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Published: October 26th 2007
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We are NOT in Africa - we are home. We have driven over 10,000 miles so far. We have visited so many folks and have gotten so many hugs and well wishes that we are filled to the brim with blessings to keep us going until we return again next year.
I have not been very good at writing the last month .. sorry .. I know it and will do better. I will tell you that I was not as prepared for the things that would touch me once we got home, so let me fill you in.
Do you know why every professional football player on the face of the earth when placed in front of the camera says “Hi Mom”? - Because it will never matter how big they get, how strong they are, how many bruises or broken bones they get, or how amazingly good or bad they play … Mom will be the one they know will be there to wash the stains off their uniforms! You know it’s true, even though it’s funny. Mom’s don’t care how gross the mess - if it was made by our own - we’ll clean it
# 95
Joshua's 1st play as a college football player. He plays on two special plays teams and as a Defensive End during regular play. up as if it had the sweet odor of roses. Joshua was red shirted last year, so this was his first year to play college football. To watch him run onto the field that first game was one of those moments that took my breath away. He looked so handsome (sorry .. I know football players in uniform aren’t suppose to be described as “handsome” - they are “rugged”), in their black and white uniforms. The Harding Bisons won the toss and chose to receive and that sent Joshua onto the field for the very first play of the game. Yes … I was nervous that he would do well, make the play, and not get hurt. That hasn’t changed from the very first game he played years ago. They won their first game and are 4 - 3 as of today with 3 more games to go. Every time we have to leave campus to head out, I get that silly sick feeling in my stomach about leaving once again, but I know without at doubt that he is happy and that helps. He has good friends and great coaches and maybe even a girlfriend that will steal my
Bison Family
Family shot after on the field after the win! (I'm on my tiptoes!) little boy’s heart one day. That is a story I am willing to WAIT a while to write about.
Another event that surprised use was that a few weeks ago a dear friend passed away and we visited with the family and attended the funeral. Mrs. Ima Cannon was a Christian and was in her 80’s when she passed away. She was a very small woman with a very full life. She kept a journal for so many years that the weather could be tracked by her daily entries. But Mrs. Ima had the secret of life. Her journal was filled with the incredible things of her life down to the smallest of details. She saw the forest for the trees and appreciated both. Although I did not see the journals for myself, Greg McCord, who spoke at her funeral read from them. This is an example, although not verbatim, of what each day’s entry was like.
Tuesday
Warm and sunny 75
Ruth (her sister) 4 times (meaning she came by to check on her 4 times)
Wanda called for the grocery list
Debbie dropped off the mail
Kailey won the best smile contest.
Day after day, Mrs.
Buddies
Bradden Binkley from Nashville has become one of Joshua's good friends. Ima wrote in her journal those things that made her life full. It wasn’t grand things that movies are written about, or far away places that she traveled. It was the things that made her life full - her family and what went on with them.
This got me to thinking .. We arrived home for our furlough safe and sound and excited about being able to see friends and family and be consumed by our American culture. After more than 10 months in Tanzania, I am surprised at our bounty as Americans. I had not forgotten how magnificent America was, no, on the contrary, I remember it daily while away from it, but being away from it makes it more evident we returned. It has caused me to be very aware of wastefulness, self-interest, and trying to make sure that I do not fall into either of those categories, and making the most of the time that I have.
One night a week or so ago I was sitting at the computer table waiting for the connection, and noticed a book on the shelf below the printer, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I read the entire
Friends
Being surrounded with good friends makes it easier to be seperated. Tori on Joshua's right hand and Annie on his left. (Annie and Joshua are currently dating) book that day. I recommend it.
Morrie Schwartz was a college professor who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease and Mitch was one of his students who spent time with him during the last months of his life. This is an excerpt from that book, at the time the disease had caused Morrie to be completely housebound.
Morrie said, “We are too involved in materialistic things, and they don’t satisfy us. The loving relationships we have, the universe around us, we take these things for granted.” He nodded toward the window with the sunshine streaming in. “You see that? You can go out there, outside, anytime. You can run up and down the block and go crazy. I can’t do that. I can’t go out. I can’t run. I can’t be out there without fear of getting sick. But you know what? I appreciate that window more than you do.”
We need hearts of servants, hearts of lambs, and to live our lives with such gusto for life that we embrace even the most trivial of gifts: the daily weather, a football game, a visit from family, home - wherever it may be, and windows.
God
Sister weekend #8
This year we went GOLFING .... no, we are not golfers, but we did GOLF. :) bless you all! Shasta and Anthony
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Pam Hughes
non-member comment
Thank you for this encouraging post.
Hello again, I enjoyed the exciting and encouraging update. I caught myself relating as you talked about your football player (Joshua), and your feelings as a mom. I enjoyed the rest of the e-mail, as well. You gave me much needed food for thought. I'm so proud of your family and respect what you do for others. Love you all! Pam Hughes