Grace & Peace

Chris's Grandpa, Willis L. Howard (1909-2006) went home to be with his Lord and Savior this week. The Howard family all gathered in Maryville, Tennessee to comfort one another and celebrate Grandpa's return Home. It has been a good week. God's grace has been upon each member of the family, including us overseas. I think it is difficult, whenever a family member dies, to not be united with the rest of the family, but God has granted us, especially Chris peace through this season.

Chris was very close to Grandpa. He had a deep respect for Grandpa's character and the Truth he departed into his family; he was a gentleman and a statesman; he visited others who were sick in the hospital; he was the consumate teacher. Up until about two years ago, Grandpa would lead a family devotion at our Christmas celebration. Chris was able to tell Grandpa what he meant to him, and the value he had in Chris's life...Grandpa was his Hero. At our Christmas in December, we were able to say goodbye to Grandpa, knowing it may be the last time; Grandpa told us if anything were to happen to him there would be no reason for us to come home from Germany because everything had been said. We shared how we loved him and the honor it was to know such a man of God. We feel blessed that Hunter has met his Great-Grandfather.

The next day, Chris left for the Service Project to Slovokia. Fourteen people went from Hohenfels, including teens and volunteers. They joined over 800 other American teens from around Europe to serve various communities within Slovokia. I asked Chris how he felt about going at a time like this. He said, he couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Grandpa's life and impact...by doing what Grandpa would have done...serve others.

Meanwhile, Hunter and I stayed home to finish unpacking and to get ready for my Mom and Brother who are coming to visit in two weeks. We have some plans to fellowship with friends and families, who not on Spring Break trips. We hope to be able to surprise our Daddy with an unpacked home, just in time for Easter. Grace and Peace to you, too!