Sunday, May 26, 2013

All good things must come to an end

It is hard to believe that Enrique, David, and I have lived in Costa Rica for almost two years!  My, how time flies.  Our service will be up in August and it will be time to go back to the States.
 
We have formed lots of friendships down here and enjoyed the “pura vida” lifestyle.  Our work here is not done so we are diligently looking for replacements and training them.  I know that other people are passionate about helping children to learn that God made them, God loves them, and Jesus wants to be their friend forever; God will put the right person in place as the preschool director for our church.  We also know that other people are passionate about small groups and the spiritual growth that takes place inside of a group.  God already knows who will replace Enrique in that role.

Our family and friends in Georgia are very excited for us to go back “home”.  We are too, but there is so much to do in order to get settled!  Before we moved down here, we got rid of all of our furniture, and other things as well.  We will need jobs, a place to live, furniture, and transportation.  Enrique's sister and husband have graciously offered us their car and furniture since they are moving to...China!
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Being a part of Openhouse in Costa Rica was a wonderful adventure for us and we felt right in the middle of God’s will.  We feel the same about moving back to the States.  There are lots of unknowns, but we trust that God has it all planned out and whatever He plans is the best plan!

We appreciate all of the support that we have received while we have been here – encouraging letters and e-mails, prayer support, and financial support.  Please continue to support us with your prayers:
  • For us to continue to be an encouragement to our friends and coworkers in Costa Rica while we are still down here.
  • For us to honor God’s great name in all things – in all situations, no matter where we are.
  • For us to trust God with big decisions that need to be made and to be peaceful and content with whatever happens.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Tribute to Gran


I was very close to Gran and spent several weeks at a time with her over summer vacations when I was growing up.  Back then, she was known as Gran Pete, since she lived in St. Petersburg. 

A fond memory that I have of Gran is when I was about 8 years old or so, we bought ice cream cones somewhere and once we left the store, my scoop fell off the cone and onto the sidewalk.  I was so distraught, but without a second thought, Gran leaned down, picked it up, ate the dirty part, and put it right back on my cone, good as new!

Another strong memory that I have of her is when my mother, Gran, and I were in the ocean together and I was afraid of the waves.  They wanted me to swim from one person to the other, but I was scared.  Gran said, “Jennifer, just remember 'What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee' Psalm 56:3”.

Whenever I was worried about something or needed to make a decision, Gran said that she would pray about it.  She would remind me that “the prayer of a righteous man availeth much”.

Gran and me in the 80s.  She made me this dress.
Gran was a true Southern Belle whose home was always tidy and spotless, ready for guests at all times.  And when those guests came, she waited on them hand and foot. 

Gran was a master seamstress who made many of my dresses up until I was in college.  The last thing that she made for me was five years ago.  It was a blue cover to put over the shopping cart before placing my son to sit inside.  She had never made anything like that and said that it was quite a difficult pattern!

Gran was also a wonderful cook who made the best Southern food from biscuits to squash casserole to roast.  She was always cutting out recipes, but knew how to make practically everything without one.

Gran was a great dresser, constantly on the lookout for her next pair of shoes.  She always dressed very well with coordinating accessories.  Her purse was by the door always ready to jump in the car and go out.

Gran and me at the Coca-Cola Museum circa 1992.
I am very ecological (notice my T-shirt in the picture reads "Save the Planet") and would sometimes get on to Gran for not recycling.  She would collect the daily papers throughout the week and then carry them to the trash can!  She’d also throw away aluminum cans and plastic bottles.  I couldn’t stand to watch.  When I would say something to her about not recycling, she would reply that she lived through the Great Depression and had her own way of reusing things.  When I thought about it, I knew that she was right, for she would save butter containers and store food in them, reuse gift bags, and wash the aluminum foil for future use.

Gran was always great at remembering all of her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s birthdays and would send us a little money.  A couple of years ago, she said that she had too many to keep it up – 18 to be exact – and that it would send her to the poor house!  She said that she was going to stop sending cards because it was hard for her to write, but I still got them in the mail.  She even sent money for David’s last birthday and told me to go out and get him a hamburger with it.

Mom, Jennifer, and Gran
circa 2005
About a week and a half ago, as I lay down to go to bed, I began to cry, but wasn’t sure why.  My husband asked me what was wrong and I said that I think that I miss my mom (for she had passed away five years earlier).  I stayed up for a while crying and talking to God.  In hindsight, I think that it was God telling me that it was almost time for Gran to go home to Heaven.

I got to Tampa on Friday and was able to spend an hour and a half at Gran’s side, stroking her shoulder and telling her how much I love her. I’m going to miss talking to her on the phone and laughing at her funny, country sayings that were often politically incorrect.

She was a special lady, strong in her faith, who left a legacy of a wonderful family who love and serve God.   I miss her already, but I know that she is happy in Heaven and that I will see her again one day.  I love you, Gran!