While Ryan's away...

I usually don’t write too much on the blog… but I thought I might try it out for once.

Ryan left early Monday morning for Taipei and Samuel and I have been trying to survive without him. It is amazing how much one depends on their spouse, especially if said spouse is dependable. This week has been great at times and also, not so great. I started to notice on Monday that Samuel was not acting like himself. And then I got to thinking… maybe this is his personality and we are hitting the terrible two’s terribly early. Wednesday morning he woke up pretty sick and I felt justified! Yes, I was sad my sweet little boy was sick, but also ecstatic that he was not himself because he was coming down with something. Only a mom would understand that logic. I took him to the doctor where we were given an antibiotic. We rushed right over to the drugstore to get it filled. Samuel was happy to play with a ball in the aisle while we waited, when I looked over and he proceeded to throw up in that very same aisle and all over that very same ball. I just looked at him not knowing what to do. First off, I am a nurse. I majored in bodily excretions. But I have never seen Samuel throw up and of course he did it in the middle of Rite-Aid. I whisked him right up and into the car where I proceeded to clean him and take him back into the store…we still had to get the medicine. I seriously debated on whether or not to inform the employees of the “accident” in the aisle. I would have been more than happy to clean the mess up… but with what? Diaper wipes? Don’t worry, I did inform them of the mess and they cheerfully cleaned it right up. As I was walking out of the store, with my medicine and a kid who smelled pretty bad, I thought… man I wish Ryan was here. Of course Samuel would get sick, being extra needy, extra clingy, and extra cranky with my husband thousands of miles away. But all of this to say even though this week has been tough, I have been thankful for so much.

I am thankful for Samuel. Even though he feels awful and needs a lot more attention, he is still the sweetest thing. He teaches me everyday how to love, how to be patient, how to show compassion, mercy and grace. I am becoming a person who exemplifies Christ more and more because of him.

I am thankful for my parents. Both my Dad and Mom have taken time off of work to come and stay with me, separately even. They sacrifice so much for my family that I am forever grateful.

I am thankful for my in-laws who kept Elliot for me for a few days so that I would not go crazy in the head. I am thankful that they call and continue to check on me. I know that if I needed them they would be here in a minute.

I am thankful for my friends. I have the MOST amazing friends in the world who make sure I am well taken care of. I am thankful for the phone calls, dinner and the time each invest in my life. They each sharpen me and encourage me to become a better wife, mother and friend.

I am thankful for my salvation. What do people depend on if not Jesus? I am thankful that God has given me supernatural strength this week so I can play the role of mom and dad. I am thankful for the mornings when God has filled me with His Word and allowed me to start my day off right.

And last, I am thankful for my husband. I was showing Samuel some of the team video taken in a Taipei temple. I started to get weepy explaining to Samuel that is where daddy is and explaining to him why he is there. I told Samuel how proud we should be of daddy that he is giving his time and talent to proclaim the name of Jesus in another country. A name that many people have never heard of. So Ryan, we are proud of you and proud of your love for Our Savior.

But come home soon please….