Saturday, January 21, 2012

Shelter Preparedness

It's better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.  
~Jackie Kersee


Our home was a flurry of activity last night.  Suitcases were packed, snacks tucked in, 17 hours worth of  student papers downloaded on the computer.  Those of you who know RB "in real life" knows that there wasn't a detail left undone -- even preparing every paper I will ever need in a notebook for me.

This morning, passport in hand, RB left for Africa, leaving me...

happy for him
sad for me
thoughtful and a bit teary
the longest separation in 36 years
first time I can't say goodnight
determined to be joyous
counting the days until next Sunday



In the way that life sometimes spins a strange happening, on Sunday Shawn and Melanie are leaving for Africa, too.  While RB's trip is a business trip, Shawn and Melanie will be in Africa for a mission trip.  The best part is that a certain sparkly eyed, curly haired, expressive 3-year-old will be spending the week with me.  She will make my week go so much faster.  We have big plans of playing house,   sipping tea with Pinkalicious and teaching same 3-yr-old to sew.




Melanie, like her dad, is a detail person and has everything organized for home and the trip.  I thought you'd enjoy seeing how she's sheltering her children -- even though she's 17 hours away.  She wrote notes I can place in the play mailbox for Morgan.  Plus she wrapped packages for Morgan to open while she's away.  Morgan will know Melanie loves her every day.
Sometimes shelter is spur-of-the-moment; other times it takes careful planning.  One thing I've determined this year is to be more organized in my sheltering.   Jesus is always my example -- You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted, you 
encourage them and listen to 
their cry (Psalm 10:17).


I can't wait to see who God wants me to shelter this week.  How about you?








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20 comments:

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

So glad you have some special company for the time your husband is away. It is a funny feeling to be separated by continents.

Praying for his safe return.

Fondly,
Glenda

Lynn said...

What a wonderful week you two will have together and then it will be time for your beloved hubby to return. Your daughter reminds me of myself when my dad has open heart surgery and I left my three children at home with their dad for 10 days. I put notes in special places in their rooms that they would find each day. What a lovely daughter you have and your little granddaughter is just adorable. Oh I am thinking of those tea parties and sewing lessons. Praying for safety as all your familiy is moving around the world. Blessings and thank you for stopping by and taking time to leave a lovely comment.

Elizabethd said...

What a lovely time you will have with your little one. The days will fly by, I'm sure.

Rebecca said...

Sounds like YOU'LL be sheltered, too! :)

Have a wonderful week.

Polly said...

it will be so nice to have a special little person to share your week with you! the time will probably fly by! and you girls will have a great old time!!

Martha said...

How nice that you have someone with you while your husband is gone. Have a great time!

A multi-dimensional life said...

She looks like you Pamela! How sweet to have this time together, bonding and yes, you will also be sheltered. I've missed you...it's been awhile, and I am so glad to be back here reading your heartwarming posts. I always feel God's spirit through the tenderness of your words! Praying that your husband and children will be kept safe throughout and that the time will pass quickly for you. Happy that you will have this time with your precious grandaughter!

Sharon said...

Pamela, I will certainly be praying for you this week. And for your family's adventures in Africa! I love the lesson you gave about preparation. Yes, sometimes it takes careful planning...

Yes, God - who have You put on my calendar this week?

GOD BLESS!

(Give Morgan a big hug from me, too!)

Cranberry Morning said...

So hard to be separated from one you love! God bless this time you have with the little one. I'm sure she will be a comfort to you.

Susan Evans said...

Going on missions trips is a great way to see real poverty and learn how to be grateful for what we have, especially going some place like Africa. And of course, they need Christ...

Ruth said...

I know you will enjoy sheltering as a Grandma this week. Looking forward to hearing what God has in store for you two and your family out of town.
Thanks for the way your words always shelter me. :)
Blessings.

Maggie Ann said...

I have enjoyed visiting your blog.....I love the title and concept of being 'A sheltering tree'..I hope your week is delightful.

Kara Plank said...

I enjoy reading your blog. Sounds like you raised a fabulous daughter(s), who is in turn raising fabulous children...enjoy the week with that beautiful little girl

floyd said...

What a blessing and memory this week will hold for your granddaughter... God always seems to know exactly what we need.. His older children and young ones alike. God bless.

Cooking Up Faith said...

I just know you'll have some stories to share between all that you and your family are doing. The Lord's presence will surely be with you all.

Have you heard of the book Toad Cottages by Sharon Lovejoy? She has some great ideas for fun activities with kids...but it looks like you've got a lot too! :)

Amy said...

Prayers for safe travel for your husband and that he will be fruitful in Africa! I'm glad to hear you will have a little companion to keep you company.

Warren Baldwin said...

Prayers for a safe trip.

Linked here from Denise Hughes' blog to let you know I read some of your comments there and thought they were good.

LeAnn said...

Enjoythe moment with that sweet one. My husband used to travel a lot and I didn't enjoy that era at all.
We are an Inner City Mission so we are working right now on getting a family into an apartment that are now living in a 19 ft. camp trailer with no income. Hoping to accomplish that this week. We have been working on it for a while.
Blessings to you and your family.

Laura said...

I want some pinkalicious too! :) I'm so glad you'll have some company while you wait your sweetheart's return. Praying traveling mercies for your sweet family, Pamela. Love to you.

Leah H. said...

One week is not that long and with your granddaughter, you both will surely be find:)

Visiting for Wordless Wednesday! Hope you can stop by:)

http://www.sweethomephilippines.com/2012/01/wordless-wednesday-car-covered-with-snow.html