Wifeless
I am “wifeless”. On my way to visit the dentist yesterday, I found myself wondering how I would “cope” if Priscilla were out of my life permanently and not just for one week. What a difference that would make! I thought of several things that would have to change for me to continue to be decently useful in God’s Kingdom. And I realized that in spite of the DEVASTATION the loss would cause in my heart, life would go on and I could continue to serve the Lord. I also realized that because of Pris and the kids, my life has rhythm that to a large extent beats according to the tune of their lives. “Wifeless,” the rhythm I have now would be so hard to keep! I’m not often given to such introspection. I know that I sure do love and appreciate the wife God has given me though!
Dentist… I visited Vanya the dentist twice this week. He looks about 17, but must be older. Normally, I would prefer being alone during my dentist visit so the posting of this picture is something of an enigma to me. With no exaggeration, I expect to need to visit another 10-12 times. Ukrainian dentists seem to like bringing a patient in several times for root canal work. I sigh…
Last night was fun. About 15 people gathered to hear a lecture on the conscience and child rearing. I enjoy sharing this stuff and we had fun while learning how to care for the conscience of children. For several in the group, it was fascinating for them to recognize how their conscience was not free and healthy but suffering under false prohibitions.
I thought I’d send you several pictures of my route as I drove into Ukrainka Wednesday and Thursday. Oh! On my way home, I picked up a few people at a bus stop to give them a lift. One of them offered me 5 grievny (75 cents). I told him that today was free and heard a puzzled query, “huughh?” I answered, “Oh, today is a holiday!” (Ukraine has so many holidays, it would be unlucky for that statement NOT to be true.) I struggled not to smile as this tipsy middle-aged gent tried to figure it out. Eventually, he gave in and muttered, “Holiday… ahhh. Da. Holiday,” and lapsed into silence.
Here’s a picture of Tom with his boy, Sebastian. Tom and Vlad were downtown yesterday walking around with a lady visiting kids of “underprivileged homes” when I dropped my passengers off. Some of the stories these kids have are anything but pleasant. Today, Tom and Vlad were meant to be getting together with them to do a picnic, but the wind is howling and the rain is intermittently icing up into hail. I suggested they come up here, so I may be seeing them soon. Tom is a top bloke hailing from Arizona. I enjoy seeing his life so often giving glory to God. His humility and heart just desiring to be used for God’s glory are a delight!
O.K. Tonight we have a guest coming and I am to cook. Time to start. Surely it can’t be too hard, can it?