Family poured into our grandparents farm this time last week. The farm has always been my safe haven. The only consistent place in my life. Despite any move from one town to the next, the farm has never changed. I've always known that I could escape there with my best friend and cousin Rebekah. We would spend hours on the phone talking about literally nothing and laughing about the most ridiculous things. We were exactly what the other person needed at that time. Someone to lean on, be real with, and relax with! We didn't have to worry about entertaining each other, we could just be ourselves. And now..she is getting married! I may need a kleenex. When we were younger, she tossed and turned during the night at our grandparents farm in the country, giggling at the dreams and thoughts of one day getting married. All in all she knew it would be her special day, one given to her by the Father. And she went to sleep peacefully, resting in His plans for her. I am so super excited for my sweet cousin Rebekah. I cherish those moments of dreaming and giggling with you.
I have about twenty cousins on one side of my family. It's fabulous. They are truly a blessing. I enjoy every moment given to me,with each one of them. Whether they know it or not! Many of you have heard of me speak of my Uncle. His name is Johnny Spicer. As kids, we had an instant connection with him because he actually wanted to spend time with us. He played silly hide and go seek games, told ridiculous jokes that made our bellies ache from belly laughing so much, and he always knew the right thing to say when we were hurt. We all admired him. Growing older did not stop this bond we held with each other. It only grew stronger. And what holds us together so tightly is our mutual love for the people of Africa. When starting our non-profit, he was with me from the beginning. We spent hours emailing, brainstorming, and contacting the right people. Here I am, a little fourteen year old girl giving him a call on a Thursday night, giddy with excitement from the ideas formulating in my head. He only gave me encouragement and all the help I could of asked for. But the best thing was, I didn't even have to ask!
This summer, my Uncle Johnny was diagnosed with cancer. Obviously cancer is about the last thing you want to hear behind a loved one's name. Time becomes precious. Every moment is a gift not a privilege. Radiation was a daily routine for him, and a part of our everyday conversation. I remember sitting in my sister Ellie's school, motionless. I could only think of his sweet kids and my beautiful Aunt. Despite our growing fears, we knew God was in control and faithful. And we would praise Him regardless of the outcome. Thinking of them without a father and husband was literally an unbearable thought. Those kids have always had a little piece of me. I adore Josiah's intellect and passion about anything to do with sports.
Silas's laughter and assumption that the word cute only applies to girls.
Trinity's bouncy beautiful locks and jokes that begin with the words, "Curious George" and "potty" followed by some sort of a squeal.
And beautiful baby Anna's precious big blue eyes with her lovely mother.
Cancer is not the end of the world. But the start of a roller coaster. So we all held on for the ride. At the end of the October we found out that he cancer was GONE. YAYAYA! We trust in the plans of our God. For him, this year has been a life changing one. And for me as well.
"The heart of a man plans his way, but Yahweh establishes his steps."
Proverbs 16:9
