Celebrations

What a week.  The kids went to a roller skating birthday party on Friday for their friend Eddie.  As I watched my six year old Emily clomp around the rink with a huge grin on her face, I was very moved by her perseverance.  She would go about 20 feet before she would lose control, start flailing and then fall to the hard surface.  I would wait for the wailing.  But each time she hoisted herself up and kept on going-never losing that beautiful smile.  This quality will serve her well when we get to Cameroon.

Saturday was all about Jessica (almost 8).  Her first communion day.  I was worried that the “princess attitude” would appear and we might have a meltdown.  But once dressed, hair curled and high heels on feet, her focus moved quickly to receiving Jesus. I was so proud of her poise and focus.  She just radiated Christ’s love.  Almost the entire Mission House attended. Our House has been so supportive and loving to the entire family.

Sunday was our commissioning at St John’s next door.  It couldn’t have been lovelier. Each of us made a solemn promise to serve God’s people in the country to which we were assigned.  We received rings inscribed with the Lay Mission-Helpers’ motto “For we are God’s Helpers” (1 Cor. 3:9).  The children received medals of the patron saints of mission—St. Therese of Lisieux for the girls and St. Francis Xavier for the boys. Afterwards we celebrated back at the House with friends and family

So now we are packing, packing, packing and finishing up dr’s apt. We leave on June 6^th for our goodbyes around the country.  We will be visiting between 8-11 states before we head to Cameroon mid to late July.

-Joy