"Big" Family

Big Family Sharing Time

I’m not sure how the terminology started, but our kids often distinguish between our “little” family and our “big” family. Our little family is just the 5 of us that live together on the islands. Our big family includes everyone else— the aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc that we don’t get to see very often.

But this past week, there we all were— sitting around, chatting in groups of 2’s and 3’s, laughing, listening and enjoying each other.  Lots of great discussion and easy camaraderie. Around 30 of us. Four generations together. One family.

Drawing with Great-Grandad

On the islands, among our neighbors across the street, this situation would not be that special. Their cousins, 2nd cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents all live in close quarters. They live life together all the time. But for us this was something special. I hadn’t seen my sister in 3 years, nor ever met her youngest. It was 5 years since I had seen my grandparents. And I hadn’t seen most of my cousins, their spouses and kids for 7+ years. But somehow we all made it together for this one special week.

At the center of this special week was my grandparents— surrounded by their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. We all wanted to celebrate and soak in the knowledge, wisdom and experience of Grammie and Grandad. Their faith, love for each other and dedication to ministry over the years has inspired and challenged us. They are gentle and caring people and every time we are with them it does our souls good and we walk away more encouraged, more loved.

"Big" Family Excursion

So we took time remembering good times, asking them about stories and family members from long ago, watching videos from their wedding over 70 years ago. Our family started with this couple, but have now branched out to several states and a few different countries.

So this week we also took times gathered together to hear from each person in our “big” family, to learn about the unique circumstances of their lives and their unique personality. At the end of the time, we knew better how to pray for them all. Also we were so thankful for each person and perhaps sad that we don’t get to see them more often. Until the next time.

PRAYERS ANSWERED
Our first set of travels went well. We made it safely to the midwest and now to the west coast. We had a great time connecting with family. We also got to see an old teammate from our Chad days— it was great to meet her husband and kids. Our son continued to have tummy troubles through the week, but in the critical moments when we needed him to not be sick, he was fine. We just got an email from the islands and hear that many of our dear friends are doing well and they continue to meet together.

Four generations

PRAYERS REQUESTED
We have been going pretty non-stop lately. Pray that we can still get the downtime we need as a family and individuals. We are feeling a little behind on some of our to-do list items— pray that we can find the time to do them well. Pray for Megan’s grandparents that their days would be pain free and that they could continue to be a blessing to others until the end of their days.  Continue to pray for our future team on the islands— that the right people would be found. Pray also for our returning teammate as she considers when to come back. Pray also for important discussions about the translation work on our island and how it should proceed. Pray for our island friend who had the unique opportunity to spend 6 weeks in the US and will soon return to the islands. Pray that he would have good interactions and opportunities to meet brothers and sisters who would inspire him with truth and good news.