Drop-By

A few days ago, Casey got an e-mail from a student that he had in his ministry here in Grand Junction. He was pleasantly surprised to get it, as we haven't heard from too many people since the resignation. This young man expressed that he wanted us to make sure we come to their house before we moved, and we looked forward to getting the chance to do so, as we really enjoyed him and his brother. And I have enjoyed conversation with is mother and found in her a mom and wife worth emulating.

Casey replied to the e-mail, and we knew that we would be able to be in contact with that family at least until we move... and prayerfully, beyond.

Yesterday was the first nice day in a small streak of cloudy, cooler weather, and Norah had been itching to go to the park. So into the double stroller the kids went, and we enjoyed a very warm walk to a nearby park. We played there for a bit, and began our journey home. Casey and I were discussing "what-to-do's" as is usually the topic of discussion these days as we prepare to head back to Oregon, and a care drives up right beside us, "Hey!" a female voice called.

It was the mom and her two sons, who had e-mailed Casey! It was such a nice surprise, and they invited themselves over for a visit. The boys were dropped off while their mom went to an appointment, and when she returned, they visited with us more. Haddon knew the mom, and kept "talking" to her, and Norah wanted to play with her. Norah recognized the boys and was genuinely excited to see them, as we were torn away from our church home very suddenly and abruptly.

We were able to express to them that we did not intend to leave as we had to, and told them that they are welcome to stop by anytime for a visit. They asked what our plans were, and it was a nice time of fellowship.

What struck me was that even though our time here has been quite short, and really, by human standards, we weren't very successful. Very few students, if any, would come to mid-week programs, and Sunday School attendance was sporadic, but I know that my husband poured personally into those few that he was an under-shepherd to. And he had touched the lives of these two brothers. Their mom recounted to us the tears that were shed when they learned that Casey had left, and the more tears shed when they thought of him moving before they could talk to him again. He impacted those young men, and we as a family can be thankful to the Lord for that.

What a precious drop-by that was for our family. We could choose to believe that there was no reason for us to come to Grand Junction (it seems like it at times!), but we know that the Lord will reveal more and more in His time. And even if that's it- an impact on two brothers and nothing else- it would be worth the hardships that we have faced here. We pray the Lord will use us wherever He leads, for whatever purpose.