Legacy

I want to leave a legacy. Yesterday I turned in a Developmental Autobiography for the completion of my Human Growth and Development class. It was the developmental story of my life, from my parents pre-conception planning, to my death. Writing about what I hope the next 45 years of my life will involve, was an exciting and enlightening task.

Here are the last couple of paragraphs. Please allow me some idealism...

"Solomon and I have no idea what will bring the end of our lives, but in our mid 70s, we feel we have already had the best life possible and would not change a thing. Our love and commitment to God, and to each other, has never wavered for more than a minute, even in the most trying of circumstances. We attribute our faith in God as the strength and hope that shaped such a wonderful life together. We have shared common goals and visions throughout our marriage. A good death comes at the end of a life that is lived, not for ones self, but for others.
If we were to die today, we have no regrets and trust that our legacy will carry on for generations.

Headline for the Blantyre Standard, Sunday, May 9th, 2051.
“Missionary couple lost life in storm.”
“A small chartered plane went down during the early on-set of the Malawian rainy season yesterday morning, killing the elderly missionary couple on board. Solomon and Sheila Alont were flying to their connection at Lilongwe, after visiting friends at Grace Farm in the village of Namwera. They issued a mayday call at 0612 hours, but soon lost radio contact. They had lived in the Namwera district for 18 years in the 2030s-40s, running a clinic there and providing mobile medical care in the surrounding villages. They made it their goal in life to provide medical care, clean water and vocational training, all in the name of God. They continued their mission work from their home in Trinidad and Tobago for the last 15 years. They are survived by their two children and seven grandchildren. A memorial fund has been set up in the Alont name for funding a hospital in the village of Namwera.”

Dream and plan, think and talk about all the great things you intend to do. Then follow through, and truly experience the best you can imagine. --Ralph Marston

Abundant Fellowship

When I settle in Africa, I may be in a remote area with few believers around me. There will surely be times when I feel very alone in my faith. In the past few months, I have been satiated with fabulous fellowship of friends and family. There are have been weddings and showers and birthday parties and dinners and teas... I'm filled with the joy that comes from being with those like-minded and loving God together in blessed fellowship.

I wish I could bottle it up for the lean times that are sure to come, maybe even as early as next month when I'm deep in the study of Nursing and realizing that I no longer have the 'gift of time' with friends.

Tonight I took a camera to church to capture that visual image. It is possible, while in nursing school, I will have to work on Sunday and miss that . I am grateful for Malinda's loan of an mp3 player so that I can download the podcasts, if it comes to that. People tell me Nursing school is HARD, that it takes so much more time and energy than they expected. I trust God will provide me with the necessary energy as I study and work. I need His divine management in my life always, but never so much as I believe I will need it during the next 16 months.

Those are red-letter days in our lives when we meet people who thrill us like a fine poem…people whose handshakes are brimful of unspoken sympathy and whose sweet, rich natures impart to our eager, impatient spirits a wonderful restlessness which, in its essence, is divine…In a work, while such friends are near us we feel that all is well. Helen Keller