Sunday, March 16, 2008

a trip?

at the moment - life is fast paced here at condo central ...

as i type this, i am 95% sure that i will be going to finland ... either next week or the week after ... for my cousin's funeral ... they have a different time frame for their funerals ... the service happens 2 or 3 weeks after the death ...

it will be a quick trip ... my companion will be my aunt maija (
click here ) ... in fact, it was this sweet aunt of mine who called and asked if i wanted to go ... she was able to get me standby tickets for half price - making it affordable ... and this isn't even her side of the family - it is my dad's - my aunt maija is my mom's sister! she just has a tender, sweet, heart ...

so - i will find out on tuesday which weekend the funeral is on ...

leo is supportive of this trip, i wouldn't go otherwise ... he wants me to be there with the family ... and i was so gungho about it yesterday - so positive! ... but today, fear started taking bites out of me ...

i thought ... what if leo gets a fever? (i will be away for at least 12 days) ... what if my sister maria dies? what about the new doctor's appt.? the one i'll have to change ...

what if, what if, what if ...

then - like always - the Lord reminded me through His Word ... "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 ... God hasn't given me a spirit of fear ... so if my feelings aren't from God - who is trying to butt into my spiritual heart? ... the heart that belongs to my Saviour, who has redeemed me for Himself ... He conquered sin, conquered death ... and He has given me His Holy Spirit to dwell within me ... that hard won peace that Jesus died for! there is no fear in Him ...

so i resolve to take the trip, trusting the Lord to have worked out all details ...

i will continue in prayer (could you pray for me too? and leo?) ... and i shall let you know how this all develops ...

oh - one more thing - leo would like to borrow someone's cat for 2 weeks - so he won't be so lonesome!

12 comments:

Susan said...

All will be fine!!!!
Susan

Jammie J. said...

Hmmm, obviously, if Leo is supportive and you've prayed about it, God would like you to go and be with your family. I think it will be wonderful time of bonding and you'll remember it, even though it's because of a death in the family.

Go. Trust God. Be at peace and share your love with those who love you.

(hugs)

Amrita said...

I know you do have concerns.The Lord will take care of leo and your sister. Your aunt is really so sweet to go with you.

Pray all goes well

Anonymous said...

Tis so hard to know what to do when you have a loved one who is needful of you...I am facing a lesser decision...hubby has a week long business trip...5 hours away, but still, not close enough if daughter falls ill again and needs my help!! Am preparing, but will decide at the last moment whether to go or not. I hope you have someone close by who can check in on Leo each day!! Blessings my dear, may the FATHER be with you both!!
Elizabeth

Mimi said...

Saija,
If God used your Aunt Maija to make this trip possible for you...then He will work out the remaining details...I will stay in prayer for you that all will go well (and Satan will not fill your mind with doubts)
If God prepared the way for the trip for you... He will surely take care of Leo while you are gone...
let us know when the trip is planned so we can be in concentrated pray while you are away...
Love,
Mimi

Mari said...

I think this is a little blessing to you from God. Although the reason you are going is a sad one, it will be wonderful to reconnect with family. God has already taken care of tickets for a reduced price, He will certainly watch over Leo and Maria. I'll be praying for your peace of mind and health for the others.

eija said...

Ooooohhhhh... You're coming to Finland??!! GOOD for you! Even though the framing is so sad.

Just wondering... If it could be arranged somehow, would you like to meet...?

And... I think God is very well cabable of taking care of both Leo and Maria :)

Saija said...

Susan ... thank you ...

jj ... there is so much to do, before hand ... seems that things take longer to organize the older one gets! and leo said he did want one of your cats for 2 weeks - do you think you could ship one over? :o)

amrita ... i am believing that God has a plan for this too ... and our Lord does everything so well, i just need to focus in Him ...

Elizabeth ... i hope you got to go!

Mimi ... i am hoping to find out early tomorrow ... with the time changes, etc. - it makes communicating a challenge sometimes! i so appreciate your prayer ... thank you!


mari ... yes, i am looking forward to hugging them hard, and sharing their sorrow ... and hopefully sharing my faith in the process ...

eija ... i would love that, but because it will only be a week in finland - and mostly around tampere area - ? ... maybe coffee at the airport, in helsinki?

Mrs. Mac said...

The Lord will provide for Leo's care, and your trip abroad. As for the cat, how 'bout asking Miss Terry ... she's got a bunch ;)

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Oh my...I think this is great that you are going. I just wish that i could help Leo with his cat problem. We love our Annie and she would be great company for him but you just live way too far away to send Annie. Maybe you should get one...

Sandy

Pat said...

I will share the advice I'm always giving myself...don't over-think a blesssing! I don't usually follow my own advice, but I think you are smarter then I am!! The Lord will open or close the doors, just be ready and willing to follow his lead...there is a blog world full of people praying for you and for Leo.
Blessings on you both!

Saija said...

mrs. mac ... leo is still missing squeaks ... sigh ...

Sandy ... maybe i'll come home and leo will have a cat installed here? hope not!

pat ... good advice! i am trying to take it one day at a time - really trying! and i so appreciate my blog buds and their prayer! thank you!