Another journey, new relationships, journeying tomorrow back to my home for the last 13 years. Saturday afternoon I came back here to Germany for a three day hiatus before my familyward voyage. I left Poland to the tune of "When will you return?" and "Why don't you move to Poland?" and "No Skyler, you can't leave." If it were not for the promise of seeing my family so soon I would have found it so much harder to leave Bojano and my treasured family there. I long for the day when goodbyes and a feeling of loss are no longer my expectation. Certainly modern technology provides so much in the way of communication but can never replace the beauty and intimacy of physical presence. I cannot yet envisage the reality of setting foot in Phoenix once more and being with those that have shared so many of the moments of my life. It does not seem possible after almost a year having had only the sound of their voices and two visits to comfort me in the abscence. I count it such a gift that I can return now to enjoy the wonder of my family's newest member have intimate time with each.

I have the testimony of another to share from yesterday that so inspired and uplifted me. I met a woman named Gloria whose four month old child is in hospital connected to a machine to perform the action of the child's lungs. She was told by doctors that her child has only days to live and that the operation performed on her child had statistically no chance of success. So far her baby has survived through all that doctors said she would not. Her baby continues to live and in the midst of the negativity and hopelessness of the situation God has given her such a peace and a confidence in knowing that he will and is going to rescue her daughter. I have never met one in such a situation who was so full of faith that God would do as he promised and take care of her daughter. Instead of hopeless resignation Gloria is filled with hope that not only will her baby will live but that she will live a full and purpose filled life. It was an incredible reminder for me of the love and care that our Savior has for us and that he can bring peace and confidence though all hope seems lost.

Take a look at my last photo album from Poland. Some last activties with the chillins are shown. Also take a gander at the videos below from the last two days of my visit. Hopefully the viewing will bring some joy as these and so many other moments brought to my life.

Messing with Happy the Dog

Soup slurps

Sing-A-Long Pawel