Reflection

In Northern Minnesota, on the shore of the Great Lake Superior...
Staying in a cabin for 10 days and enjoying solitude, no responsibilities or plans. Just me and Jesus (and Honey) communing in God's wonderful creation.
Hiking in the hills, along cascading creeks and rivers, getting up to see the sunrise on the lake.
Writing, singing, reading, resting, reflecting..
What a gift!

Helping hands

So, I'm here in Minneapolis, taking care of mom and just loving being with her. I took a picture of her hands and feet which are increasingly crippled from arthritis. This morning I helped her by filling her pill containers with small pills (and big ones) that she can't pick up because she's lost so much dexterity. In little activities like this we sit and chat while we're sorting everything. I'm her hands, she's still "the mom" and counsels me, instructs me in life. I'm 51, she's almost 76...
Since I've been home her pain levels have decreased and she's been able to sleep all night long a couple times. I'm praying for this to continue!
I love my mom!

Busy with B's

This cute little puppy may not look like a hand-full, but she is!
I'm not only caring for mom but for this 14 week old bundle of energy called Bridget. She is not potty-trained (mom + Barb saved that part for me!) and has basically been controlling the house for the few short weeks she's lived here.


My mission: train the puppy, care for mom, bring order to the house and be a BLESSING!
By the way, my mom's name is Barbarah, my sister's name is Barbarah, my sister's dog is Benjamin - he's 12 yrs old and showing it, my mom's puppy is Bridget, then there's me - Belinda, and Honey - a welcome relief to this female dominated household. So, I'm busy as a bee with the B's!

Flying across the globe!

We made it! Honey and me, in the plane, all the way across the world to the USA!

We are so happy to be here... especially Honey because he did not like being stuck in the small bag under the seat inside the plane. He gave me a new respect for the strength and tenacity of terriers. For whatever reason he basically got afraid once we got into the plane... we hadn't even taken off yet and he wanted OUT! I guess I made the mistake of letting his head out just to comfort him and see him for myself. He was wild-eyed and panting - not at all the same happy-go-lucky Honey that was trotting around the airport with me just minutes before.

I gave him some calming drops from the vet - didn't work. Gave him some more - still didn't work. Tried a different calming solution - nope. So then, I pushed his head back in (major effort here!) and zipped it. After 3-5 minutes (which seemed like an hour!) he resigned himself to his fate momentarily. A few hopeful minutes of quiet with the muffled sound of his panting inside the bag before he exploded with one last valiant effort - a brief burst of battle and bark. All was quiet as we headed west towards Minnesota.

I resisted the urge to peek in on him, kept my foot next to the bag so he could see/smell/feel me near and hoped for sleep for the both of us. We dozed for 8 long hours and emerged from the plane frazzled but extremely grateful to have survived fairly unscathed. Amazingly, several passengers commented on how well-behaved he was - they hadn't heard or noticed anything of the battle in row 44 (the last row in the plane... all 3 seats were ours!).

After a few days here now the jetlag has passed and we're adjusting to life in south Minneapolis. That life includes caring for my mom and training a 14week old puppy! My sis, Barbarah, left for vacation yesterday and so it's a big adjustment from my solo lifestyle back in my own home in Holland to sharing a 3 bedroom house with 3 women and 3 dogs (Barbarah has an elderly bichon named Benjamin).

Well, I've always said I like change!

Blessings, Belinda (and Honey, who's back to his calm self)

All the bags are packed...

Yes, we're ready to go!

Lots of activity around my Holland house on Blueberry street as I've been preparing to leave for the coming months.

A couple days ago I went around to my neighbors and explained that I'd be going for a while to care for my mom. Wishing me well they also assured me they'd keep an eye on my place - what a blessing to have this kind of relationship with my neighbors.

My dear friends, Marcia, Hilde and Terry will water plants, mow the lawn, check the mail and even help introduce the house to the person coming in to rent. This person hasn't materialized yet, but I still believe this will happen.

My Dutch ID card has not come through but their office assured me it would be no problem to pick it up when I return later this year. Whew! These situations are increasingly complicated in a world of turmoil, and I certainly don't take it for granted. Thank you for praying.

Yesterday, as I was packing up the last bits, the doorbell rang and I had surprise visitors from Australia! Sace and his daughter, AnneElise (all grown up!) came by. Sace and his wife, Anthea, used to work with me in the worship ministry at Heidebeek 11 years ago and I haven't seen them since. How wonderful to spend a couple hours with them! I was overjoyed at God's goodness!

Now, Honey and I are ready to roll this afternoon on our flight to Minneapolis and to the waiting arms of my dear family.

We'll be in touch! Blessings, Belinda and "Honey" in transit