Lockdown 200

Lockdown Day 200 - 12 October 2020

A story of hope Part 2.

The farm life suited the whole family, from where the remaining 3 boys finished school and left home one by one in search of their own destiny. By then Guy had realised his dream of an adventure venue where young kids could come for summer camp to experience nature and learn to do life. Ellie, a qualified nurse, studied counseling online and took over the pastoral part of the adventure camps. 

Before long they were almost fully booked for summer, spring and half of autumn, closing down for winter and much needed maintenance. They had already spent 3 hard working years of preparing countless groups of young people for the life ahead of them.  Only thing was, they talked less often and shared even less. 

Ellie tried prayer time in the morning before work, but Guy would have more and more early errands to run in town, leaving the camp in her hands. Before long she was praying alone and Guy was on the road for daily camp needs. The additions to the adventure course made things worse, because this part of the course required fresh daily stock from the local green grocer, prolonging Guy's time away from home.  

Ellie struggled to cope. She slowly withdrew mentally, though still prayerful in the spirit. Then, on a quiet autumn day when the bookings wound down in anticipation of the coming winter, she woke up very early, dressed quietly and left a note for Guy on the kitchen table. She grabbed her car keys and slowly headed for town. 

With dawn breaking over the Mountains and the new sunlight spilling into the valley, Ellie gradually felt the tension release as she put the 47 kilometres between their farm and town.  She looked forward to a quiet morning in Candice's tea garden, just her and God. And after having tea with God she would pick up all the produce needed. She hoped this would revitalise her enough for the last group intake who were due in two days. 

Guy woke with a jolt, realising he had overslept. Stumbling into the kitchen, he headed for the percolator to pour his usual fix for the day. He sat down at the table, wiped the sleep from his eyes and saw the note from Ellie, "Guy. Just had to get out. Took the shopping list. Call if you need anything else. Just need time on my own in a quiet spot. Love you still. E." He exhaled slowly, thinking how Ellie had never mentioned she needed time on her own. As he walked to the shed to start preparations for the last group's arrival, he shrugged and decided to let it go. 

Ellie walked into the garden at Candice's, headed straight for the secluded corner she hadn't seen for almost 8 months. The autumn leaves covered the path, making for a golden hue accentuated by the sun. She dropped her shoulders and inhaled the fresh mountain air and dropped into the armchair next to the pond. "Ellies corner", she whispered, followed by, "Hello God." 

She felt the Spirit prompt her to read Isaiah 43:1b-3a&4a, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will  be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.....Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you;"

To be continued.......(Parts 3 and 4 will wrap it up)

#Ggt