Missionary Aunt

8 years ago today I became a real Aunt with a capital A.  I was no longer just a missionary aunt to MK's but a true blood relative to a real-live little person.  What emotions went through my heart as I heard of his safe delivery!  He was healthy and yes, he had all his toes and fingers.

My Mom and Dad were on hand to see the baby come into the world and help take care of mother and father after his arrival.

Alas, the little guy was in America and me, I was in that orange section of Brazil marked with a big BA.

I would not see my first nephew for another four years until our next furlough.

Ah, but the day did arrive and I was able to meet not just one real nephew but three!  You see that first fellow now had two more brothers!  Four years is a long time.

We had lots of adventures on that furlough year in the States.  I remember this day well when we went to a local science museum.

As I watched all MY little nephews in the play area I knew my time was so limited.  I had a lot of impact to make in a short amount of time.  There was so much to share...

like why taking your shirt off so you don't get it dirty while eating was a perfectly good thing to do!

And why each little boy had to have a big boy as his special hand holder wherever we went.  (Dalton's pal must have been in someone's arms during this shot.  Ah, and yes, you have to do what the big one says!

We had lots of good memories with our crazy Aunt that didn't want to waste good money on closed-toe shoes that she would never use in Brazil and went around quite often with socks and sandals.  I did my best to teach them all a little Portuguese and tell them how it would be to live in Brazil.

 And they learned a little and they went.  I learned what it was like to be a real Aunt telling little MK's good-bye as they got ready to get on their jet plane and fly away.

I haven't seen my only true blood MK nephews since 2009 when they went to spend 2 years in Southern Brazil.  But I can remember birthdays,  I can send messages and an occasional gift.  I can pray for each one to grow up to know the Lord, to follow His will, and perhaps one day to be Uncles to MK's somewhere in the world.

Dealing with the grief of separation from family and friends is a very real part of missionary service.  Perhaps a part that is often overlooked in orientation and preparation classes for new missionary candidates.  I'm glad to be a part of a supportive family who are glad for what we do, but it does not make the longing go away or stop.  There are little moments when thoughts of loved ones flood my mind and overwhelm my heart...