Two years

A few months back, Jacob's parents let us know that they would be leaving soon to serve a

mission for our church. We were not especially surprised (we knew they have wanted to serve

when the time was right), until they let us know where. Beirut, Lebanon. Um, come again?

I wasn't aware that was an option for missionary service. But I was wrong.

And so today, off they flew. It is strange to think they are gone and when they return, so much

will have changed. When we stopped to think about how old each of our kids would be,

it put things in perspective quickly. But it is right. And we are beyond grateful to have parents

who make the choice to do what is right, rather then what is easy. Even if we will miss them.

We said goodbye to them on Sunday and took some photos before we left. It wasn't until we
downloaded the ones of them with our kids that we realized they were completely blurry.
We were pretty devastated, as Jacob's camera is usually great about capturing high quality photos,
but I was grateful we at least got this one. And that I could alter lighting enough to see the

three of these fine people together. This picture makes me smile and fills me with gratitude.

I am eternally thankful for Jacob's parents. They raised the most caring, loving, kind, hard-working,
loyal and just plain good-to-the-core person I have ever known. And it is the privilege of my life,

and eternity, to be married to him. My gratitude for their goodness and their sacrifices and 

their willingness to be who they are as people and as parents is more than I could ever share.

They are good, good people. And the people of Lebanon, who will have any kind of

interaction with them, be it one time or dozens of times, will be blessed because of it.

As we have been.

"God our strength will be; press forward ever,

Called to serve our King."

 

We love you Rex and Nancy! Our prayers are with you every single day.