Full Circle

Last night, after returning home from our leader's meeting for Renew 2012, I opened a letter from my great aunt, AM.  In January I wrote a tribute about her, http://firstthingsfirst5.blogspot.com/2012/01/one-word-god-doesnt-know-outdated.html.  All of my life, this lady has inspired me.  Included in her letter to me were three letters I wrote while serving in Haiti in 1993.  The above photos show the "Full Circle Moment" I experienced, my 81 year old great aunt in Tanzania, Africa, surrounded by precious children.  Below that, a photo of me at age 18 in Haiti, surrounded by precious children.

Aunt M wrote, "I have been going through boxes and bags in my attic, trying to make a dent in all that has accumulated there over the years.  And I have found so many treasures which I cannot throw away, so I am passing them on.  What a heart for missions you had at such a young age.  Thank you for taking time to share your experiences with us.  Little did I expect to be a missionary at my old age...We need to encourage out young folks at an early age to give of themselves to help those in the world who suffer pain, poverty, and helplessness every day.  Thank you for never losing your heart for "the least of these."

She plans to leave for Tanzania on June 16, the day after our local mission, Renew, is over.  What a full circle moment!  I once thought that going overseas was the only way to "do missions."  Now, I realize that there is so much work to be done here too!  I pray a blessing over my dear aunt as she travels.  I pray a blessing over 300+ who will be in our local area, serving our own.  God is faithful!