Category: Memoir

The greatest Treasure

One Christmas in Karachi. Mary’s travel to Bethlehem in her pregnancy catches my attention. And imagination.

I’m expecting our second child at the time. Struggling with all-day sickness. I put myself in her shoes. On the rough road from Nazareth.

Arriving. Travel weary. And finding no place to stay.
Making do in temporary quarters. Where animals are kept.

Giving birth.
Away from home and the familiar.
Placing a newborn in the feeding trough.

Yet, treasure. In the midst of it all. She holds the Savior of the world in her arms.

Three years ago this month, I took a deep breath. Then pushed the “go online” button. And launched a website.

Writing one blogpost every week. Stepping into many unknowns. Figuring out voice, style, content. Technology.

And I’m still learning. With 158 posts and counting.

So, shout out to Thanksgiving week. A good time to say thank you. I’m incredibly grateful.

One of my writing journals. I’m always looking for a good notebook.

Memoir

Loss.

The memory comes back. Distinct. Clear. From 1972. One hot, humid afternoon in Kediri, Indonesia.

I’m just arriving at our home. After being away for high school a couple of months. In Jakarta.

Standing outside. Reaching for the handle of the screen door. And suddenly a subconscious map surfaces. One I never knew was there.

A map of presence. Home and those who belong in it.

Without warning, the realization of deep loss hits. Full force. There’s an empty space on that map.

The place where my sister Ann has always been.

Grief. Tangible.

Me with Momma and my new baby sister, Ann. Bangkok, Thailand. 1961.