Wednesday was a tough day. I cried on the phone with Doug and he came home. I wanted to return to Ontario, but leaving home…leaving Doug just keeps getting tougher. I had already sobbed on Emily’s shoulder the night before as she reassured me 3.5 months wasn’t going to be such a long time. I managed to get through the airport farewell without a teary scene and once I was seated on the plane I was ready to get going.
I’ve had this awful cold and while I was in Calgary the sinus congestion lessened but it moved to my chest instead. Rhett appreciated that I came to Calgary hacking! I don’t dare phone to ask “How are you feeling?” Miraculously I got off the airplane in Hamilton and I felt really well … for the first time in two weeks. I decided it must be the Ontario air … you know…”It’s a damp cold.” My lungs must like this humidity!
I arrived at the parsonage and there’s Mary taking photos of the church interior. Big hugs all around!
I think I’ve lamented about the boiler not working consistently at the parsonage. When I got in the parsonage it was cold! I checked the pipes (& a note from Pastor Sheilah on the boiler problems) and they were hot. The thermostats were showing the house temperature to be as low as they could go and the digital thermostat in the upstairs bathroom said 52 degrees Farenheit. I turned on the electric heater & waited for the dining room to warm up.
I phoned a few people, including Judy, to let them know I was back. I told Judy how cold it was in the house & she said “Come down and warm up – and stay the night.” I said, “No thanks.” (You realize SK folks think they are pretty hardy – and not always completely bright!!!) But three hours latter when the little heater hadn’t made much impression on the room temperature and I felt a deep chill, I called up Judy and asked if the offer still stood.
Judy and Nigel have this wonderful stone house with an addition. We sat by the fire, dogs and cats too, and I warmed up with some tea. I hadn’t seen Judy, my walking buddy, for ten days and there was much to catch up on! I slept in until 7:30, had breakfast and Judy & I got our walking routine back on track!
When I returned to the parsonage it was toasty warm. I think the boiler had been off for several days, plus the cold temperatures, made a big challenge for the boiler to warm these old stones back up. The repair man was out to check on things today.
We had prayer group today and I thank God for all the friends that I have here in Ontario who make this time away from home not only bearable, but joyful!
WELCOME BACK TO YOUR ONTARIO “HOME”!!!
We missed you … lots! Great to see your smiling face once again!
And thank you, Doug, Rhett and Leah , Emily and all other Saskatchewanians for sharing Kristin with us! We really do feel blessed, and enriched, having her in our midst. She and you might be looking forward to the end of May, but we sure aren’t!
Again, Welcome Home to Ontario, Kristin!
I echo my mom’s comments… since mothers are always right, after all?
(I’m just waiting for the comments to fly in regards to that statement….)
In all seriousness, I do recognize how hard it must be for you to be here, and I do hope that you know you have friends and a home here too, just like you said in the column you wrote a few months ago. I am thankful that God brought you our way for these few months.
The comment above (#2) was from me, Jennifer. I didn’t to sign in myself left I confused my poor mother next time she comments and wonders why it is from me…
To Jennifer: I hope you do know who you are. When I read your comment I wondered if you had changed your name as your comments were different than what Mary had written even though you were welcoming Kristin back.
Kristin: Liz and I are both happy to have you back. We read about the tears and good byes on your departure for Ontario and we do sympathize with you. We hope the hugs and good wishes for you during the next three months will help to get you through your remaining time with us. It will then be our turn to mourn your loss as you return to your family, friends, church home and then final year at seminary. Your faith will keep you strong!!