Homesick for Heaven

I'm collecting memories. I have just a few more days with my grandson, daughter and son-in-law. I am treasuring every moment! I am also re-living many memories of when I was a new mom. Michelle is so tired . . . she asked me today how long that would last. Four weeks? Six weeks? I didn't want to tell her that it will probably not be counted in weeks, but in years!

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed being here, I am ready to go back to Manila. My husband, my home, my life is there. Many dear ones are there. I am homesick. But to go there, I have to say goodbye to people here. And that is always hard.

As I look ahead to the new year, I am looking forward to visiting many dear ones around Asia. We will definitely visit Nepal, Thailand, Bangladesh, and possibly Sri Lanka. I am excited about seeing many of our graduates. But again . . . the time will be too short. I know this from experience. And we will have to say goodbye again.

This morning I received news from a dear friend (my best friend from college) that her eldest son died in a car accident yesterday. He was only 22. My tears have been very close to the surface all day. Death is so wrong! So this goodbye, which seems way too early from my limited perspective, has added to today's ache.

The thing I look forward to most about heaven is NO MORE GOODBYES!

My Life as a Grandma

I think it can't be avoided. There are going to be a lot more photos of Danny on my blog. I can't stop taking pictures of him!

This has been a fun Christmas! It is my first time in 31 years to celebrate Christmas in my own country. It has been a very special treat from the Lord.

I am soaking up memories of Danny to take back to Manila with me. His cute half-smile, his soft skin, his sweet smell, his little gurgles and coos . . . I will surely miss it.

It has also been a great time to be with Matt and his girlfriend, Adela.

I've enjoyed getting to know Jim's family better too. His parents and siblings are here too, and we have had so much fun together!

Our highlight was when all twelve of us went for a walk in the woods on Christmas day!

Daniel James Albright

He is here! Baby Daniel arrived this evening at 6:33 pm. Jim and Michelle are so excited and happy. Actually Michelle is mostly exhausted after a long day of labor, but still excited and happy too. Jim is a very proud dad. And Grandma is totally delighted! Join us in thanking God for this very precious gift.