Lockdown 202

Lockdown Day 202 - 14 October 2020

A story of hope Part 4.

The present.

Standing on a veranda of her small 8th floor apartment, Ellie breathes in the sea air and takes a sip of freshly brewed local coffee. Her thoughts are far away in the past. 

It has been 3 years since the day Ellie drove into town to 4 Hill street. She still remembers it vividly. When she turned onto Hill street, she saw the tail end of Guy's pick-up in the driveway. She parked in front of the street's last house. The owner, assuming she was coming to see her, walked out to ask if she can help, inviting Ellie in for a cup of tea. Ellie willingly accepted hoping to get some answers. 

Introducing herself as Tina, she told Ellie that Amy had moved in approximately 3 years ago. Tina had seen Guy's pickup pull up for more than 2 years now, but never saw who it was. Her house told Ellie she was a bit of a recluse, and knew it was God who brought her there. 

That night Guy never came home, Ellie packed her things and left for Vancouver, from where she filed for a divorce without ever speaking to Guy or Amy. Guy never contested anything and Ellie became a part of a ministry team where she discovered her true identity in Christ. She became whole and got through the storm, a stronger and more courageous woman. 

But her great test was yet to follow. The ministry announced a tour to 13 US states where they would be ministering to small groups who signed up online. 

Turning from her spectacular sea view, she goes to her small desk, opens and quickly scans the venues. She spots Candice's tea garden. Inhaling sharply she knocks back the last sip of coffee. 

Praying to God daily to war this last test with her, she prepared for the tour. She wasn't going to back off, believing this is how God works and trusting Him to perfect her faith and trust in Him. 

Candice's tea garden was on the first leg of the tour, and the team members were taking turns to drive the little van through the mountains. Ellie's turn was on the last 80km into town. It was her idea, much to everyone's surprise, but they all supported her prayerfully, anointing her as she took the wheel. 

With more than 200km already behind them, the members nodded off one by one, untill it was only Ellie and her close friend Patsy who were awake. They drove in silence. As they approached the turn-off to the farm, Ellie felt her heart wanting to run away again. Surprised by this reaction she chastised herself for letting it get to her, loudly saying to herself, "It is done and dealt with. You are loosed. " Patsy "mmmm'ed" in agreement. The 47km felt like 470 and Ellie braced herself as the entered the town she knew all too well. 

Time was of the essence and Ellie drove straight to Candice's garden so they could set-up for the first session that evenng. They would have another morning session the following day, concluding the ministry the next evening with deliverance, prayer and supper together. 

Ellie was relieved to hear Candice had sold the tea garden to new owners. They had developed a conference facility but kept the garden. 

Steeling herself, she took a walk a couple of hours later into the nook of the garden where her life changed irrevocably. 

Sitting down, she deeply inhaled and exhaled, allowing herself one more replay. And just like that, she felt an unfathomable peace come over her. Standing in this place strengthened her spirit for her ultimate release.

To be continued.........(sidenote: as this story is writing itself, there is too much to be said. This is why there will be a Part 5.)

#Ggt.