2 Weeks Down, 6 Weeks To Go

Talk about being unprepared. We went camping this last weekend with three other families. I expected to have our usual relaxing, fun time with all of us together. Of course, Drew wouldn't be there, but we'd manage, right? I had no idea the emotions that would come flooding through during mealtimes and while watching all the other kids play. Someone significant was missing. I had to leave one meal when I was overcome with tears. It just wasn't right to not have him with us. Maybe it was because that day marked two weeks since we had left Drew at Word of Life. Maybe it was because we couldn't have any contact with him while in Canada. Regardless, it was a mommy heartbreak moment for sure.

After that mini meltdown, the rest of the weekend went fine. Still, Scott and I talked later and compared feelings. Was it just me? No, he was feeling it too. Indeed, there was a hole. A gap. One that only Drew could fill. It was hard to shake it and I'm not sure if I was very successful. That is, until we got back to the States and I could call him and hear his voice.

Of course, I couldn't help but think of friends of mine who've actually lost loved ones to eternity. I think we got a tiny (and I mean tiny) glimpse of what it could be like trying to fit in with everyone else's complete family when someone you love and miss won't be joining you. Takes a lot of faith to walk that road. Makes me admire those who are walking it even more. I was grateful that God could take my self-focus and turn it into prayers for others.

Don't get me wrong. I still don't regret that Drew is spending the summer working at Word of Life. I don't want him to come home yet. I just miss him when the rest of us are together making special family memories. We'll be going to visit him this Friday (which will mark 3 weeks since we left him). This is the longest time apart ever. We just can't wait! We are expecting eternal dividends from this summer. When he and I chatted yesterday he told me of BIG things God is doing in his life. I marveled at them - especially since it's only been 2 weeks and he has 6 to go! What more can God do? A lot, I pray. I'm excited for him.

Here's a photo of us in our favorite picturesque spot at Charleston Lake. Hated taking that picture without Drew - so I improvised. Can you see my hand-drawn portrait of him?

Yeah, I know...don't quit your day job.