Welcome Home!
Well it's been almost two and half years since they have been on Canadian soil, and it has seemed so much longer to us who have missed them. My long lost sister Carolynn, her husband Johnny, and her two daughters Nikita and Shoshannah arrived for a short one month holiday last Friday. We were able to go to the airport on Friday night to greet them and though the plane was long delayed and the wait boring for my children, (sorry Jessica, next time I'll let you bring stuff with you) it all seemed so worthwhile when we were finally able to get our hands on the weary travellers.
Growing up with two older sisters definetely had it's advantages and disadvantages. When we were young Carolynn and I never really got along, but as we both became mothers our understanding of each other and our friendship blossomed. I have never liked that they live half a world away in Indonesia where our visits are few and far between, but I have admired the choice and sacrifices they have made to be there. She wasn't the one I expected to go back to Indonesia, I always thought Beth would be the one of the three that would return to the sun-drenched isles, but Carolynn and her family have flourished there. Johnny is such a welcome addition to the Shirley famiy as he is fun and down to earth and what you see is what you get. Their daughters sandwich Jessica in age, therefore ensuring that the three have a deep bond. Nikki is the oldest, then Jessica followed by Shoshannah.
Seeing Shoshannah was the biggest shock for me, she is so grown up, and tall, tall, tall. She has a quiet, fair beauty, her sister has the dark exotic look and facial expressions much like her mother. The last time I saw Carolynn was when they were here over Christmas 2003, Frances was the age Christopher is now, and it is so hard to believe that now she's this toddler running around demanding attention. Christopher of course loves everybody, but Frances immediately took a strong liking to her Uncle Johnny, while Elizabeth claimed Nikki as her own.
The visit wasn't a planned one, their missionary stint isn't completed until next summer but Carolynn was homesick and because Beth is so very ill, she wanted to come home to see her. So they managed to pull a one month vacation out and no one on this side of the world is complaining. Mom and Dad have missed their grand-daughters terribly and Jessica is downright gleeful since they returned. I must admit my sister being able to meet my son while he's still a little guy has meant the world to me. I am pleased as punch that they are here and only wish it was longer before we have to endure the tearful good-bye again. At least the seperation this time won't be as long, and hopefully Lord willing maybe we will even have a chance to fly to the sunny isle and visit them before their return.
So welcome home sis, I hope it's a good visit full of laughter, joy and special bonding between the kids.
Growing up with two older sisters definetely had it's advantages and disadvantages. When we were young Carolynn and I never really got along, but as we both became mothers our understanding of each other and our friendship blossomed. I have never liked that they live half a world away in Indonesia where our visits are few and far between, but I have admired the choice and sacrifices they have made to be there. She wasn't the one I expected to go back to Indonesia, I always thought Beth would be the one of the three that would return to the sun-drenched isles, but Carolynn and her family have flourished there. Johnny is such a welcome addition to the Shirley famiy as he is fun and down to earth and what you see is what you get. Their daughters sandwich Jessica in age, therefore ensuring that the three have a deep bond. Nikki is the oldest, then Jessica followed by Shoshannah.
Seeing Shoshannah was the biggest shock for me, she is so grown up, and tall, tall, tall. She has a quiet, fair beauty, her sister has the dark exotic look and facial expressions much like her mother. The last time I saw Carolynn was when they were here over Christmas 2003, Frances was the age Christopher is now, and it is so hard to believe that now she's this toddler running around demanding attention. Christopher of course loves everybody, but Frances immediately took a strong liking to her Uncle Johnny, while Elizabeth claimed Nikki as her own.
The visit wasn't a planned one, their missionary stint isn't completed until next summer but Carolynn was homesick and because Beth is so very ill, she wanted to come home to see her. So they managed to pull a one month vacation out and no one on this side of the world is complaining. Mom and Dad have missed their grand-daughters terribly and Jessica is downright gleeful since they returned. I must admit my sister being able to meet my son while he's still a little guy has meant the world to me. I am pleased as punch that they are here and only wish it was longer before we have to endure the tearful good-bye again. At least the seperation this time won't be as long, and hopefully Lord willing maybe we will even have a chance to fly to the sunny isle and visit them before their return.
So welcome home sis, I hope it's a good visit full of laughter, joy and special bonding between the kids.
posted by Anne | 11:54 PM
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