Three years ago, I received a letter and some postcards of a beautiful place called Tobermory and Flowerpot Island in Canada mailed all the way from Ontario from my online stalker saying, ” Someday, when you come to Canada with me, I would love to show you Tobermory. ”
I remember thinking to myself, “What a weird guy and an audacious thing to say!”
Three years later, how surreal and odd it feels to find myself married to that “weird guy” and truly there on a quiet retreat with his dear parents at Flowerpot island!
Cliff excitedly showing me the “little bear” he had seen on his previous trip there 3 years ago
The weather forecast spelled thunderstorms and lightning but on the day of our visit on a ferry to the beautiful Flowerpot island, the skies could not have been more blue.
It was an amazing time spent with his dear parents, the warmest and most hospitable in-laws I could ever ask for.
Looking back, I remember the times we had wondered whether we should have spent the time and money to return to Canada to reconnect with Cliff’s family and community or head on straight to the mission field in Africa. The priceless smiles on his family’s faces, the opportunities to share and inspire youth at churches here, the healthcare, insurance and work issues that needed attending to here by Cliff, and the much needed rest in God’s scenic creation away from the months of frenzied preparations have made it worthwhile.
After weeks of prayer, we learnt today that the hospital here has made a huge exception for Cliff to provide him with the medication he so needs for our long stint in Africa! But undoubtedly, our most precious moment has been praying on Mothers’ Day together with Cliff’s Mum, who has never believed much in God, and lead her to having a personal relationship with Him. How deeply heartwarming it was to hear her say, “I know God has brought you two together in a special way, He is real and I would like to know Him more by starting to read the bible.”
Cliff leading his mum’s first bible study in the book of John in the bible
We are simply unimaginably grateful for such precious, precious times.
Thank you for all your fervent prayers and precious encouragement.
Much love from Us.
Flowerpot Island, Tobermory,
2014