Longing for Leaks and Garlics

Our move to Wisconsin over the past week has all but consumed us. The last days in Florida were packed and the drive up here took two long days. A little traffic and a couple detours were our only hold-ups however and we arrived safe and mostly sound on Sunday evening.

God’s hand has been evident in our journey. He gave us miles and miles of safe road. He gave the children grace for the long hours of driving. He provided a wonderful hotel for us to stay on during our trip at no cost to us! He provided for the other expenses of our trip as well. And he sent my parents and brother-in-law with us to help with the many hours of driving. God has also provided a lovely basement apartment as temporary housing for the boys and me, until we can find something more permanent. He has provided Joel with a car to use during his time in halfway house and even once he is released. He has provided support from His body through sundry and surprising avenues. God’s grace and goodness in our lives is overwhelming!

But in spite of all these provisions, we have also faced numerous difficulties. Roman has a cough, which is not medically serious but has kept us up hours at night. Our search for suitable housing has so far been fruitless. But, most disheartening has been the situation for Joel at the halfway  house. He has been there for two weeks now, and has been granted increasing levels of freedom including furloughs to go out and get certain things done, such as a doctor’s appointment and getting a new license. He was also told that he would be allowed furloughs to go to church, and once he has a job he would be granted week end furloughs to spend time with his family. However, today, he was informed that such freedoms will be changing. He will not be allowed to go to church. He will not be given furloughs to spend time with his family as had been previously offered.

Worst of all, he will not be allowed to see his own children at all–not at visit at the halfway house, and not during any times when he is granted furloughs. He is to have no contact with them at all. These changes are not a result of anything Joel has done. They are not a consequence for any infraction on his part. They are simply the result of a statement in the judgement written up by Joel’s judge at his hearing three years ago. His restrictions at the halfway house are to be determined by this judgement, which, the halfway house was unaware of because of an oversight by the Bureau of Prisons. What heartbreak for Joel and the boys and me, as we face this time of being so close and yet having such stringent restrictions–in this case worse than his prison restrictions. We do not know how long this will last. It is entirely up to Joel’s probation officer, whom he will meet for the first time this coming Monday.

As I stood over our stove in the little apartment where we are staying, making lunch today, I thought, “I should have stayed in Florida! What did I come up here for, if we are not going to get to spend time with Joel? What is the point of all this work, and heart ache and trouble? I should  have just stayed in Florida.” And God said to me, “Are you really longing for the leaks and garlic of Egypt? Can you not believe me for a future that is good? Can you not trust me to overcome each obstacle you are facing? Have I not already been more than enough for everything you have faced?”

Choosing to trust…choosing to believe…and choosing to thank God for everything He has done, is my only recourse from utter desolation. It is the only antidote to human backward thinking, that leaves me longing for the leaks and garlic of Egypt.


7 Responses to "Longing for Leaks and Garlics"

  • Oh, Dear One! I will be praying specifically for GOD’s touch on the heart of Joel’s probation officer.
    Just today I was thinking about how often GOD’s gifts and blessings come wrapped in hardship. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in JESUS.”
    You have come so far…HE’ll continue to provide for you and the boys. Sending my love.

    1 Jessica said this (July 11, 2012 at 5:36 pm) Reply


  • Oh dear friend, praying praying praying!!!

    2 Terry said this (July 11, 2012 at 5:45 pm) Reply


  • Dear Tabitha, I was just sharing these verses today with a friend. Then I read this and thought maybe they will comfort you as well.

    Rom. 4: 20 and 21….He (she) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

    Choosing to trust….giving Him glory…and being fully persuaded! Hang on my dear friend to the ONE who can and will make all thing right and good according to His promises. Praying and love you guys!

    3 Katie Shaylor said this (July 11, 2012 at 6:48 pm) Reply


  • Hey Tabitha – so sorry to hear this but thanks so much for sharing your heart! I will pray that God sends an angel to you and Joel cleverly disguised as a Probation Officer! Hang in there! Sending a e-Hug and lots of love! -jodi

    4 Jodi Dyck said this (July 11, 2012 at 8:42 pm) Reply


  • Wow…such a disappointment. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. May you continue to trust Him, even in this.

    5 John & Genise said this (July 12, 2012 at 6:17 am) Reply


  • Most dear Tabitha, Do not allow emotions to take over in this disappointment. God has brought you here for a reason and He will give you the strength needed for this next step. I know your heart is breaking so I hope you will feel the prayers and love going out to you at this moment. Hang tough and know you are greatly loved, Patti

    6 Patti Edwards said this (July 12, 2012 at 9:55 am) Reply


  • Hi Tabitha,
    So sad to hear how things have developed – I hope and pray, too, that you will see soon why God had you move – I am so impressed with the trust and commitment your blog communicates – may the Lord allow you to sense in a special way that He is going before you – love, prayers, and a hug for you and yours, Amanda
    PS special greetings to Marshall

    7 Amanda Barkman said this (July 12, 2012 at 4:59 pm) Reply


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