...to the uttermost

It has only been thirteen days, but we have packed the days as full as we could...to the uttermost. That is where I imagine that Alan is returning to in the clandestine places of my heart, to a uttermost region of the world. I have never been to Taiwan where Alan lives.

But I am extremely thankful for these past thirteen days that we have had to just be with him, to sit and drink potfuls of tea, times of laughter and great chatter, moments of sitting quietly being nourished by familial closeness, visits from family and friends, praying around tables and in circles at special gatherings, comings and goings. We are storing up to the uttermost gladsome memories until Alan will return to us again.

It seemed as if time stopped for a awhile as routine somewhat ceased, but isn't that silly? Time rushes on and we struggle with his short visits end. Yet, we are tremendously thrilled he can continue to pursue his dreams, and make a difference in the world even if that means in a foreign land.

Charlotte has been carefully learning world geography for the past two years. At the end of this year she is preparing to draw and label the entire world including continents, countries, oceans and seas all correctly recorded. She drew Asia this past week. 

"Charlotte, years ago, yet not that many years ago, missionaries such as Hudson Taylor and Lottie Moon had to travel on a boat on this route to get to China", I stated as I traced my finger on the flat map.

 Coursing through my mind and onto the tongue I hear myself say, " And they did not have *Skype*or *Line* either. They were not able to see their relatives or friends or hear their voices for years. It would possibly even take months to hear from the folks back home in letter form."

 Thankful I am for technology on this day in February.

We watched him head to the gate this late afternoon.