Define Family–

“a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not” (according to dictionary.com).

Some people define it as their friends, or community that surrounds them and supports them. Then others may describe it as their church…

In our bedroom there is a stain on the hardwood floor. Considering our house was built in the 40s…there are lots of stains, but this one is different. It looks like a tree.  I am in LOVE with it! I wish I could frame it and take it with us when we move, but I think they will notice a hole in the floor. I think part of the reason I love it so much is because this is our first home together.  We are building our roots and foundation right now and “my tree” is such a symbol of that.

I have been thinking of family a lot lately because my great-grandmother, JoJo, passed away about a week ago. Her body had been taken over by the alzheimer’s disease for the past several years.  Her passing was sad, but also rejoice-full because I know she is having a blast with Jesus and dancing with her husband, PaPaw Gordon. The hardest part about this time was not getting to be with all of my family to rejoice in her memories together. I know that we are starting our own life here, and we love that, but there will still be sad times too.

As we continue on in this journey that God is preparing us for, we are getting to see what people define as family.  We were able to see that when we were telling people that we were moving to California, or for heaven’s sake and God willing, Romania.  We have heard…”you must not love your parents very much,” “Why on earth would you want to move so far away from your family,” “California, that’s so far away…but at least it’s not Europe or something” (haha, well at least not yet ;D).  Those who make comments like this regard family as high priority, as do we.  I understand that everyone is in their own spiritual place and has their own calling. We move because God calls us, and sometimes I have to even remind myself of that. It is hard to leave family, and sad at times, but there is a greater family that we are here for.  We are called to help our brothers and sisters in Christ and those who do not know the love of the Father yet.

So I have another definition for us:

Missionary  – to leave ones family, so that others may be with their heavenly Father for eternity.

I pray that our family, friends, and community understands that we love you! And this definition is a reminder why we do what do and go where we God calls.

With Lots of Love,

Lauren and Jeff