A very special phone call

I think that one of the most difficult things for us, concerning the type of work we do, is that we are so far from family and friends. We miss out on so much in our loved ones lives. Special events such as births, weddings, Christmas, birthdays, graduations, etc. are especially times when we really miss being with our families. At times we even feel guilty. Guilty because we are not there to celebrate their joys with them. Guilty because we are not there to encourage and help them out during times of difficulty.

Yesterday was one of those days where we were really missing our families. Yesterday, David's cousin got married! How we wish that we could have been there too, celebrating with her and everyone else on her special day. (We have already missed my brother's wedding in September, and will miss David's brother's wedding next month. :( ) We thought about our dear cousin Nelli all day, wondering what was happening right at that moment and wishing we could be there too.

While we were cutting and grinding up meat to make hamburger in the evening (I know, not the most romantic thing to do on the evening of Valentine's day, but at least we were together), we received a phone call. On the other end was one of David's cousins. He was calling us from the wedding! He talked to David for a little bit and then said, "would you like to talk to the bride?" David and I both had tears in our eyes as David was able to congratulate Nelli and assure her of our thoughts. They didn't get to talk long (brides are very busy people!), but wow, that was so special to us.

Vielen Dank Johann und Herzlichen Glückwunsch Nelli!