JULY 2016

Emotions and Goodbyes

“Let me make this easier than saying goodbye: let me tell you hello in advance for the next time I get to see you.”

I’ve said goodbye and left many times. It’s different this time. I have become emotional in my old age and prone to moisture around the eyes at random moments. It may have something to do with having a family including a wife I love and precious young kids. It may have something to do with the depth of relationship that I have enjoyed here in the past few years.

Emotions are great. You can use them for highs and lows and sometimes that can happen simultaneously. I want to ride the high of enjoying what is, cherishing what was and anticipating what is to come. In honesty, I would love to be able to live in two worlds at the same time, but that is not possible. Marie and I already experience the great divide of meaningful relationships in geographically removed locations (before we were married we each had several meaningful places on earth and that doubled when we got hitched).

“Your time may come. Do not be too sad, Sam. You cannot be always torn in two. You will have to be one and whole, for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be, and to do.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King

The COUNTDOWN is on!

As we begin writing this update, we are four weeks away from being somewhere in the air between here and Europe. Thank God that all of our tickets are purchased and all of our passports have arrived. Jono has almost finished at school and then we have the job of packing and saying goodbye in between providing for Will’s needs and entertaining Jonny.

Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed in any way. You’ve helped us, our projects and our team! We appreciate you! Your generosity inspires us to be generous as well.

Jonny Peace’s Piece

Grandparents are the best! I’ve been spoiled with lots of presents, a trip on the train (I’m enamored with trains and airplanes at the moment), walks in the woods, learning new words and almost constant entertainment. I was sad to realize that they left and weren’t coming back. But I am glad that I can play hide and seek in the empty wardrobe again!

I love baby Will. I get to give him lots of kisses and sometimes I try to share my toys with him. I taught him how to turn pages in a book, but he hasn’t caught on to that yet. He likes it best when I give him his dummy (pacifier) when he’s crying. I’m being very helpful to Mama as well. I can turn the heater on, bring her a towel and throw things in the rubbish (garbage) when she asks me. I love being a big brother!

William Kind’s Comments

Can you imagine growing 8cm (3in) in one month? That’s what I’ve been doing. No wonder I sleep all the time!

THANKS

To the Grandparents who came to stay and help look after one energetic boy and cuddle a cute baby.

Love from,

Jono, Marie, Jonny and Will Miller