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| God Takes CareDear Friends: An old hymn says, "Be not dismayed what e'er betide, God will take care of you. Beneath the wings of love abide, God will take care of you. God will take care of you, through every day, o'er all the way; God will take care of you." My recent travel experiences made me feel very cared for by God and by PB UMC. Because of your generosity and careful planning, I had no anxieties about what was happening at home. All of the plane, train, and bus connections went very smoothly, and I was grateful for the help and advice I had received from those of you who are experienced travelers. Many times during the three weeks I was surprised and blessed by the gifts of God flowing through people and situations. When there was a gap in transportation plans, friends volunteered to spend the day at the art museum with the girls and me, and then drive us to the airport. When I was sick, I was able to get medicine from a helpful pharmacist. When we didn't know which subway line to take from the train station to the airport, a sympathetic stranger not only advised us but escorted us all the way to our destination. The day I needed to do laundry, a new friend said, "Don't take a cab, I'm going that way anyway, I'll drop you off." When our group faced two hours of waiting for a boat, a physician on the trip said, "Come over here and check out this museum. It has a collection of ancient surgical instruments." The museum turned out to be dedicated to Hildegard of Bingen, a fascinating and inspiring leader and Christian mystic of the middle ages. When the girls and I were daunted by the immense crowds gathered in Frankfurt on one of the World Cup game days, I remembered the advice of a tour guide and we managed to get exactly where we needed to be. On and on it went. When we were hot and tired we stepped into an air conditioned bakery and bought the most delicious cookie we've ever eaten (short bread filled with berry jam and glazed with lemon). When we loaded ourselves onto a gondola with no attendant in sight, and rode it trustingly way up a mountain, we were rewarded with a tiny restaurant and a delicious meal. When we visited the (4th century) cathedral in Trier, a service was just beginning and the organ was being played. When we wandered into a church in Biarritz, a professor from the British Royal Academy of Music was giving a master class in improvisation on the organ. Every day, good things happened. The world is full of wonders and I was privileged to see and experience some of them. Having had such a full and enriching three weeks, I was then exceptionally glad to come home. My own bed, the shady back yard, the new kitchen (where I could cook familiar food) were all beckoning me. Best of all was the anticipation of being back in church, and back in ministry with all of you. One phase of my sabbatical remains. From August 13 to 17, I will attend the International Untied Methodist Clergywomen's Convocation. It is being held in Chicago. Djalma Araujo, whom you have come to know and love, will be preaching on August 13. God takes care of us all! Peace be with you, Pastor April |
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