A quiet, restful, do-nothing weekend was in my plans last Thursday afternoon (Mar.25) when I got up from a nap after comig home from a total work-over, work-out therapy session that morning.
However, God had other plans. As I looked out of my front window, what did I see but an unfamiliar shiny orange jeep, and walking up the driveway, a man who looked remarkably like Dad’s oldest brother -Of course it couldn’t be him as last we heard they were getting "a dagje ouder" and not going out much – from home, let alone the country/continent!
Unsuspecting, Mom opened the door as I hid to get changed – just in case, tho of course it couldn’t be him…. I heard her exclamations and laughter and then "Natuurlijk!" and "Hoe lang kan je blijven?"
Then I knew - it was Oom Reint!
and shortly it was my turn to laugh & laugh and hug a dear uncle who I haven’t seen for 13 years (’97, and Mom since Oma’s 95th in 2000, Dad since Oma's funeral 2003). Then Mom & I watched from the window as Reint snuck up on Dad in the backyard and gave him a shock too! They laughed & cried & hugged….
Aside from the state of the house, the timing was just right! Had he come earlier - even a day, I wouldn’t have been up to it at all, and just a couple hours earlier no one was home. Also, this weekend our families "happened" to be free at some point or another or previously scheduled to come here, so Reint could visit most of the family (except Betty&John and some of R&S kids). His "Scruzol" business meeting "happened" to be cut short so he could come here when he did and also still fit in a visit to his son in St. Maartin, who he hadn’t seen in some years. Providential....
Aside from the state of the house, the timing was just right! Had he come earlier - even a day, I wouldn’t have been up to it at all, and just a couple hours earlier no one was home. Also, this weekend our families "happened" to be free at some point or another or previously scheduled to come here, so Reint could visit most of the family (except Betty&John and some of R&S kids). His "Scruzol" business meeting "happened" to be cut short so he could come here when he did and also still fit in a visit to his son in St. Maartin, who he hadn’t seen in some years. Providential....
Here's the first reuinie: Ralph & Sharon came over for a special supper Friday
(to celebrate his 40th birthday! still)
They actually stayed with Reint & Truus during their Holland trip in 2002
when Sharon was expecting their 4th child, and now they introduced their 6th and 7th!
Bethany quickly won "Opa Reint"s heart with her big smiles and hugs.
Saturday morning Dad & Mom took him to meet Maurice & Rachel & kids (sorry, no photos).
By the time they came back, we were all quite ready to eat lunch and all too soon it was time for my uncle and I to say tearful goodbyes - knowing we might not see eachother again.
Dad & Mom then took him to meet Christine & Maurice's charming clan, be wined & dined again
and to be musically entertained/moved by the gifted teens
We really enjoyed having him for those 3 days. What interesting stories he had to tell – he and his family have gone through quite some experiences! – which he’s documented in his "Story of Our Lifes" – neat! 
Dad’s already done reading it but we’re not lending it out yet – Mom isn’t through yet (nor I).
I’m hoping it will inspire Dad & Mom to start writing down some of their memories, life story.
Dad’s already done reading it but we’re not lending it out yet – Mom isn’t through yet (nor I).I’m hoping it will inspire Dad & Mom to start writing down some of their memories, life story.
Anyway, we had a special time together and see God’s hand in it and trust He has a special purpose for bringing Reint here and moving him & Truus "onto the front burner" of our prayers. Hopefully, we can all keep better contact too.
Can you see the resemblance? :)
