A few minutes ago my youngest daughter Becca left for Africa. She will be gone for nearly a month working with an orphanage in Malawi. Ever since she was a little girl she has had a deep desire to go overseas and serve in some ministry to children. She was the child that begged to go with me no matter where a mission trip was taking me. Last year she went to Indonesia. This year it is Africa. She has warned us that she will probably not be able to contact us at all while she is gone. So, those of you who go to our church and know my wife, do me a favor. Don't ask Karen how Becca is doing. It will just remind her that we haven't heard from her. Wherever the orphanage is it is very rural. She had expected to be housed in a tent but now knows she will be in some kind of building. The team leader told them that didn't mean there would be less bugs but it did mean there would be more rats. One of the questions Becca was asked during the interview process for this trip was if she was willing to eat a rat. Evidently rat-on-a-stick is their equivalent to a corndog. One of the things I really like about a mission trip like this is that it reminds me that my sense of control is an illusion. When my Becca is home I feel like somehow I have enough control to keep her safe and sound. It is an illusion. As she heads to a country I scarcely can find on a world map I am under no such illusion. Today I sat with God in the early morning hours. We talked about Becca leaving and I reminded God that he was now responsible for her. I think he smiled at that. I told him I was just kidding just in case he thought I was serious. When my daughter Rachel comes to visit it is a wonderful thing. When she leaves she leaves with her husband Will. I am convinced Will loves Rachel as much as I do. If it is possible he may even love her more. I still miss her when she is not here but I know she leaves with someone who is willing to give his life for her. I prayed with my Becca this morning and I put her in the care of God. He is one who loves her so much he did give his life for her. I will miss her while she is gone but she could not be in better hands. Neither could you.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Va a Con Dios
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4 comments:
Oh man Joe, she is going to have so many awesome memories...and perhaps some un-awesome ones too (is that a word?). We know how this feels, having a daughter in Africa. We will be praying for you and for Karen and for Becca too!! This is going to be so excellent for her.
Joe - one of your gifts is your ability to be so transparent. Love the comment, "I told him (God) I was just kidding just in case he thought I was serious." It's definitely what makes you such a fine preacher. DM.
Pastor Joe,
Will be praying for your family and Becca, I remember my niece went to South Africa last year and she lived in a hut for a week with a family where no one except one spoke some English. For the next 3 weeks she helped some of the doctors to treat and diagnose Aids patients.
But, she was able to take a cell phone and purchased a SIM card in South Africa and was able to charge the phone when she went into town and we were able to call her daily.
Don't tell this to Karen.
Will be praying for you guys
God Bless,
Steve Roy
why is it that I can't read a blog about your girls without crying!
Becca is such a blessing to anyone she comes in contact with. Her smile alone makes me smile.
I am looking forward to hearing about the amazing opportunities and experiences that the Lord has planned for her!
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