Long Lost Love

Chapter 8

As her final day at Camp His Way finally neared its end, she was ready to go home and see her dear friend, Sofie. It had been five weeks since Rachel last spoke with Luis. The last time they looked into each other's eyes , they professed their love for one another. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she packed her last item into her suitcase.

"Ready for the long ride home?" Helen asked.

Wiping her tears, she responded. "I am so ready. I really miss Sofie."

"I'm gonna miss working with you Rachel. You've become a good friend and I can't wait to see what God does in your life."

"If you're talking about Luis, I don't think I'll ever see him again." [Rachel sniffled]

"Give him time. You yourself said he needed time to completely heal. Plus, how can someone declare their love and just leave and end it like that?"

"He did say to give him time. [Rachel exhales] He lives so far from me, I just don't see us ever connecting."

"Don't doubt God's hand in your life. You both share the same feelings."

"True. My trust in Him will have to bear the waiting." [Rachel pointed up toward the ceiling]

"C'mon, let's get this long road trip started." Helen smiled as she lifted her gigantic suitcase from the bed.

***

On the ride home, Rachel thought about her newly found friend who she had not heard from in a month. She prayed he was well and continuing in his path to reconcile his relationship with Jesus. She missed him. She thought of him often.

The van slowed down and came to a stop in front of her home. Once out of the van, she stood at the curb and took a deep breath. She was home. She was eager to hug her boys and resume morning coffees with her best friend, Sofie. Exhausted from the trip, Rachel thanked her team, grabbed her suitcases and walked into her home. She felt tired. A tiredness that could only come from emotional drainage. she decided to leave her suitcases unpacked and head straight up to draw herself a bath. While adding her aromatherapy essentials and bath balls, her phone rang.

"Hello friend. I've missed you so much."

"Sofie. I've missed you too. I have so much to tell you. I had an amazing time with the kiddos." [Rachel wiped the tears from her cheeks]

"I'm so glad you had a great time. I'll leave you be as I'm sure you're tired and want to rest. I just wanted to welcome you home. Will you be joining me for coffee tomorrow morning?"
"Oh my goodness, you don't know how much I've missed our morning coffee, Sofie. Yes, of course I'll be there."

Rachel ended the call and got herself into her warm, rose aromatic bath, laid and closed her eyes shut. She soaked for what seemed for hours. Her body slowly began to relax and take in the warmth of the water. She smiled and thought. Those were the longest weeks of my life. She tried to redirect her thoughts from Luis, but she had no luck. Ugh, I'm sure he's fine. Lord, guide me. May I not wander away from your purpose. Lead me. She took a deep breath and continued to allow her body to fall limp into the warmth of the bath.

Early the next morning, she jumped out of bed with excitement and couldn't wait to spend time with Sofie. She missed the feel of fresh cut grass in between her toes and the aroma of her jasmine trees. [Rachel took in a huge whiff]

"Ahh, I missed the smell of my jasmine trees. And thank you for keeping up with my lawn Sofie."

"Well, I had a little help...."

"Really, oh do tell." Rachel was intrigued.

"Oh no, let's talk about your adventures with the kids. Any 'Have to tell' stories?"