An update on life in Ireland:
We have now been in Ireland for 4 1/2 months. So much has happened in that short time! I was talking with Dolores Wagler, my good friend in the States, and told her that I've gotten used to driving on the opposite side of the road and in the opposite side of the car. Now....I might be more dangerous driving in the States! We both laughed!
Honestly, the 'mountain' of driving quickly became a 'molehill.' I rather enjoy the challenge. The fear of the unknown was the hardest thing to conquer, as it usually is.
Truly, the hardest part of being here was trying (with the Lord's help) to get the authorities to let us open Comeragh Wilderness Camp, a camp to help troubled boys. Wolf put tremendous time and effort into it. Other men helped, too, to be sure. And of course, the Lord!
I must say, though, that I love, love, love my husband! The more the years go by, the more I realize what an awesome man he is! Let me begin by saying, my dad was also an incredibly wonderful man. Really great and loving and hardworking....and I knew that if I got married, I wanted to marry a man just like him. Well, then Wolf came on the scene, and I knew I found the right one. Anna has a blog post with a Jim Elliot quote, "Wherever you are, be all there." I kind of chuckle when I read that because if anyone knows my husband, then they may think that quote is describing him. He gives each thing he does 100+ !! I wasn't actually planning on making this a Wolf post, but looks like it's heading that way.
I think it's worthwhile to take a moment to honor him for the sacrifices he's made these last several months and for his life of integrity, in general.
First off, when Wolf is at work, he puts his heart into it. He likes and appreciates his staff, and from what I can see, they feel the same. And if another doctor needs 'time off,' he is often willing to pitch in. He doesn't view his work just as a job, but a calling. I've really admired that! That may be why he has several job offers in the mail every week wanting him to come work for them.
The same goes for family....when he's home, he's really home! He completely loves his children and they love and respect him. Now life isn't always perfect, and some days aren't quite stellar, but overall, it is like this. He spends hours talking with us in the evenings about anything that is on our minds, or even things that aren't. Situational ethics and honoring God is often the focal point. He also plays games with them- especially Scrabble and Catan. And boy, I'm glad he does, because when the evening comes, I'm too tired to do much of anything!
And lastly (or the last thing I want to say about him), we came to Ireland because he felt responsible to help the camp stay on its feet. He is on the board, and they needed someone, so we thought it would be a sacrifice in various ways, but one he/we were willing to make. The sacrifice was much bigger than I expected. Half days turned into full days and he was under tremendous pressure to be everything to everyone and to do it perfectly. Plus, he needed to deal with jet lag, though he did do great with that! But, as usual, he gave this work 100%, and we are proud of him!
(As an aside: Honestly, if anyone is EVER thinking of doing a missions trip- you need to be absolutely sure of the Lord's calling in that direction, or 'your boat won't float.' Thankfully, we definitely did feel the Lord's leading and that gave us the needed strength).
But, at last, our mission is accomplished!! Approval for the boy's return has been granted. Although we are hosting 6 men (work group) from the States for 1 1/2 weeks, we are trying to wind down our activities, and focus more on family time now. We feel this is pleasing to the Lord at this time.
There will be a board meeting in Ireland at the end of February. They will discuss all those details needed to keep the camp on its feet.
But, we are leaving the rest in the Lord's hands...and saying, For now, For always.....to God be the Glory!
