The countdown begins

Day 1…30 days to go. Nick got on the ship this afternoon…the boys and I didn’t linger, fearing an outbreak of weeping, so as soon as Nick was on the bus to be taken down to the landing steps and thereafter the ship, we left to come home. I feel slightly relieved that it’s begun, as I’ve been dreading his departure and this month of separation for the greater part of this year, and now it has come at last and I know I will cope. Nick’s sermon on Sunday night was an earnest plea to us, the church, to pray for him while he’s away, based on Colossians 4:2-4 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” And so, dear readers, I would beseech you to remember Nick in prayer as well, resolutely, for the following: open hearts to the gospel; that the message would be clearly understood; and for boldness for Nick as he goes out on his own, that he would not compromise the precious message of the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. Nick is Joshua going into battle with the Amalekites, and we are Moses, lifting our hands in prayer to the Lord (Exodus 17:8-13). Tony’s funeral was this morning; it was a beautiful service, and because Tony is with the Lord it was not an overly sad occasion. We were in town this afternoon early enough to stop in at the shops before Nick had to embark, and look what is available again: potatoes! You'd have to have lived on the island to know that this is, indeed, a photo-worthy event.Kind-hearted Caleb bought an early birthday present for Aaron (with his own money too), as he felt sorry for him not having any musical instruments. He then advised Aaron that it was useful for him to have a big brother for things like this.