ANTICIPATION

We learned a long time ago that the waiting is just as important and enjoyable as the getting there and, in fact, adds to the gratification of whatever it is you have arrived at. Most folks understand how to relish the preparations that are involved in celebrating holidays but the F-Troop believes that any activity or event can be just as memorable by adding a little excitement to the time period preceding said event. Whether it be home improvements, a unit study, going to Home Fellowship, or waiting to see friends, getting ready is exhilarating.
At the moment, we are awaiting the arrival of our long lost friends, the Buchanans. They moved away several years ago and miss them dearly. We also miss Mick’s answering machine messages. (Examples of messages: "The Fechers…going boldly where no family has gone before…" "Fechers, Meet the Fechers…"sung to the Flintstones tune. "Here’s the story of a lovely family…" Brady Bunch, of course. And the one I have yet to forgive Mick for as he made the call 2 days after the 9-11 tragedy and used a heavy accent: "My name is Indigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." The only part I understood was the "prepare to die" part. I thought, for a split second, that terrorists were now using telemarketing techniques to freak citizens out. I was freaked out but embarrassed when I was told it was just Mick.)
Anyhoo, we have been cleaning and cooking and looking forward to their arrival. The anticipation level has been raised a couple of notches as they were supposed to come last weekend but a death at their church caused them to postpone their vacation. To add to it, we have no clue as to when they are due to arrive. For weeks, the kids, even the ones that don’t know them (a few born after thet left), have been asking "how many more days?" Today, it’s been a constant "have we heard anything?" Benjamin has prayed for the years since they left that we would get to see them. We went to visit them awhile back but that wasn’t enough; Ben has continued to pray they would come here and that Jake, his buddy, would get to stay with us.
Now that I say that, prayer can add to the expectation as answered prayer causes one to celebrate and praise God for loving us and providing for us the blessings of family, friends, and memories made with them.
Anticipating sweet fellowship (and the boys undoing all of our cleaning).