We have come to realize that no matter where on the mission field you live or what you are doing, life continues to happen at home.
Weddings, recitals, graduations, the things would cause you to celebrate and the things that would cause you to grieve with family, friends and loved ones - these things happen. Whether you able to participate or not.
Larry's sweet Aunt Frances, his mom's only sister and the last member on his mom's side of his family in that generation, is just before leaving this world. Words like ''hospice house", "imminent", "hour to hour", "morphine", "family gathering" pronounce it. The emotion in the emails, the catch in the voice in the phone calls, the bittersweet reality underscore it.
This one, we couldn't experience vicariously. The immediate family wanted Larry to speak at Aunt Frances' service. An honor. We have to go. We will celebrate this life; we will mourn this loss - with her family.
Leaving tomorrow morning before dawn, for a sunrise trip across the sea to Port-au-Prince. Then on to Atlanta where we hope to arrive, Lord willing, around 7 pm.
Would you please pray for travel mercies, for Aunt Frances' husband and children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for Larry as he prepares his heart and his talk?
Thanks so much!
Frances Lawrence Early Firth - 87 years old, last July
Oh,Marty, we will certainly be praying for all of you. Safe, uncomplicated travel. God's Presence with you every mile of the way. Sweet confidence and calm for Larry as he prepares and speaks of her life and legacy. Please know that there is an army of people lifting you in prayer during these hours and days.
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Joan
Praying. As you likely know we left Haiti a week early for break to be in Michigan for Kris's grandmother's funeral service and celebration of her life.
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