A few months ago, my friend Katie and her husband David invited me over to their house. When I arrived, we chatted for a bit, and then they started talking about how they appreciated that I hadn't charged Katie for rehearsals with me (I played for her voice lessons this semester). They appreciated that I was a good friend to them. And then they told me they were giving me a free plane ticket! David works for Southwest, and he gets 4 buddy passes a quarter. They had decided to give the first one to me - so I had a round-trip ticket to anywhere that Southwest flies!
I decided to keep the ticket a surprise, and worked over the next few weeks to coordinate dates, work schedules, etc. My plans changed pretty much daily - so, many thanks to the folks in Washington and Oregon who were flexible as I tried to figure things out.
On June 25, I headed to the Baltimore airport early in the morning, ready to get on the stand-by list. Again, I had to be flexible with my plans. But, by God's grace, I finally got on a flight to Chicago, and then to Seattle! Thanks to my friend Courtney who picked me up at the airport at a moment's notice!
My mother, having no idea what I was up to, had scheduled a Skype date for 7PM (her time) that evening. So I was praying I would be home in time. And indeed I was!!
Check out the video:
I got to spend a few days with my parents, and do some hiking with my dad. It was great to go for a REAL hike...not a "nature walk" (I haven't found any steep trails in Maryland). It was wonderful to be in the mountains on a glorious day. We even saw a bald eagle fly right over us, riding the wind.
It was great to spend wonderful time with my grandma and brother and sister. I got to spend time with wonderful friends in Portland and Spokane. I got to spend some hours in the car, drink wonderful coffee, enjoy the rain, as well as some wonderful Northwest summer weather. I got to wear a SWEATSHIRT (a luxury I don't get to experience much in this Baltimore humidity). I got to hike in the mountains, breathe fresh air, celebrate my birthday with friends and family, enjoy being home in the wonderful Northwest.
I am still overwhelmed by all the many gifts that were lavished on me in those few days. A plane ticket. Friends with flexible schedules and open homes and hearts. Office managers that are willing to secretly rearrange my dad's schedule so that I can spend time with him. Mothers that schedule Skype dates at the perfect time. Sharing wine, meals, coffee, beer, chocolate. Trees. Mountains. Fresh air. Sweatshirts. Plans that change every other day, and yet still seem to fall into place better than I could have even imagined. Home.
It was so good for my soul to get a break. But every time I go west, it gets harder and harder to come back to Baltimore. It's good to know that I only have a few more months to go....less than a year now!
But there are many gifts here, as well. People to enjoy spending time with. Sunday morning trips to the farmers' market. Extra shifts at work. Evenings spent reading in the park. Time to practice and study. Game nights with friends.
So I continue to give thanks for the way God orchestrated so many things to enable me to be home for a bit, and I am counting down the days until I can return again. But I also recognize that if I will choose to be present in the next 10 months in Baltimore, there will be many more gifts to give thanks for. He is a great God, and He is present here, now, to those who will be awake enough, aware enough, humble enough to receive the gifts He so graciously offers.
And Mary, your visit was a wonderful gift to us and to all whom you spent time with in the NW! Keep your eyes and heart open during your final year in Baltimore - God has many more gifts coming your way! -Dad
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