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That Sinking Feeling

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While my family was home in Brussels, Belgium, I was finishing some meetings in eastern Romania near the Black Sea. For my next set of appointments I needed to get to the capital city of Bucharest, and one of my missionary colleagues let me know about a shortcut to get there more quickly.  

In the middle of my trip, I took an opportunity while I wasn’t driving to call my wife, Gail. When she answered the phone, I could tell she was a little surprised to hear from me during the daytime, as we usually only chatted via FaceTime in the evenings when I was able to be on wifi.  

With a robust inquiry, she asked, “Are you okay?” I quickly replied with some apprehension in my voice, “Yes, dear, I am fine...but our Speed the Light car is in the middle of the Danube River.”  

The questions gushed like a freshly opened fire hydrant.  “Are you okay?  What happened?  Did you get your computer out? What about your suitcase?”  

I said, “Sweetheart, it’s okay. Calm down. I’m on a ferry.”  As I leaned against my car enjoying the breeze as I crossed the river, I enjoyed a good belly laugh from giving Gail a hard time. While we can both laugh about it now, at that moment I was glad there were 1,300 miles separating us—which seemed like a safe distance. HA!

As I’m reflecting on this funny memory, there are a few takeaways that come to mind. 

  1. We are so thankful for Speed the Light equipping us to fulfill the calling that God has placed in our lives and enabling us to get to strategic locations on the field!  

  2. Just like our colleague who helped me navigate the Romanian landscape, missionaries are a great resource for understanding local culture and being helpful when navigating a region (and an abundance of other blessings along the way!). 

  3. Laughter is great medicine. After 21 years of marriage, Gail and I laugh often, and she has always found a smile for my antics.  It’s what keeps life fun and full!

Let that sinking feeling bubble up with joy along your journey!  He loves you and He’ll carry you through the rough waters and bring you to the other side safely.