He's baaaack!!!

The RMS was scheduled to arrive at 6.30 this morning; our plan was to leave home at 7 but we (okay, I) ran half an hour late – all the last minute tidying up – and so by the time we got to the docks the first busload of passengers was just arriving. Perfect timing, except Nick wasn’t on that busload. He wasn’t on the second one either…but the boys kept an eagle eye from their elevated position, and when it rumbled along in all its blueness and passengers started trickling off, they shouted “there’s Dad!” I waited for Nick to go through customs, and then we fell into each other’s arms. What a happy and tearful reunion it was – my beloved is back and I am thrilled! Steve and Maureen had braved the early morning hours to form the welcoming committee, so after the initial hellos and things, we walked up the road to the Consulate Hotel for a cup of coffee. After some catching up, and Aaron’s third cup of tea, we made our way to the manse where Nick could see the progress of the restoration work in the church, schoolroom and manse. I had already snuck in to the manse the previous Saturday because I was curious to know what was going on, and at the time was amazed and overjoyed to see that all the holes in the manse have been fixed up – this is fantastic progress. The work in the church has commenced, and the schoolroom roof is done. There is still loads of work to be done though, so although it looks extremely promising and encouraging (and it is), there is still a long way to go. From the manse we went back down to the docks to collect Nick’s luggage, although couldn’t get it all as it wasn’t all off the ship yet. Then home, where the boys were in a giggle of excitement for Nick to see the banner – he liked it. The rest of the day unfolded in a pleasant array of unpacking, many exclamations of love, going back to town to collect a box, photography experimentation with some newly acquired goodies, and the presentation of a silly little song to Nick which the boys and I wrote (dont we look rediculous). We were back in town again in the evening to take the boys to Beavers and spent the hour with Pam. It’s been a marvelous day…we are both so pleased that this month of separation is over. Nick’s summary of the whole month away is very positive, with the best news really being about the homegroup that has arisen. We give God thanks for His sustaining grace and answer to prayer for the mission.