Well I've been here since Monday afternoon and I am exhausted. I have been away from our apartment for 10 months. Part of that was our furlough and almost 4 months in Costa Rica. But 5 months was in Virginia. Anyway, our apartment was closed up from mid-July thru the end of December. Bob did try doing some cleaning when he returned the end of December but has had to concentrate on the clinic and medteams.
With the heat and amount of dirt that just is always everywhere, the apartment isn't just dirty it actually feels dirty. Monday Bob went to put clean sheets on the bed before I got home. Unfortunately, the replacement sheets were musty when he pulled them out. So he laundered that load before going to the airport. Every piece of clothing has to be washed. They just have either a musty or old smell about them. This includes all sheets, towels, etc. Every surface is coated in grittty grime. Much of our stuff was packed into plastic bins. With being gone that long, we pack things up to protect incase of a leaking roof. So, everything has to be put back in place, so we have a home and don't feel like we are living in a storage unit.
I spent Monday evening cleaning our room. I'm still working on the rest of the apartment. All dishes have to be washed before using too. Only hot water is in the bathroom tub in the showerhead, if I remember to turn on the hot water heater and wait 45 minutes.
I'm physically adjusting to the heat (fortunately, the humidity isn't too bad).
But I think I'm recovering from emotional stress also. My time in Lynchburg was to help Shan with her separation. As a mom it is hard to watch your child suffer and hurt. It's not any easier when that *child* is an adult. I so wanted to protect and shield her. I wanted to be strong for her and take some pressure off from her. I know she's hurting and has a tough time ahead. As much as I wanted to be back here with Bob, leaving her and the grandkids was very difficult.
So, please pray for me as I feel drained. Bob has had a surgical team and a medical team all week, so I've only been able to see him in the evening (with 30 other people around for most of the time) Tomorrow the groups are going to Catalina Island and Bob and I *have* to go to lead the groups. I am so looking forward to the time with my husband and just relaxing. I LOVE the groups...don't get me wrong, but I'm really hoping that tomorrow they can entertain themselves on the boat and the beach and won't need my husband's attention the majority of the time.
Please pray for strength for me---emotional, physical and spiritual. I'm tired!
love to all and enjoy your snow!
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sounds like the excursion to Catalina Island couldn't have come at a better time :)
ReplyDeletei won't pretend to understand how you are feeling, anna, but i do know that sometimes all that work can be a blessed distraction....especially when the alternative is to sit and worry. as for the emotional drain from what is going on, that i DO understand. been in a similar situation before. i am praying for you all.
i loved seeing you on sunday, and i thank you again for the books you gave me before you left.
may God send His peace.
"if it's not one thing, it's another" *g* - dad said that last night, as he left for home, after coming over to help david fix the water pipe behind the washer, that, once again, froze and broke, flooding the back porch. *sigh* i reminded myself repeatedly that it is how we RESPOND to situations that counts, but it was hard nonetheless, as we were both exhausted (i think midnight in the freezing cold is catching up with us) and a had headaches.
ReplyDeletepraying that God gives you the strength to get through each day. it may feel like our limits are being tested, but he's promised not to give us more than we can handle. efforts of a sincere heart are not in vain. praying that you and papa get a big chunk of time to relax and catch up together. love you.