this is love.

To be honest, I've not had a great week.  At least not from the beginning of the week. 


I was completely isolated the first few days, hit hard with the flu and the misery that accompanies.  Coupled with homesickness, I felt ready to cry.  And might have, if the truth be told!  However, God is good.  All the time.  At the loneliest moment, my "boss" here in London called me to see how I was doing.  We chatted for a while on the phone, and I mentioned that I was going crazy being home alone.  After we said goodnight, I honestly felt better.  It was so nice to have someone call just to see how I was.  But then, five minutes later, she rang again.  This time, she said, "Hope, my husband will be there around 8:30 to pick you up.  I'm making you soup, and you're coming to stay with us so I can take care of you."


At this, the tears started in earnest, but it was a different kind of tears.  As I write, I'm sitting in a borrowed bed, in borrowed pjs, sipping freshly made hot peppermint and lemon tea, and I'm just so thankful.  I'm starting to heal.  Its my second day of staying with my boss. From homemade Brazilian soup to chocolates on my pillow, I've been welcomed home and cared for with love.


This is hospitality.  This is love.  I can guarantee I've not been the greatest houseguest (not unless a great houseguest sleeps all the time!), but I've been reminded that I'm to be at home.  Its humbling to not be able to give anything back when you are being so blessed.


Amid the holiday lights, the parties, the carols, this speaks to me of the Christmas spirit as much as anything else.  Christmas is, after all, about love.  For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (John 3:16)...