Coming Home and Missionary Grandbabies...

On August 19, one of our MK boys came "home" to Brazil after a long time away. He came with two beautiful babes and a wonderful young lady in hand, none of which we had met up close and personal. But you know, blood is thick and it was love at first sight!

Our time was short with only the two weeks of Dalton's vacation days from his job, but we made use of every single day to its fullest. We got to know the mommy of our grandbabies and the love of Dalton's life - Destinie. We learned all about Paw Patrol and baby food with Chase and Mariyah's help.

Every day was long as we tried to squeeze in lots of bonding and gobs of quality moments...

Our house was full of guests every day, lots of laughter and lots of love. Fifteen glorious days.

Was it worth the long flights and the costs of airfare? I think we each would say, Oh, Yes! And hopefully these little grandbabies of missionaries will have a little bit of Mama and Papa imprinted on their hearts when we show up for furlough later this year.

Being far from those we love is one of the great sacrifices of missionary service. Recently, many of our Brazilian friends have been asking when we are leaving. Leaving? Yeah, you're leaving soon to be with your grandchildren, aren't you?

Seems that's the trending thought of nationals and it's common practice for many missionaries - retire before it's too late to "enjoy" your grandchildren.

When I think of the great sacrifice that my parents made to visit their MK boys on the field time and again... when I consider the pain of good-byes at airports of my dear mother-in-law... who am I to not be willing to also make a choice to stay on the field to do the work to which I was called. Who am I? And of course, it's all because of who HE is, and not me. HE is the Great Lord, God Almighty who called Byron and I years ago to missionary service in Brazil.

What does the future hold for us? I'm not sure. We are at the end of our time in our current location. But I know I have a great example in the three grandparents my boys have and I plan to live up to that call - being present in every way I can for my grandbabies AND continuing to do that to which God has called me wherever that may be - near or far.

My Promise Verse

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. This verse has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager. When I was a high school senior at a Christian school in Virginia, Job 23:10 was chosen as our class theme verse. At our graduation commencement, the valedictorian and saludatorian in their addresses that day divided the verse in its two natural parts as a basis for the core of each one's address. I was the salutatorian of my senior class that year. I chose to speak of how God would one day reward our faithfulness and thus, we should always strive to remain true. For many years though, the first part of the verse haunted me in a way. As a missionary especially when times were lonely or difficult, I assumed it was my "trial" or "test," and as such must be accepted in all humility. As I have grown older, I have begun to look more toward the pearly gates and have reconsidered the thr...

Old Film, Same Message

A missionary colleague recently uploaded some old films made about the work in Brazil by Baptist Mid-Missions many years ago in the 1950's. Yesterday I was able to watch the first of the series. All I can say is "Wow! Things haven't changed much in Brazil. And things haven't changed too much with the work of missions in Brazil either!" There are still donkey carts in the street. They have better wheels nowadays! There are still people who live in grass huts and high apartment buildings, too. Bicycles are still many people's only means of transportation, if they are that lucky! Many roads in the interior towns are still paved with cobblestones, if they are paved at all. And yes, chickens are everywhere, even in big cities. Brazil still needs missionaries! That's right, Brazil is not evangelized and in no need of foreign missionaries today. It still needs workers to spread the Good News of the Gospel and the Risen Saviour! Sadly that part of t...

Core Memories: Furlough 2018

I happened upon an archive of old home video from our furlough in 2018 while transferring items to a new laptop. Oh, what fun to watch! Decided to put them in a little video collage. Making important memories while in the USA with our grands is important! It takes a little effort and a little intent. Enjoy! In memory of Papa Potter

island_girlSeptember 5, 2017 at 5:56 PM
You're right.. it's a sacrifice that few can fathom. Some of the greatest joys and pains I have ever felt have been in airports. Seeing loved ones only every few years, being on the other side of the world during holidays, weddings, graduations, births, etc.. missing it all. It's hard. I feel your hurt and understand. So thankful for the precious time you had with your family.. I know what a treasure that truly is! Love, Christie Basto

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