It’s funny how easily smells, moments and words trigger memories. Recently I’ve been thinking about my dad. It started when I saw a pot handle that said “Sankey” (his nickname). While I sat with one of our hosts as she cooked dinner, I remembered the times I would keep my dad company in the kitchen. While I loved the moments he would let me help and taste test, I mostly enjoyed spinning around on the kitchen chair and just being with him as he cooked. My team leader reminded me that I don’t always need to “do” something to have an impact. I struggled with this at times this month when I felt like I wasn’t serving enough. Sometimes I just want to help, which I think came from me wanting to see a tangible difference. However, I am realizing that intentionality in being present can speak just as loudly as an act of service.
As I played catch with a playdough ball with Kimberly, one of the preschoolers, I thought about my how my dad would smile and laugh whenever he would play catch with us and the neighborhood kids. I know we had other toys to play with, as did Kimberly, but we had a great time with something as simple as a ball. I’m still learning to appreciate simplicity – a process that began when I decided to take this journey.
I usually think about my dad when I’m cleaning, especially sweeping. At Loyalty School, before class and church, we helped sweep and mop the rooms. I remember how dad would have to have a clean area before he sat down to eat dinner or watch TV. I didn’t inherit those cleanliness traits, but I’d like to think he would be impressed with my sweeping skills. He had an incredible ability for getting me and my siblings to work together (cleaning our rooms, the basement, raking leaves, shoveling snow) and actually have fun. The other night we cleaned and prepared some decorations for the church’s 4th anniversary. My teammate blasted some music and we had a great time as we sang while we worked and that reminded me that work doesn’t always have to be hard and structured. There can be joy and laughter in the mundane tasks.
As I do life with my team, I’ve been able to tell them about my dad’s personality and character. He was generally quiet, but had a lot of wisdom. He had a good sense of humor and strangely loved old school country music (Elvis, Jonny Cash, Jim Reeves). I thought it would be hard for me to share, but it’s been comforting to share with these teammates that I’ve grown to love and trust. In January, my dad will be in heaven 7 years and it’s so crazy to me that that much time has passed. I’m so grateful that the memory of him is so strong and that I can be reminded of him, even in an unfamiliar place.
I’m also grateful for the positive influence my dad had in my life. I know I’m where I’m at today in part to him and his leading. These days, I am all too aware that a father’s presence or absence can bear a huge weight in their child’s life. Sankey was certainly one of a kind and my life is richer for the time I spent with him.
Some updates:
It’s also hard to believe I am heading into month 2 of the race. We left Honduras and are in Antigua, Guatemala with our whole squad and leaders for a debrief. It’s a chance for us to rest, recharge and process how this first month has impacted us.
On Tuesday we head to our ministry site for the month, Hearts in Action.
I am only $3,802 away from being fully funded. I am still in awe of how God has provided, even when I doubted. If you feel led to donate click the “donate” link above.
Thank you for all your prayers and support as I’m on this journey. I’m loving it so far and am excited and expectant for what God is going to do in the coming months.
