March 4, 2019

From Mom - email?

Dear Sam,

I thought I should clarify that we still want to receive emails from you because we don't get to hear much from your end when we do a video call. Then I realized we probably take up too much of your time. A conundrum then. Maybe we should keep our calls short so you still have time to email? I don't know. You'll have to let us know what you think about that. 

We had a good week. We spent the majority of it with the Smiths for Grandpa's funeral and also went over to Sparwood for a quick visit with the Bruces and Aunty Nancy. The weather was truly frightful. We woke up to this in Glenwood! And apparently we had the coldest February weather in 40 years. But now it's March and we can hope for warmer.

Btw, Grandma Smith has a Rubik's Cube they can't solve. I told her you'd do it when you got home. 

You've already heard much about the funeral through Grandpa Smith's email so all I will tell you is the most touching moment for me. It was when someone explained that great-Grandma never left great-Grandpa's side in the final days. He was able to hear and understand what was going on around him but unable to talk or respond except by squeezing her hand. So she talked with him non-stop and held his hand every moment she could. To me, that is an example of true unconditional and enduring love. 

Grandma Colleen showed me this picture and it pulled at my heart-strings.

When talking to great-Grandma afterward she said, "I just can't get used to being alone. I feel like the zip has been taken right out of me." So please include her in your prayers. It's an extremely difficult thing to be alone after 72 years of marriage.

Other than that, life is going on as usual. We finished the stairwell though and that was exciting to see progress on the house. 

Before ...

And after ...

Here are a few "regular life" pictures I took this week ...

With the extreme cold temperatures, we've been drinking alot of warm drinks, playing games and staying in. It was nice while it lasted but now it's time to get out of the house.

How is everything in the Copper Belt? I know you said everything is different, but how? Language, yes. But food? Customs? How are the people different? And what is the same?

We love you lots, Sam! We pray for you every day. Todd told me a cute story while we were in Sparwood. He said that his boys pray for you whenever it's their turn. "Please bless Sam on his mission in Africa." So adorable. Also, Nate (4 years old) asked me where you were. I said, "He's on his mission across the ocean in Africa." And he said, "oh." Haha. 

I hope all is well. 

Love you forever,

Mom