We moved to Orlando, FL last year. Nobody except Mark has been thrilled at the idea. Personally, I have had to give up the most, with Eleni. We have lost the few friends we had, a beautiful and amazing city, things and activities to do and see, a strong town and church community, and now we might as well be losing our brains and settling for mediocrity, like everyone else around us.
Well, to complete the picture, I am losing Simon today for two years as he embarks on his service to the people of the Rome Mission, entering the England MTC on June 19th, serving for 24 months.
I feel like losing him twice as hard, first physically to the mission and then emotionally to Megan. The sadness he feels right now is not so much for "losing" us but for losing Megan. Which is all wonderful to see. I know deep in my heart how much he loves her. I felt it on Sunday as he gave his wonderful farewell talk. I feel that - if everything works out as they hope right now- they will be an amazing couple if they allow themselves to be led by the Spirit.
In a way I feel almost numbed after having been through so many down moments in the last year / many years. I don't even know what to think anymore, what to hope for, what to dream of. I am afraid to ask God for anything specific when it comes to my personal life or our family life because I am afraid to ask for the wrong things.
I hope Simon will be strong, patient, wise, pleasant, and loving with all those he comes in contact with. I hope he will have fun with this experience and enjoy every single moment of it. I hope my fellow Italians will lower their levels of stubbornness and that they will open their hearts to my sweet Orsone and the Spirit of the Lord.
I will miss Simon's embraces, his chubby cheeks, and supple hands, his wisdom and his affection, his humor, his everything.
May God lead and protect him always!
God be with you till we meet again, Anziano Simon Sivers!
