We decided that Gary, Daniel and Nicholas should leave England and return to America before the rest of the family. There were several factors that helped us in this decision. Firstly, there is work for him in St Louis. Gary's friend has a landscape business and has offered to give Gary some work, as this is his busiest time of year. This will allow Gary to earn some money while he sets up his own business again.
Secondly we felt it was important for him to go ahead and prepare a home for us. The house we thought we would be able to move into has fallen through so currently we have nowhere to live when we return.
The two boys went with him as we knew this would be an excellent opportunity for them to start their journey into manhood. Gary will take time to teach them about what it means to be a godly man, husband and father. They will also have practical experience as they will be going to work with Dad everyday and will be taught many things in the construction trade. They will have their work cut out for them as they will also be expected to keep up with their schooling (albeit a modified schedule).
Jeremiah remains with me as he is only 6 and being away from me for a long period would be just too hard for him right now.
Tuesday, we faced the dreaded day as we got up early and took them to the airport.
This is hard to type as it brings back the pain of that morning and I'm now fighting the tears. Part of the pain came from my sadness as I said goodbye to my husband and best friend (who I have never been away from for more than a week in the last 17 years) and to my boys - who have never been away from this mama's side for more than 48 hours. The other part of the pain came from seeing my children hurt as they cried for their Daddy and brothers.
How long will we be apart? That's an excellent question for which I do not have an answer and I think not knowing when we will see them again is making this separation harder. I am scheduled for an interview at the American Embassy in London on July 27th. At this interview they will decide whether I will be allowed to return to the US with the permenant resident status I left with or not. If that goes well, which we are praying it will, I think I have to have a medical before being allowed to return. We are only guessing, but believe the earliest we could be back to the States is late August, although (with the time lines stated on the Embassy website) it could be as late as October!!
Please pray with us that the Lord would allow Gary to be successful and find a home and prepare it for us before we arrive. Also, that the boys would learn a lot this Summer and that God would move mountains and allow us to be together again soon. Thank you.
I look forward to our reunion.
Michelle
5 comments:
Oh my beautiful friend, my heart is truly aching for you! I cannot even imagine the painful road you have walked. Sooooooo hard!
Know that I am praying--trusting for the Father to move every mountain that stands before you, in the name of Jesus. This too shall pass (yes, it will), that the Lord will show His glory in and through you.
PLEASE keep us updated and let us know how we can pray specifically.
Sending you a HUGE hug across the miles today.
We love you both and will continue to keep your whole family bathed in prayer and your husband and sons well fed as often as they are able to join us for suppers :) We miss you Michelle and are already anticipating your reunion with your family, your church family, and (selfishly) you and Heather. May God bless you for making your family available to Him - even when the decisions are as difficult as they obviously have been lately.
We love you all (y'all). Tim & Heather
Ah-h, Sweet Sister... In times like these, only God can give the strength we need, and He is just waiting to do exactly that for you. I am praying daily for all your family. How sweet the reunion will be, and to know that God already has it planned.
Love and prayers,
Linda Blankenship
I can't imagine how hard this decision must have been for you all. But, knowing that you are in the will of the Father must make it a little easier...can you imagine life's decisions without Him!?
Praying for you and your family, that would find peace and assurance during this time.
In Christ,
Christie
I have been thinking about your family. Please know that I will be lifting your dear little family up in prayer.
Hugs from the North,
Summer
Post a Comment