Well, here it is the first day of November and I’m realizing I may have bit off more than I can chew by committing to one blog post daily this month highlighting someone we’re thankful for and how their support has carried over to here in Guatemala. However, today’s not the day for not posting just because I’m feeling lazy 🙂 Maybe by day 20 or something, but not today.
As I prepare to do this, I am flooded by a list of names of people we are so very grateful for. Our thankfulness spans the course of almost four years when we realized what we were being called into… but more on that another day this month.
Today, I will begin by thanking our parents. While some are reluctantly supportive (my dad) and others are enthusiastically supportive (Bryan’s parents) and others who are supportive but wishing for the day for us to come back (my mom) they have all learned to trust this decision. Being from one of the most remote areas in West Virginia, I cannot imagine the strange looks and questions my family has received when they answer the question “What is Whitney up to these days?”
Dad — Thanks for being the very first person to show me what it means to be generous to others. I can recall many winters delivering food and presents to families who would have otherwise been without for Christmas. Generosity was a seed that was planted into my heart at a young age because of you… and while I’m sure there are days that you wish it hadn’t been (like when your daughter announces she’s quitting her job, moving to a developing country, and having to RAISE money to be there) I’m so thankful I got this piece of your heart. I love you so much and while there are many days you don’t “get” what I’m doing, I’m thankful that you can still be supportive in that. You bought an iPad to talk to us and you write silly emails to me and always know how to make me laugh. You’re my soooo sweeeee and I’m your “My Girl.”
Mom — You cleaned my house after we moved out. You rehomed Roster because you’re awesome and your heart is huge and your patience is never ending. You’re a nurse who is compassionate, kind, and smart… and I am who I am because of you. We send each other volcano jokes while I’m in a country filled with volcanos, and I often sing all your Wanda original songs when I’m here… Particularly because Chiquita bananas are from Guatemala. 😉 I am so very thankful for you and love you so much!
Jerry & Libby — You all are A+. The two of you have always been encouraging and supportive towards me and Bryan. You came to our house the week before we moved here so you could help us clean, fix things, and pack up. You drove all night to Rhode Island to ship all of our stuff down here. You are our mail forwarding system and the people we call when we need help– whether it’s getting something shipped to be brought down here, or questions about problems with our vehicle. We love you and are so thankful for your prayers, your support and your love.
The one word constant in this post is “love.” Because we have been loved so well by our parents, we know how to love others well here in Guatemala. Because we have been so loved by our parents, we get a small glimpse of the love Christ has for His children. James 1:27 makes it abundantly clear that we are to love orphans and widows, and that’s what we’re able to do here in Guatemala because of you all. We are grateful, we are joyful, and we love you all so, so much. Here are some of the smiles we’ve been able to pass along because of you:
My dear and precious Whitney and Bryan, this blog is just why I miss you and “lava” you. But it is also why I understand why you have been called up to serve! Your heart and faith are too big for me to be selfish with. I need to share . You are what makes me be a better person! My thoughts,prayers and hugs are forever where you are, ?Mom….and don’t forget to take care of yourselves, Jesus watch over and keep,amen.
You two are awesome. You’re right about your parents too. Steve and I were just back to visit in your hometown Whitney. Your mother is as kind and gentle and compassionate as always. And your Dad is still a great and generous man. They raised you well and shared their best attributes with you and your brothers.
Bryan, although we haven’t met, I hope we will someday. Your parents obviously raised you very well also.
I can say that everyone we visited with on our brief but amazing visit told us how proud they are of you both. Love and prayers to you both and to those whose lives you are guided to.