Flying Dutchman (more like driving)...

Alright, it's true...I'm overdue for a post full of pictures. I just don't think I have it in me to do that tonight. I spent a lot of today on my computer doing one of two things the whole time: 1) Making a video slideshow of Ott the troll in Rome for Hans (I'll add a link to it in my next post) 2) Re-booting repeatedly and scanning for viruses. It's true I could have been a lot more productive today, but something about the weather being halfway between snow and rain makes me feel sluggish. Then I spend time on this time-sucker of a computer and feel even more sluggish. It's sort of a continuous cycle that I hope to break tomorrow. I'm setting my alarm and getting up relatively early even though we are having a "home day" together. I will put on a thick layer of comfy clothing, my gloves, and a hat, then head outside to hit the road and bring myself back to Center. Something about a frozen morning mixed with a nice walk and good views over the town, just reminds me of who I am and what I'm here for. It reminds me of God's all-encompassing grace and his purpose for my life. It may sound crazy, but it really does bring everything back into perspective.
After that I'll be able to face a day full of fun in the Hopkins-Roorda household. We're looking forward to starting off the Christmas season right with gingerbread house construction, cookie baking, house decorating, craft making, and Christmas carols as background music all day long (at least until I go to Tsigmadru at 2). That is a day guaranteed for greatness right there.
The only thing holding it back from hall of fame status is the fact that tomorrow is the last day I will see Hans for a real long time. He's going back to the Netherlands with his girlfriend, Rhiann, to figure things out for an undetermined amount of time. It is definitely for the best, but I am really going to miss him. He gives so much to the programs out in Tsigmadru and without him it will feel completely different. I know that God has big plans for him and for Tsigmadru, I just wish that they were overlapping plans.
The first day I met Hans he made me put wood putty in screw holes at least four times, sanding back excess each time. I thought he was an obsessive control freak. When in reality he's just Dutch. (Being 50% Dutch makes it okay to say that.) And the truth is, he can make decisions and reach conclusions before I've even thought about the issue at hand. His initiative and willingness to put ideas out there (even if they're not openly welcomed) will be one of the many things I'll miss. It will be hard to say goodbye but I know that God will see us through. I hope you will join me in praying for the best for Hans and for Tsigmadru, whatever that may be.