I looked around the circle of little faces in the living room as we read our evening Bible story. There was nothing in me that wanted to leave them for four days, but then when I thought of my mother-in-law in Mexico who planned to do surgery for her cancer and needed someone to be with her, it changed the picture; yes, I also wanted to go.
Four-year-old Joshua was impressed with the idea that he was chosen to go along to see Grandpa and Grandma and get an airplane ride with the package deal. His little mind was spinning. Going up meant being closer to heaven, right? “Then we could jump out of the airplane door and be in heaven!” I know he wants to see his daddy, but it might not be that simple!
(Editor’s Note: It is not uncommon for the Amish — who usually don’t carry health insurance — to visit Mexico for medical treatment.)
We are on our first flight, relaxing in the semi-darkness. For a while, I push up my window shade to take another look at the world below. I was amazed at what I saw — mountains! Why, of course, hadn’t I thought we’d be seeing them? (Bad wording?)
I looked in wonder at the snow-capped mountains off in the distance. As they faded, I marveled how I opened the window just in time to get a good look at them. Then that soft voice spoke to my heart, “Am I not always in time for you?” I smiled, “Yes, Lord, surely you are. You are always on time, no matter the tumult and the feelings.”
I thought of my children, whom I was already missing, but I knew assuredly that the One who was there for me was also there for them. So, for now, I’ll enjoy the solitude of a four-hour ride and journal to my heart’s content.
Notes from two days later: Yesterday was filled with much intensity. It was the day of Mom’s surgery, which was predicted to last four hours. I was amazed at the tranquil look on Mom’s face as I stepped into her room that morning before surgery. She was ready to face it.
After her surgery, Dad, Virginia (my sister-in-law who had gone with me), and I relaxed in the waiting room.
The hours stretched endlessly on. Four hours, five hours; why are we not getting any more updates? Six hours passed, and memories came back anew of Daniel’s surgery and that little waiting room where I cried to God for the love of my life. As we waited, amid it all, it was like an unseen hand was there to bring comfort. It felt like God was using the prayers of others to bring comfort to his weak ones. It was hard, but it was beautiful.
Six and a half hours after she had gone into surgery, we were told that all was well and she was in recovery. Relief flooded through us.
Day four: We’re heading home! Is there any place like home sweet home? All went well though our flights were rerouted upon our arrival in San Diego, California. Again, I relished the quiet moments with my Maker. Meeting new people and making friends have been the most interesting things. I often walked away with more than I had when we met. Isn’t that amazing? We can glean from others around us, which we had never known before.
After boarding our layover in Chicago, I watched the westward sky. For years, I’ve wanted to watch a sunrise or sunset from the eagle’s point of view — with no obstacles between it and myself. Would we get in the sky in time? As the pilot announced a delayed take-off, I watched the bright colors fade and vanish. It had seemed so close; I was disappointed; nonetheless, a peace stole over me; it was okay. A while later, we taxied out and were off. We were heading down to Indianapolis from Chicago. From my seat, facing west, I watched in wonder. We had left all else that man ever made and were going for the heavens. As we did so, the sunset I had been eyeing came back in full view, brighter than before, there was nothing between it and me. I was glued to that window for the one-hour flight as I absorbed a sunset that would not go away. Did God know what I was beginning to feel on this last leg of our trip before going back home as a single parent? Did he know how little I felt as I thought of the responsibility of guiding these six young children for his kingdom? I was comforted, though I still did not know how I would do it.
Despite the battle of facing life, I couldn’t help but be super excited to be with my dear children again. Oh, the sweet joy of going up the porch steps and into the house and having outstretched little arms greet me and wrap tight around my neck. Surely, we’ll do this together, one step at a time; it will be a task and a blessing.
I brought home several Mexican tortillas for the children to try. I enjoyed them myself, though my favorite Mexican dish I’ve tried so far was guacamole. If I’m making it for my children, I’ll add a dash of stevia or some sort of sweetener to cut off the tart edge.
Homemade Guacamole
3 avocados
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. real lemon
1/2 c. chopped tomatoes (optional)
1 Tbsp. chopped purple onions
1 cup of corn (optional)
1 cup of black beans (optional)
Mash avocados. Mix seasonings and real lemon; sprinkle over avocados and mix well. Fold in tomatoes and onions. Serve with tortilla chips.
Gloria Yoder is an Amish house-wife in rural Illinois. She is the third writer of The Amish Cook column since its inception in 1991. Yoder can be reached by writing: The Amish Cook, P.O. Box 157, Middletown, Ohio 45042.
