Aunt Maureen, who was not a grandmother herself, fell instantly in love with Ricky. Charlie was rarely able to hold him for the nine days they visited.
Two days before their scheduled departure Sean and Charlie had a “Hawaiian” day. Neither one spoke English, and Sean even attempted to teach Charlie how to cook his favorite Hawaiian dish. They were having a great time, but in one quiet moment Charlie spoke quite seriously, and in English.
“It’s all a little like playing house, isn’t it? But it won’t be all fun and games, will it, Sean? Being missionaries is a lot of hard work.”
“That’s true, but I think the fact that we’re both so burdened to be there means that God will bless and provide for us.
“And Charlie,” Sean’s voice grew urgent. “This doesn’t have to be forever. If we get there and you or Ricky are miserable, then we don’t have to stay. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be the one who can’t take it. It might not be anything like I’m remembering, and if that’s the case God will show us where He wants us to be.
“We haven’t discussed the way my father left us, at least not in detail. Even though I’ve forgiven him, I would never follow in his footsteps. We’re going to stay together; the three of us are a team. I don’t want you to ever forget that.”
Charlie was thankful for her husband’s words. With a kiss and a whispered word, she let him know of her love for him.
Maureen came to the docks to see them off, but the wind was cold and she stayed in her coach as they boarded. Sean had grown very quiet, and Charlie knew that he was remembering how ill he had been on his one previous trip. They talked about a plan of action if Sean was completely out of commission on the ship as he’d been before. Even though Charlie prayed it would be otherwise, she believed she could do what she had to do.
They stayed at the balustrade as the ship pulled away from the dock. Sean held his tiny son, swathed in blankets, close and spoke into his sleeping face.
“We’re leaving now, buddy. We’re headed to our new home, to Hawaii, where we will serve others and share Christ’s love.”
Charlie, having heard every word, found her heart swelling with love for this man God had given her. Never did she believe in all her life that she would have the things she had now. Even if God should choose to remove someone or something from her world, she would never again doubt that He was there and that He loved her unconditionally.
Sean looked over to see Charlie’s face turned skyward, a look of profound serenity filling her eyes.
“What are you thinking?” he asked softly.
“Only that it’s all so wonderful. I never dreamed I would have all that God has given me.”
Sean’s smile was huge. “And to think that a little over a year ago, we were married strangers.”
“Oh, Sean!” Charlie’s eyes grew wide as she realized his words were true. Then she grinned and proceeded to tease Sean about one of his favorite sayings. “I guess miracles don’t take as long as we once believed.”