29 March 2008

Post #55:  Last Day in Malta

Yesterday, while the gang went to Gozo, I stayed home with Nathan and Bobby and started packing. Thanks, Nichole, for blogging for me.  I figured she had more of a bloggable day than I had. 

Today, we fixed a picnic lunch and headed off to Mdina. We toured the Silent City, and went to The Knights of Malta exhibit, where we were given headphones, for a small fee, and we watched a 20 minute video presentation of the history of the knights. Then we were sent into a hallway, where we followed the instructions given through the headphones. It was a guided tour of a sort of wax museum, which included scenes from the knights seige and historical moments.

It took longer than we had expected, so DeDe and Rachel slipped out before the end of the tour, and grabbed the picnic gear out of the car, and went to see if anyone had shown up, as we had invited the friends we made here to come say good bye.

Before long, John, found us.  Shortly after that, Dave and the rest of the gang showed up at the playground area, where I had set up our little camp, on a park bench, having realized there were no picnic tables available. Joe and Jenny, also from the Bible Baptist Church came. We had a great visit with them, and they were so complimentary of our children. Especially, Jenny, appreciated having them for Sunday school. We really rocked that little church...she had, I think, two students before our gang came along, so I'm sure it got more interesting for all.

We sure treasure these people, as they have extended their hearts to us in such a sweet way. Hard to leave them now, and hoping beyond hope that they'll someday come see us in Wisconsin.

After we'd finished eating, Joanna arrived up with her children, and Mauro came a little later as he had some relatives visiting from Italy. They stopped in with him, and it was fun meeting these two Italian gents from Genoa. Cynthia, also of the Embassy, came with Joanna and family to say her good byes as well. She brought some Pop Rocks to share with the kids, and they were naturally thrilled.

We had invited quite a few others, including Tara and family, Eve and family, and some of the folks from MCAST. Tara and her family were at Gozo for the day, Eve had to help her husband with a video production (in fact, we were invited to come and serve as “extras” in the movie they were making for Tunisian TV, but we just had a little too much on our plates, today.) A few of the MCAST folks called and said they had things going on. In their defense, it's their spring break, so we didn't expect them to make it.

We still are glad we extended the invite, even with the light turnout. We enjoyed having the last chance for fellowship with these wonderful people.

After our picnic, we went home and were planning to have a lazy afternoon. The pitch gate was open, however, and Ian requested “one last game.” I was so tired, but how could I turn that down? We brought the little boys up here for a nap, then I slipped on my running shoes and sweats, and off I went to take on those future futbol stars.

It was a beautiful day, by the way. I could have, and should have been in shorts! I was sweating after only a few moments. Rachel brought Bobby down after only a short while, so I was a little challenged at the end. The score was tied at 5 all, when I had to hold Bobby while defending my goal single-handedly (footedly?), and they snuck one by me to win our final match in Malta!

Before going back up to the flat, I laid down on the center of the pitch...first on my back, then I decided to get serious, and rolled over onto my belly.  I took a little snoozer, right there in the middle of the field, with David sitting next to me, keeping Bobby happy.  I had just about zoned off completely when Ian said, "Uh, Mom!"  And I looked up and there was a Maltese guy standing over me.  I think he thought I'd died and left him to deal with four kids!  The look on his face said so.  But his face brightened when I popped up and laughed a sheepish laugh, cause I felt a bit silly.  He said he had to lock the gate, so we'd have to leave.  I thanked him, and said we just had to get one last game in, and after that I needed a nap.  He smiled.  Nice guy.

We went up, had some popcorn while they watched The Rookie, one of Nichole's movies.  We had leftovers for supper, and then I drove over and picked up Tara, as we had plans for a night out together. Yeah, I know...I should be packing! Tell me! It's 3:19 now, and I've got everything packed at last. Thought I'd empty the camera, and get it on the charger.

Nichole, Tara and I drove to the prayer room around 7:45, and enjoyed the quiet time there. The time spent there is always so refreshing, I am thinking I may have to talk to a few friends when I get home and see about forming such a place in Stevens Point. We visited with some of the young (early 20's to late 20's) people there, and had a time of prayer, and Eve got there a little late because of the filming project.

From there, Eve drove the three of us, (Nichole, Tara and I) to Valletta, and we walked to a cafe where we enjoyed some of the local wine, (cocoa for Tara) and had a fun little gab-session. I wouldn't have wanted to spend my last night in Malta any other way. It was a real treat!

Nichole spoke what I was feeling as we stepped out of the cafe, onto the quiet streets of the old city. “I'm not ready to leave.” Amen, Sister! I'm not either. I'd be totally okay with a plane delay tomorrow. I mean, except for the hauling of the many suitcases, that wouldn't bother me at all. Never thought I'd be saying such things. The early part of the trip, we were looking at every airplane that flew overhead and wishing we were on it. It seems, that this little island has won my heart.

Not sure if I'll have internet access in London, but very sure I won't have any energy, having been up all night tonight, so don't expect any blogs for a bit. I'll likely post at least one after we return home. Just to let you know how our time in London went, and put closure on this adventure.

I wished I could have gotten some kind of report on Nikki before leaving. She continues to be on my heart, and I will continue to be praying for her. I hope you'll join me. And I'll wait in expectation that there will be a powerful testimony out of this bad situation, and that the glory would go to God for the way He intervenes, and brings light to even the darkest of places.

If you get this right away, pray we all get up in time for our shuttle to the airport. It's daylight savings time here tonight, so we sadly lose an hour, and have to be up at 5:00 as it is for the 6:00 pick-up. That means, 4:00 wake-up, 5:00 departure! Oh my! Just looked at my watch...that's only 20 minutes from now. I guess I better not bother letting my eyes close...sigh. God be with us as we move luggage and children about! Amen.

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