One Year Ago Today Exactly Sort Of

Goodwill hunting.

Just about one year ago, my youngest son Josh left home for Montana.  He and a good friend got on the Amtrak train in Wisconsin, and began the long journey; not just the 50 some hour train ride, but Josh was starting a near 7 month venture with YWAM (Youth With A Mission).  He was taking a DTS (Discipleship Training School) program which culminated with serving in Turkey through December and January.

His Mother and I were left with the much ballyhooed empty nest, syndrome and all.  We struggled a little, adjusted a lot (I had to do ALL of the mowing and shoveling!) and learned to divide the TV's remote control by two instead of by three.

Our youngest was gone.  Josh was moving on and growing, AND going overseas into a possibly hostile/dangerous place.  Easy for him!  He didn't have to comfort his Mom and reassure her through it all!  Finally he came home in April, shortly after his first nephew was born, and then spent most of the summer working with his old man.

Yesterday, we watched as Josh again took his leave from us.  He boarded a plane this time, and besides a short trip home for Christmas, will be gone for nine months at YWAM's school of Biblical studies.  He will be studying through the whole Bible 5 times, each journey with a unique purpose and approach.  And when he returns next summer he will meet his nephew's little brother or sister for the first time!

To the airport!

Considering one year ago and this year, it seems that we are fully engaged in a new cycle:  Josh goes to Montana, Victoria has a baby. Repeat.  Josh goes to Montana, Victoria has a baby.  Repeat?


I just hope Josh didn't pack our remote in his new suitcase!