A missionary's life is a thankful life. As global workers we are sent out by generous partners, those individuals and churches at home who have faithfully given for years and years so we can be here for years and years. It is quite humbling (ok, sometimes embarrassing) to be in debt, so to speak, to others. We are in need and have others meet that need. Because they give, we have; because they do, we can. And not just in the finance department, but in all aspects of life as well. Here is just a shortened list of ways we were blessed our last few weeks in the States before returning to Japan from home assignment:
Friends bought our used car (even with concerns of needed repairs) and let us drive it until the day before we left.
Other friends let us stay in their house the last week while we moved out, tidied up our home and packed up our lives.
Other friends helped in very practical ways like helping to throw away last minute items.
Friends took us to the airport early in the morning.
Other friends gave us a send off dinner with our favorite food and even more favorite fellowship.
Many friends invited us over the last few weeks before we left. Some we were able to squeeze in, but most we had to sadly forgo in the messiness and tiredness and a too-full-schedule. But it was so nice to be thought of and our upcoming departure remembered.
Our last Sunday at church another friend slipped us a $100 cash with a tender smile and goodbye wish. Several others approached us unexpectedly with bountiful one-time support checks.
The list could go on and on....and on and on and on.
So today you will find me writing a few more thank you notes with gratefulness overflowing for the body of Christ that has loved us well and sent us off well. As we boarded our plane, our suitcases were full, but our hearts were even fuller. God's goodness was shown in such tangible ways by these brothers and sisters in Christ who are more like family than friends.
