Last year on the way to England from the Cayman Islands we had an extended visit with family and friends. Covid played havoc with some of those visits, but we rented a place to stay so we could partially isolate and managed to get some good visits in before coming to this part of the world. This year, with only partial Covid protocols in place, we flew out again for Canada.

Our church, West London Alliance, had encouraged us to come earlier in the year so we could speak to the congregation about our change in ministry. While I did that in both morning services, Pam was able to go on her first Ladies’ Retreat in many years where she was encouraged by expressions and prayers of support. My message was well received and the church offering of over $5,000 far exceeded our expectations.

We also got in some nice visits with family and friends in Ontario, and with the help of a very generous loan of a car from longtime supporters Al and Shelley, were able to get up to the Lucan area to see Pam’s cousins for lunch. The car also enabled us to get down to the Aylmer area to see Jon and Nic and celebrate their birthdays and visit with their kids in Pat and Wendy’s yard.

Then it was off to Wheaton for a week of Orientation. We met folks going out for the first time and some that were just touching base with the mission because they had come onboard during Covid and had not been able to go to orientation in the past, such as ourselves. The beds in the dorm were hard, but we were much encouraged by the warmth of the fellowship and the numbers of those who were willing to go to Asia to serve in some very difficult fields of ministry.

Then it was off to Vancouver to see Greg, who was gracious enough to put us up for a couple of nights. His little flat in New Westminster isn’t much, but it is affordable and close to services and Greg is quite happy there. With Greg we took the ferry over to Vancouver Island to see Russ who is still recovering from cancer and very frail. He was cheered by our visit and the many rounds of Euchre the four of us played.

Then we flew off to Calgary to see our kids and grandkids out there. Dave and Sayda had just bought a house and they were happy to put us up in the basement. It was so wonderful to spend some time with them and to see how that relationship has developed over the years. We had been able to loan Dave $50 grand to contribute his share of the down payment, and their home is going to be a good investment in a very nice part of south Calgary.

Meanwhile, Liz and Greg had moved to Airdrie on the north side of Calgary and were enjoying the community life they are finding there. As a family they have undertaken to walk as often as they can, and we were happy to tag along. Their kids are doing much better in school these days, and since Liz has yet to return to work after Covid, she was able to spend some quality time with them over the summer.

Coming back to Canada is always bitter sweet for us. Through lengthy planning and taking advantage of flight deals, we were able to get all of the trip done at a pretty reasonable cost. Sayda was able to loan us her car, and with Greg and Al and Shelley’s help as well, we were able to the whole trip without renting a vehicle, which in the post-Covid years was truly exorbitant. We saw just about everyone we wanted to see and touching base with Russ and Greg after many years was particularly meaningful for Pam.

However, despite the fact that it was wonderful to see and do all that we could in that whirlwind four weeks, I must confess that at the end of it all we were physically and emotionally drained. We are not as young as went we went out 17 years ago. And while it was so encouraging to see how the Lord had blessed our family and friends, there is more that a touch of sadness at having missed spending all those years watching them grow up. Our service to the Lord has not been without cost.

After a long flight from Calgary back to England we arrived more than a little jet-lagged and travel weary. Fortunately, things were pretty quiet back at the office with many of our colleagues still away on their summer break so we were able to get back on our feet at our pace. We now know better than we did a year ago just how demanding this new ministry is going to be. But with renewed commitment and encouragement from home we are ready for the new year ahead. And we can also look forward to seeing our family again next summer.

July 2022