Dreams, Memories & Keys

Chapter 30 - Goodbye to the Wilsons

The Wilsons arrived at the Abernathys' right on time on Sunday afternoon, only five days before Susan expected to leave for London.

"Welcome," Susan greeted their friends as she opened the front door and invited them in.

"Thank you," John and Karen replied as they and their family stepped across the threshold.

"It is good to see you, John," Greg said, shaking his friend's hand in the entry hall.

"Likewise. Everyone's been so busy, we were becoming concerned we wouldn't have the opportunity to see you once again before we leave," John told him and Susan as all four of the Wilsons followed their hosts into the living spaces of their house.

"For occasions such as this, it is important to make the time," Greg assured him.

"It is," Karen agreed. "We've been friends for more than ten years. In some ways it is very difficult to say goodbye."

"I couldn't agree more," Susan told her as they all sat down near the windows in the living room. "Dinner should be ready soon."

"Good. I'm hungry," Peter told her.

Susan smiled. "Well, we are ready. We're just waiting for the chicken to come out of the oven. So, when the timer goes off, we'll be ready to eat."

Peter smiled, showing he was happy with that information and willing to wait.

Susan turned back to Karen to continue their conversation. "I'm glad you aren't going to St. Augustine's alone this time."

"It will be good to have Joan, Wilbury and their family with us, especially for the children," Karen told her.

"It will be. But remember, Karen. Wilbury and Joan have never done this sort of missionary work before," John cautioned.

"They have been to the tropics," Karen reminded him.

"Yes, however it is more than the climate and the vegetation which makes St. Augustine's such a unique place," Greg said.

"The politics aren't much better there now than they were when Greg and I left," Susan remarked.

"Have you heard anything about that recently?" Greg asked.

"Our Singapore office isn't that far away from St. Augustine's. We hear things internally from time to time," Susan replied covertly. "It's enough for me to know it's still a relatively dangerous place."

"It is, but we know what we are getting into," John reminded them all. "Karen and I are familiar with the place, some of the people involved, and the specific challenges of doing the Lord's work in that particular environment. And some things have changed in subtle ways."

"Do you have something specific in mind?" Susan wondered.

"Technology," John answered simply.

"The sort of technology you've introduced Peter and us to while we have been living here has made its way to St. Augustine's from what I hear," Karen told them.

"Our most recent information suggests satellite intranet connections are now possible in those remote places," John shared.

"Yes. We can use it as part of the educational program for our school," Karen said eagerly.

"It also means it might be possible for you or Peter to stay in touch," Susan guessed.

"Meaning we intend to stay in touch for as long as we are there. Not only for Peter, but also for ourselves. We know it would be better if we were not quite so isolated," John said firmly.