they will be close when they are grown. We'll see if we survive the next few years. :)

Praying right now for your sister and for your heart.

eph2810 said...

Wow - South America. I can imagine that is must be hard for you to say good-bye.
As I was talking to my mom yesterday, she mentioned that my sister really needs me - as a friend *sigh*. Sometimes I wish I had a little wrap-machine here at home and could just transport myself over to Germany over the weekends - that would be cool - wouldn't it?

Thanks for sharing your heart - I will certainly keep you and your sister in my prayers.