Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 83 - Messages and Logistics

The Abernathy's home was the center of activity that weekend. Although it felt something like a cross between a hotel and a hospital for the people staying there, everyone was welcome. Visitors came and went from the little apartment with the intension of visiting with the new parents and meeting their baby. No one wanted to overstay their welcome however, so they spent more time upstairs, visiting with each other than they did with Neil and Rosemary.

Susan's talent for nursing became evident again as she cared for the newborn baby and her mother, taking everybody except Greg and the Wilsons by surprise.

"She did the same thing for Karen Wilson while we were in Australia, six years ago," Greg told his family.

"I know she delivered Karen's baby, but I didn't know she cared for her afterwards too," Julie said.

"John and Karen stayed with us in our apartment in Sydney for a week after Peter was born," Greg said.

"We did," John and Karen agreed, when they came by on Sunday afternoon for a visit.

Henry and Sandra Wilson came with them, not so much to see the baby or her mother, but to visit with Greg and Susan again before going home.

"When do you leave?" Greg asked.

"Next weekend," Mr. Wilson said. "We were hoping for the opportunity to see you and Susan one more time before we left."

"John and Karen are leaving for Israel at the end of the month," Mrs. Wilson added.

"You won't be here for my wedding?" Matt asked.

"No, I'm sorry Matt. You and Ashley are well prepared. I predict you'll do great," John told him.

Matt grinned. "Thanks."

"How long will you be in Israel?" Ashley asked the minister.

"Our assignment is for two years," John said. "Maybe you can visit us while we're there," he suggested to Greg.

"Maybe," Greg said vaguely.

"Will you be at a mission?" Alan asked.

"Not this time," John said. "We'll be serving at a church in Jerusalem. It's considered field work for my doctorate degree. I will be studying as well as serving as a visiting minister while I am there."

"Believe, pray, study, listen, do," Melody said.

"That's right. Studying and doing are the most active things we as Christians are called to do ... and often the most challenging," John said.

"More than listening?" Susan asked.

"No ... not necessarily," John told her. "But the thing is, you can't stop serving or studying while you are trying to listen. The trick is to try to do all those things simultaneously."

"And how do you do that?" Julie asked.

"That is what I am struggling to learn to do, Julie, if I'm honest with myself and with you. My advice is to watch your father, though. He has mastered all those things. Although like all people, he too struggles from time to time, he has found a balance in what we have been called to do more completely than anyone I ever knew," John told her.

Julie stared at the minster. "My father is Jewish."

"So is my Father's son," John told her. "It's a family thing. I understand that now."

"It's a good way to look at it, Son," Henry Wilson told him and John grinned.

They were still visiting when the intercom on the phone chimed. Susan went to answer it and announced that Neil and Rosemary were bringing the baby upstairs.