Mom turns 80!

I reflected on the invitation for us to be in New England in March and really praised God for His gift to me in being in the U.S. at this time. Missionaries miss out on weddings, some funerals, birthdays, etc.. in the life of the family. That part is very hard for all the missionaries I know. You just can't fly home on a whim. You can't just be there for your nephew's first birthday.

When the phone call came from our District Missions Director and Denny told me of the invitation, I said "When did you say we are going?" He replied, "the event is March 12." I was so excited! "Do you think we could go to PA for Mom's birthday?"

My father turned 80 on Christmas day. We had already asked to use vacation for the holiday so we were there for Daddy's birthday. Even at that time I was disappointed that I would miss my mother's birthday in March. I didn't say anything. In our lives, that is just the way it is. BUT! God already had a plan! He always does!

Little did I know that we would be in the U.S. for March 14th! We drove to my hometown and was able to be a part of the dinner that evening! I am so grateful. So grateful for moments that I don't plan or orchestrate. God does!

So in the last 10 months we have celebrated Mother and Daddy's 60th anniversary. Both of their 80th birthdays and I was there for all three! Wow! It was their special days, however I was the one to receive a God~gift!