Indy-pendence, In dependents, (In) dependence

We are not made to be alone. We start out life dependent on our parents but trying to do everything on our own as quickly as possible. We learn to walk, to eat, to tie our shoes – so much that we can do “all on our own.” But we are not on our own. We are part of a family. And further along, that family only gets bigger. We are made to be together, to be with “one another”.

One of the first things we did in Indianapolis was to get together downtown with family – Scott’s brother and his family. The ‘Indy” sign makes it possible for you to be the “I” in “Indy”. But we enjoyed being a whole group strolling along the canal, escaping the heat under the bridge, sharing conversations as we got to know each other well. We don’t see each other very often.

The airport was the scene for the first of our family moments as Natalie came to pick us up with her mom, Pauline, and sister, Hailey. Later we would also all go to pick up Sean, Wouter and Marc. And all of us invaded Jay and Pauline’s and Stephan and Natalie’s homes, but it is family.

It was such a blessing to be able to use a car, as Scott and Shirley visited other family before Sean arrived. A day to South Bend meant a great visit with Stef Bardoel at Notre Dame university. Another evening meant a visit to Mark and Beth Chenowith who have been such an encouragement to us in previous visits, sharing their home. Now we were able to share our hearts again in challenging conversations about the future and how we can be used for God. We are made to be together – we need times like these.

Before Sean and the guys arrived, we enjoyed being able to just be part of anything and everything that was happening. Scott was happy to get al sweaty helping build the new deck, Shirley spent a morning with the ladies getting nails done, we watched a bit of football along the way and we enjoyed snacks or food whenever we even thought about it, thanks to Pauline’s good care.

When “the guys” arrived (Sean, Wouter and Marc), it was just in time to watch Belgium play. Together-time is also important in moments of commiseration. And then we were able to connect again with Scott’s brother, Michael and family, for a day of fun, food and music. Although the weather had by this time turned greyer and colder (though never really cold), getting to talk and sing together always warms things up.

It is here in Indianapolis that two families meet. Scott’s brother lives here as do Stephan and Natalie and her parents. It was especially nice to see how Wouter and Marc have been taken up into this whole group of two families. This is what family means, and it will always be a time and place of beauty for those who have experienced it.

We enjoyed our dependence on one another – driving to and fro, building things together, playing games, putting more places out as Natalie’s sister and fiancé also joined us, finding fun things to do together – everything is a bit more complicated with more, but also exciting and fun. Together we filled up the days around Independence Day in Indy. The guys enjoyed playing ping-pong and Axis & Allies. We watched a few movies together, watched fireworks, tried to make s’mores on the stove (since it was now raining outside) and got a free concert from Sean.

Indepenedence Day was a day of American activities. In the morning the guys went shooting at a range. In the afternoon we enjoyed a meal together. In the evening we went bowling and then walking along a trail with lots of other people on their way to a festival and firewroks (it wasn’t yet raining). But this day was also a day of saying goodbye. The following day we would move on to our next destination. You can see the pictures of our Indy stay here. 

It will not be easy for Shirley to leave one of her little boys behind after waiting so long to see him again. We know how independent our children must be, but it is not always easy to see. We are so thankful that we were able to spend this time together. We are thankful most of all for the realisation that we are dependent and can depend on the great might and grace of our Lord – always and everywhere.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.   1 Thessalonians 3:11-13