Missing Home

When we moved overseas, we knew things would be different and we would miss many things from home.  I remember someone saying to me when I shared that God had called us to Vienna that "Vienna is not a hard place to go."  And while this may be true, my response was that "our home in Florida is not an easy place to leave."   We miss many of the comforts, conveniences, and yes foods of our home country, but what we miss most are not things at all.  It's WHO we miss most, our family and friends, people!   We miss being there with them in times of celebration and times of difficulty.   The realization that there are people we will not see again this side of heaven is hardest of all.

This week has been especially difficult to be away from family.  Billy's cousin passed away this week and it's hard not to be in Florida to personally express our love and seek to comfort his family during this time of great sorrow.  We wanted to say our "good-byes" to Kyle in person, but that was not to be.  Kyle lived in a way that honored God regardless of his circumstances.  His faith, courage and unselfish love is an incredible example for us. Our hearts are heavy as we pray for his wife and children.  He will be greatly missed, but we find comfort in knowing he is rejoicing in God's presence.

We are grateful that in the mist of a difficult week, God sent one of Billy's second cousins and her husband to visit. Following their mission trip to Romania, Karen and Andy spent last week with us.  They were a delight to have visit! They are young newlyweds and soon to be parents.  We enjoyed sightseeing, sharing meals, and just talking and laughing together.  They were such an encouragement and blessing to us during this difficult time. 

We are truly blessed with a wonderful family!  As we watch and pray from afar, we witness the love and support of Billy's family as they celebrate the life of his cousin Kyle.  While we cannot be there in person, our hearts are there with them, crying, hurting, rejoicing, and loving!  In the mist of sorrow, we rest in the hope that we will see him again one day.

Love and blessings from Vienna,

Ada (aka "Miss" Clair)