So, I’m sitting in the hotel room toilet.
I know, that’s still a term here that conjures up the thought that I’m in the toilet bowl. I’m not. Just in the restroom.
Perched on the side of the tub. Processing and remembering.
That’s often done when my heart and eyes connect through remembering and typing. Plus, I’m trying to encourage a little girl to go to sleep as it’s 10:47pm and she’s still awake in bed in our room, intermittently calling out for me that she went to sleep but now is awake again.
I can only imagine what’s the reality in our kids’ minds when my own mind can’t quite comprehend the excitement of the to-be-coming amidst the sadness of this chapter of the following-God adventure now closing.
Another of our great duo-culture-married friends. We love you, Tim & Liz! (Copyright of the blurry goodbye captured goes to my budding 5-year-old photographer)
“Christmas in July” lunch felt authentically like US Christmas with Wes & Judy. Brrrr! (Aussie Christmas “cracker” hats)
Our official goodbye to these more-than-just-next-door-neighbor friends.
Thank you, Alyssa, for driving much of our luggage* to the airport in that lovely BIG blue van. How I loved the quiet ride (no kids for either of us!!) Tears spring every time I think that I won’t get to hold that precious little Gijsber baby in September! Thank you for your friendship and being as a sister to me. Your family was truly a package deal. Our kids’ lives have a Reuben and Wes-shaped vacuum. (*a praise–God’s provision of our beloved pastor Brian bringing 4 huge bags, along with the van and a hired (rental) car we had for the day…all 18+ bags–Scott’s down in the hotel lobby counting–made it here! We are staying the night at the Melbourne airport and will go check in at 6:15am (4:15pm EST).)
After check in, we had 2 hours before the car was due to be returned and Pastor Brian would meet us at the hotel with the bags…so we zipped 20 minutes back into our beloved city, to the Fitzroy area. I prayed what felt like a silly prayer, but asked that God would surprise us on this last night in Australia. Oh my word, He did! It was one of those times that you know that God delights to provide in a way you know it’s Him. Greek food. Mmmmmm. Really great greek food. Thank You, Jesus.
Looking at our city in the distance. Goodnight, lovely Melbourne. We have loved you and will love you always. Our hearts ache for more and more and more of you to know the incredible Savior who came to seek and save you and give you abundant life.
ScottandAngie.org 
Safe travels. Praying for an uneventful and peaceful flight.
Love you,
Eileen
*Eileen Teinert* Lake Hart Stint 407-826-2704 eileen.teinert@cru.org
On Sat, Jul 9, 2016 at 8:56 AM, ScottandAngie.org wrote:
> angiebentley posted: “So, I’m sitting in the hotel room toilet. I know, > that’s still a term here that conjures up the thought that I’m in the > toilet bowl. I’m not. Just in the restroom. Perched on the side of the tub. > Processing and remembering. That’s often done when my he” >
Your writing on what is so deep in your heart has been beautiful, Angie. I am so eager for you to be back here, but recognizing how difficult the other side of that coin, the leaving, is for all of you. Praying for you.