Today Felt So Far Away

Have you ever had one of those moments where you meet up with someone after a while and it instantly takes you back to the day, time, season, feelings and smells of that day when you last saw that person? Down to the very temperature and feelings of heart ache and such joy bursting out of that sorrow.

I had that tonight. I had that the moment I hugged Chanel Thompson. These moments that I recall were our last day before the airport in South Africa. Surprising her at work while sweat soaked our backs from sitting in an over crowded car all afternoon. It took me back to seeing Jacky and Franco and picking up puppies in Wellington.

Seeing her face in front of mine again reminded me of the moment when we I saw her mane and Calebs
 tie coming up the escalator  How wonderful it felt to know what caring feels like when you are the one receiving it. Seeing us off on a very sad day yet an exciting new beginning. It reminded me of the "just one more hug"s and the hard goodbyes because today felt so far away. And yet here it is and she is here. At last, from across the vast pond months later. What seems like yesterday and fresh heart ache mixed with faith and longing for patience has persevered into the present. And it is lovely.

I had a dream last night about good friends being back and I woke up this morning, split second sadness with and overwhelming aftershock of joy to remember that today was May 15th. Today there would be reuniting of many smiles and many hugs. Many inspirations and many hopes continuing on.

There is yet another season blooming into this path as there have been some frosty moments where things have been more shaded. Now the light, again, brings new perspective. New hopes and more vivid dreams that the Lord seems to have been speaking through as of late.

It's more than nice to see you again.