as dawn was breaking this morning, i saw mark off to canada, a sad day to be sure. something in me crumbled when i heard the news he was leaving the race to assist his family with their recent medical crisis; selfish on my part no doubt. yet he has been so much to me these last nine months: trustworthy friend, brother, supporter, leader, comrade, teacher, faithful confidant and challenger, prayer warrior, a huge shoulder to cry on, patient and selfless. he was:
always up for an adventure
always the servant
always up for eating – notice below our joy for all you can eat lobster, so graciously provided by the magnificent melissa and billy. who knew? mark loves food perhaps even more than me
always seeking our Father God
always available
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always fun
mark is following the cloud before him. his presence, filled with the light of Jesus, will permeate everything therefore his family, friends and community will simply not be the same because of it. yet this light has not only been left with his world race squad, but to all those we have met along the way as well. you have been a gift to me mark newland, go forth and be this same gift to leia, to all.
‘be devoted to one another in brotherly love.’
romans 12:10
