Missionaries have secrets. One of the biggest is, we hate furlough. We don't tell you, but when we're together, we talk about furlough like folks in their fifties talk about their colonoscopies. The prep can be chaos, the even't long and painful.
Thousands of miles in a car with whining kids in the back seat. Different beds every night, living out of suitcases, no routine for the family. "Begging" for money and always having to smile.
We fear showing up at church exhausted and grouchy, with agitated kids with toothpaste in their hair. People might think we're unfit for service (I have friends who were actually told so).
My secret is... I love it. I won't lie. It can be chaotic. Some of the biggest conflicts Nancy and I have had happened in the weeks leading up to furlough, like "in the top three" kind of conflicts.
And it's a gift. Connecting with people you haven't seen in years who love you enough to pray and give. Who gets to drive around the country and see old friends before retirement?
Snow is falling and it has wrecked my perfect furlough schedule. Something always does. I can't complain though because I have had such a sweet week of reconnection with people I love. And for some reason, they seem to love me. That's the kind of thing heaven will be made of.
I LOVE furlough. Though I have to admit, the prep is still kind of messy.
Thousands of miles in a car with whining kids in the back seat. Different beds every night, living out of suitcases, no routine for the family. "Begging" for money and always having to smile.
We fear showing up at church exhausted and grouchy, with agitated kids with toothpaste in their hair. People might think we're unfit for service (I have friends who were actually told so).
My secret is... I love it. I won't lie. It can be chaotic. Some of the biggest conflicts Nancy and I have had happened in the weeks leading up to furlough, like "in the top three" kind of conflicts.
And it's a gift. Connecting with people you haven't seen in years who love you enough to pray and give. Who gets to drive around the country and see old friends before retirement?
Snow is falling and it has wrecked my perfect furlough schedule. Something always does. I can't complain though because I have had such a sweet week of reconnection with people I love. And for some reason, they seem to love me. That's the kind of thing heaven will be made of.
I LOVE furlough. Though I have to admit, the prep is still kind of messy.
Totally agree with you, Jeff. We've always enjoyed furlough and felt it was a gift. Not that every part of it is fun but it's amazing having so many people who love us and are invested in our family and what God has called us to do.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Can't say that I LOVE it, but it is usually a huge blessing in the end (when it's all over). What always gets me is when people ask if we're enjoying our "vacation." Au contraire, it is hard work! But connecting with people is so worth it.
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