Here I am, by God's generosity and grace, in the Clayton's pool house, enjoying family, friends and sitting in the Alabama sun. The first morning after we arrived I woke early and went outside to have a good cry. Alabama is my home, it is in my blood and being out of it has been hard. Birmingham, England is a very different culture and climate, both much cooler than I am used to. Working our way into a well established team, and finding some support systems in Betel was harder work than I bargained for. We were initially met with suspicion as two other families before us did not work out. We were told to come as learners, to be willing to humble ourselves in the work. We did not come in as glorious life giving super missionaries - as I saw myself in my missionary fantasies. But God is good, we have survived the first couple of years and have made many friends. Our directors trust us and show their love to us in many ways - we are very very blessed to work and learn from them. I have the start of a support system - thanks to Beth, Brenda, Lisa, Angela, Fleur and Roz. We are working on staying accountable to each other in all things - emotional and spiritual.
The thing that strikes me most, being home, is not how much choice I have at Walmart or how many fast food places there are around here. It is not the heat, humidity or the intensity of the sun. It is the depth, richness and availability of loving, giving women in my church. I once saw a doctor hold up a placenta after the birth of one of my sons. He showed it to us with awe as it had been the lifeline for my child as he grew - full of rich blood, oxygen, and nutrients. That is what the women of Community Presbyterian remind me of - life-giving, loving nourishment for the spirit. Thank you all, I love each of you!!! You have now idea how good you look to me.
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