What We Miss

Recently, my fellow-MAF wife here in Kinshasa, Jocelyn, posted an excellent blog about those who also make the sacrifice when a family serves overseas: the family members.  Of course, friends and church families also are missing those who “leave” but there is something about family that makes it extra tough.  And while all this is completely true, it can sometimes feel lonely being on the other side of the planet, away from family.

Today, one month after landing back in Congo, I am feeling that most poignantly.  You see, today is my younger cousin’s memorial service.  She passed away just three days after Christmas, 18 months after being diagnosed with cancer.  It started as back pain, which led to a kidney removal, but the cancer had already spread.  She was just 28, married to a really awesome dude, Patrick, with a sweet two-year-old boy, Emmett.  She was a high school math teacher.  And she was the only one in our family who could truly wrangle our Grandma.  Grandma passed away last October (2015)…I jokingly wonder if God needed her help, because Grandma Grace is a handful.  She and I had especially bonded in adulthood over the saddest of things – we had miscarriages very close together.  So, I guess she’s getting to be with those babies, too.  These are the strange thoughts I have had while being away from my grieving family these past few weeks.

Please pray for my family today, as they are all gathered in Kentucky to share in Allison’s memory.  I really do wish we could be there, but that is part of the sacrifice.  And, honestly, today, it feels selfish.  It is hard.  But easy living isn’t an option until Heaven.  So enjoy it, Allison…see you on the other side!

The last time we were together – my Grandma Grace with all five of her grandchildren at her 90th birthday celebration. Allison is on the left, next to her sister, Stephanie. (Photo stolen from Patty’s Facebook…because family.)