Monday, April 29, 2013

of cakes and planes

Traditionally, the saying "Let them eat cake" has had significance of some sort or another with historical figures and fancy breads. But for us this saying was found on a table awash in a variety of cakes at a reception held at the church for Alan. Alan left for Thailand today where he will be living in the suburbs of Bangkok teaching English to high schoolers, intending to stay there until next year.


 I baked six cakes, and two friends graciously baked the other three.





I never knew Alan would be my adventurous one, but it should not have surprised me considering how God has used Alan in such miraculous ways his entire life. This huge step is just an on-going follow-up to a life hid in Christ. We are going to miss him tremendously though. 

  My husband and I stood afar and kept our eyes fixed on him until he headed down the steps topped by the words, TO THE GATES. He is presently at the Kennedy International Airport on a six hour layover before boarding a jet that will take him from this country to another one far, far away. 
 Alan is fulfilling plans ordained for him by His Heavenly Father, 
therefore, a steadfast peace grips our souls.

5 comments:

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

What a wonderful way to farewell Alan. No doubt he will grow in every sense during this time of adjustment and adventure. I love how you have a steady peace in you heart, knowing Alan is walking in the plans God has for him.

debbie bailey said...

Your story is so similar to my own. We have a son in Russia for six months on a mission trip right now. He'll be back in July. I've been surprised by how much I've missed him. He's 28 and has moved in and out several times, so I just thought this would be another 'out'. I guess the difference is that I could always see him before, and now I can't. We Skype, Tango, and Facetime, all of which are wonderful, but I can't hug him! You raise them to go out and conquer the world for Christ, and when they do it, it doesn't feel as great as I thought it would! I wouldn't change anything though, except my attitude sometimes!

Leslie said...

What a wonderful send off. I hope we get to hear some updates about his adventures.

The dB family said...

Such a lovely send off! I am sure there is much comfort in knowing that he is doing what God has planned for him.

Blessings!
Deborah

Hill upon Hill said...

...Thailand is pretty close to us relatively speaking, so he is in our neighbourhood.
So hard for us to let one out of the nest.
We are in the midst of making decisions and taking steps for our eldest to go to SE Asia next year for a very short mission. He will be 15.

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