Returning A Year Later

I haven't forgotten about my time in Sonora. In fact I love going back an rereading the blog posts from my time there. That little town will always have a very near and dear place in my heart. A few months ago I had the opportunity to go back to California and I made a special stop in Sonora to see everyone. I specifically asked our Pastor, Nathan Renner, if I could sing special music. I love singing but my real motivation for singing at church was the perfect excuse to invite everyone I studied the Bible with to come to church.

I stayed a few nights with Uncle Pops and Aunty Gogo. It was such a blessing to see them again. I remember crying like a baby when I left their home the previous year. Uncle Pops stood out on the deck and watched me drive off. It made me think of those movies where the son or daughter leaves for college and the parents cry as they watch them drive away.

Now as I returned Uncle Pops greeted me the exact same way. He sat out on the porch and watched for me to come back. I cried, again, but this time tears of joy. His greeting made me imagine what it would have been like in the parable of the prodigal son as the Father is watching for His son to return home. 

I sat on the couch and fellowship with my favorite Sonoran couple. They told me had they were continuing to study with Alan. Both Uncle Pops and Aunty Gogo continue to study with him every single week. They told me how Alan needs to take things slow and they're more then happy to help him. Just recently they decided to study the book of Revelation together. 

Uncle Pops also said, "hey do you remember when you got all excited during that one Bible study with Alan?" Indeed I did remember that day. It was so memorable I blogged about it, "Walk to Me and I'll Run to You." 

He continued and said, "Since you've been here my devotional life has been just like that day you got excited. There's many time I have the same reaction you did that day and I can't help but tell Gogo about everything I learned."

My heart was warmed when I heard him say those words. I had no idea that one of the biggest impacts I would have was with the very family I was living with while I was there. 

The next day was Sabbath and I went to teach the Youth class. I had a blast teaching them because I was able to study with many of them during my time in Sonora as well. It's amazing to see how much they've grown. I believe a few of them have gotten baptized since I left.

Before going back to California, I called all of my friends that I studied with and invited them to church. Because I was singing I sat in the front and I didn't see who walked in. But when I got up to the front to sing I saw so many familiar faces. 

After the church service, all of my friends came up to greet me. It was such a blessings to see everyone. I found out that Al is still studying with Tony. Kim is still very interested in health and wants to come to more events. Nathan Renner personally is following up on Eloise. Sheila is still in contact and keeps up with Rhonda. And Mike and Emily now have another little boy and they faithfully come to church. 

I was so touched to see glimpses of the impact of my time in Sonora. The last bit I want to share is what Eloise told me when I saw her. She told me the following.

"Janelle I just want you to know, you have no idea the impact you had on me. I think about you frequently and praise God for the blessing you have truly are. If you're ever back in town, be sure to give me a call."