Thanksgiving in Italy

We spent Thanksgiving in Italy, seperated from our immediate family, but engrafted into the Polizzi family. Linda and Tony are wonderful friends of Christian and Elizabeth's. He is a diplomat and works for the embassy. He speaks Italian. He went to the hospital with Liz and translated for her. He pleaded with the Italian doctors to do everything they possibly could and not give up on him. "He's strong, he's young and he has a great will to live." He held Elizabeth for me when she went into see Christian and comforted her afterwards. He's an elder in their church and he's tender, kind and he loved Christian. And we love him, and Linda and their four sons. And we are thankful for them in Italy. We realize this is the first holiday without Christian but we do not speak that thought out loud. And we are so thankful that our men at home were engrafted into the Sinclair family for this Thanksgiving and for the church that is providing for them during our absence.

It has been raining here the last three days. It is grey and cold. The rain today seems to float in the air instead of filing down in sheets. The mountains have disappeared in the mist and gloom. We thought to go to Salzburg today with a group from the base for some diversion but at 3:30am decide against the travel in this weather. And we go back to bed for a few extra hours. The fog of grief and fatigue seems to be lifting a bit and we are thankful. We are looking forward to coming home. A place that accepts one because of our needs, a place to feel secure despite our lacks and failings. A place that we find refuge and healing and restoration. A place that begins with family and extends to church, friends, neighborhood and community. A place where we can be silent and hear the quiet, gentle voice of our Lord.