To Go or Stay: Part 4

When your MK babes are little, you try not to think too much about THAT DAY.  That day when they will start to make life decisions that include GO or STAY.  When Greyson was little, he would often say that he would never leave me and would always help me...

Of course, little boys often tell their mothers that B.G.F. = Before Girl Friends!  Seriously, having our boys with us on the field was very important.  Our boys were mostly homeschooled and very involved in our work.  Greyson was the music man at our church here in Brazil for quite a few years.

 

Before he went back to the States in the fall of 2017, he left a legacy of trained musicians that continue what he started with faithfulness.  His vacancy in our work was huge, but filled because of his foresight at a young age.  And it left a huge hole in our home as the last of our nest to fly away...

Just before Greyson's senior year, good friends in the States offered to house and care for him if we would like to send him ahead of schedule.  We were all set to go on furlough around Christmas, but this plan would give Greyson a full year in an American high school.  It was a "sweet deal." We left it up to Greyson and he decided to GO.  That was the fall of 2017.  

We were apart for about five months.  Greyson learned to deal with a "little brother" and "sisters" in the house where he stayed.  He found out about American culture up close and personal.  It was a good experience.

Mama and Papa [me and missionary man] arrived in the States for furlough to meet a more mature and taller MK Greyson.  When the spring rolled around and all the seniors started applying to this college and that, Greyson had to start thinking about that GO or STAY thing again.  GO back to Brazil or STAY in the States?  Greyson had considered studying music in Brazil.  He visited a couple of Christian colleges and decided on one.  STAY was the choice.  

Greyson and Granny at Bob Jones University

When our boys were young, we worked for them to love Brazil.  All three were born here.  I think they do.  We hoped for them the freedom to choose well to GO or to STAY.  Now we pray for each one to know God's will for their future which might include:  COME BACK, 
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE, 
SERVE GOD WHEREVER YOU ARE.

Today is Greyson's first birthday ever that he is not physically with us.  His absence leaves a big hole in our lives.  We're not entirely happy about that, but we are content to know he is where he needs to be right now and that God is working in his life as he studies and prepares for the next big life decisions.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, 

to give you a future and a hope.  

Jeremiah 29:11