We're on our way to Jamaica. If you've read my past posts then you know about the "deadly Coke search". We all voted to stay near the dock this time.
The weather is warmer this morning than the freezing blast we had last night as we stood outside for the required drill. And the sun is shining.
They, of course, have internet access on board .... 50 cents a minute, which hopefully be cheaper than the $2,000 iPhone bill. Yes, you read that right and by the way, Jim never said a word about it. He just looked at me with that half-sly smile of his, which said, "Janine, you're killing me." He wanted me to clear that up on the blog --- sometimes he didn't get my blog humor.
So, even though it's 50 cents a minute (and trust me, I don't think it be any slower even if they tried) it feels like a life line to me.
I miss my friends and family. Everywhere I look I see someone who looks like someone from home. And I want to be home.
But the boys seem to be having a bit of fun. I hope they are. It's hard to tell how much they're hurting inside. I haven't lost a father. I can't know what they are feeling. All I can do is tell all 6 of them that I'm here .... and that we will always talk about him. His name will never be taboo in our lives, because to not talk about him would hurt more than talking about him.
I'd like to think Jim can see us from Heaven because he would've gotten a huge kick out of the girls hitting on Son #2 last night. Totally cute girls. He ended up joining a bunch of kids on a ship scavenger hunt and didn't get in till 1:00 a.m. (the ships's curfew for under 18). He had a great time so that makes me feel good.
The girls and I had a good talk/cry last night. We really hadn't had time to talk before now.
I think I may be up to about 10 bucks now so I'll sign off for now. But I hope to get on every day and I hope to read comments from you. I feel like I need contact as much as I need air at the moment.
16 comments:
Dear Janine,
What a wonderful way for you and the kids to spend time together....I know you are all hurting so much, but be sure in knowing that you have prayers coming in contantly from so many that care about you. I hope you can have some good times on the cruise together and some smiles together. We love you all and wish you a merry Christmas.
Love to all, Jenni Baeder
We don't count as close friends or family, but I did try to lead the high school small group at your house with a tiny screaming infant about 4 years ago:) Does that count?
We have been praying for you and your family all the way out here in California and will continue to do so. Our year at CTK was so formative for our own ministry and we still feel connected to you all. Your daughter, K, was in our small group and we always admired your family as you were a good example for those of us just starting out on the journey of parenthood. You still are.
We pray daily for your family and hope that God gives you peace as you are on your cruise.
Nate and Laura Hartke
Well,I'm glad I'll be hearing from you daily. I'm glad you got away for a while, but I know it's still hard for you all. My biggest regret right now is that we are so far away. I hate it. Maybe we can change that one of these days. I love you so much, my darling daughter. Our prayers are with you.
When you get a chance I would appreciate your sending me Milton & Lee's address.
Again, we love you.
What is amazing is that my son#1 predicted that your son#2 would have all the girls on the cruise ship after him! What insight!
I really enjoyed talking with your bro yesterday on the way to the airport. Did you know they ended up putting him on a Continental nonstop to Anchorage? Needless to say, he was ecstatic about that. He definitely saw it as a blessing from God. You have great siblings and parents. We miss you too and think about you and the kids constantly.
Love,
Natalie
that is my favorite "Jimism"
J-
It is gonna be a long time before you are the last person I think about before I go to sleep at night and also the first person I think about when I wake up. And it is ok that the feeling is not mutual. This week I have pictured Jim saying those very words. I laughed out loud when I read your blog. I miss you terribly already.
-Di
Janine,
I am so glad that you are together with all of your kids. Last year my family gave me the greatest comfort & joy. I know how much the words of encouragement help heal the heart, because without my caringbridge site last year...well it is what kept me going. Thank you for sharing your emotions. Most of all know that we are all praying for you and your kids. There are no words, but I know that being on the other side of prayer is an extremely powerful thing. Lifting you up daily, Amy Ahrens
I don't know how to say the things on my heart and mind, but know that our thougths and prayers continue and I follow your blog.
I was soooooo happy to see that I get to talk to you daily while you are away (well I say talk) :) Not surprised about son#2 either, but when you got it you got it. This time with the kids is going to be good for you all. A time to cry, laugh, reflect and tell stories. Try and relax and have a drink for me!! I love ya sis!
I read a lot of your blog over the past few days. I'd read some before (particularly the Kenya parts) but have so enjoyed reading all of your funny stories and I so appreciate your sense of humor! AND I've gotten great inspiration for how to embarrass my kids. S & S always tell me it's SO awful when I put stuff about them on my blog, even though I very rarely do. I've put a few hilarious conversations on there, and only one relatively embarrassing story about Sam. But now I feel better about doing it :) And actually guess what? It works GREAT for getting them to actually LISTEN and stop doing what I'm telling them to stop doing. For example, my darling son decides this morning to start singing "There's a glow worm up my butt" (what can I say, he's a boy...) to the tune of "He's got the whole world in His hands", umm... and would NOT stop until I said, "I'm going to put this on my blog" (he had fair warning, because I told him that I was going to start this) :) Needless to say, he stopped... :) Do comments on YOUR blog count as my not having blogged about it? hee hee. Anyway I'm thinking of you all out there and praying for you many times a day. XOXO
We're just thinking about you and are grateful for the updates on your blog.
-Emily and Bethany
You and your precious family have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly. Even though my "prayers" sound much differently than the way they did before Dec 18. My heart literally hurts for you and those 6 amazing people with you.
Love you-
Denise
Merry Christmas, Janine. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am glad to hear you had time with the girls, and I thought of you today when I opened one of my presents - Motherhood: The Guilt that Keeps on Giving. I have a deep desire to talk to you these days. So when you need someone to talk to - give me a call!
I'm not too surprised at son's #2 fan club as he had a table full of people on Saturday.
Praying for you - Amber
I forgot to tell you, Alex took 3 steps today!
Glad to hear it is warmer there than here. I have to admit it is nice for it to be cool enough to wear Christmas socks on Christmas day.
Love you-
DT
Not at all surprised about son #2's "fan club"!!! and I am so glad he had a great time with that group of kids!
I miss you terribly! I love you!!
Kim
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