Andre, Rob, Ray and Ebel

It's been a weird couple of weeks. Within the span of 14 days, we've been aware of the deaths of four men.

Now, I know that lots of people die every day, everywhere. I think it's the fact that we knew, even just a little, three of these men, and knew the fourth man's organization well. While we personally didn't know them deeply, we are close to people who considered them dear, even intimate, friends . Also, they died in terrible ways. Two were murdered and two died in freak accidents. For the record, two of the men died in Kenya, one died here in Tanzania and one died in Zambia.

I keep thinking of their families; the sudden loss and pounding waves of massive grief. I think of the wives and children and the lives turned upside-down. I think of the hearts of service that brought two of these men and their families to Africa in the first place and the particularly troubling thoughts surrounding the questions of how this could be. I think of the other two men and the fact that, while they weren't vocationally in a role of "serving", they were good men who cared a great deal for Africa and her future.

So, yea, each death has brought layers of loss and pain to our hearts. I can only imagine what those who were really close to them are going through.

Death is not new. It's ancient, like life. But does that make it any easier?

Mama Byron (which is how we say Mother of Byron)

"Hey dear friend," the text read. "Can you let me know when you get this?"

I knew from the message that there was urgency to Ciska's request. We had been out of cell range for the better part of 3 days on a camping trip with friends but in that spot under the big tree by the dry river bed, there was enough coverage to deliver the brief text. I decided not to bother writing back and forth and just dialed her instead.

So it was that we heard the news that Byron's mom had passed away. It was Wednesday morning in Tanzania and Norma had died early Monday morning (August 2nd), Florida time.

Norma had suffered from Alzheimer's for about 7 years. Even though we knew that her time was coming to a close, none of us were expecting it that week. And even when death is a true relief and blessing, it breaks something that can never be put back together in the same way. Oscar's bride, Byron's mom, our children's paternal grandmother is not here anymore.

Driving home took us through rough, wild, beautiful Africa for about 3 hours. It was fitting, I thought, to be surrounded by all we were seeing. The area reminded Byron of a place where his family used to hunt for the meat they ate years ago in Kenya. I thought of Norma and what a good sport she was on all those trips. There she was, a farmer's daughter and pastor's wife, not enjoying any of the "thrill of the hunt" but getting plenty of the work load! And I know she did it all with a good attitude. Norma loved to work hard serving others and that was often seen in all things related to food. I could just picture her keeping all the camp well fed and cheerfully helping with every aspect of butchering the animal. It made me smile as we bounced along.

We got the news mid-morning and Byron was flying to Florida the following night. How thankful we are that he could join his dad and 2 sisters to grieve and celebrate the farm girl who cared for others so easily and laughed at herself so often.

Norma was 85 when she died. We are eternally grateful for her life.

Monday, Seattle

It's Monday and, not surprisingly, grey and drizzly in the greater Seattle area.
We're at my sister Tanya's house. This is our landing place in this city, the place we invade while we run around seeing everyone we need to see.

Trevor has a sore throat and is lying on the couch watching a Death Cab for Cutie dvd and Colin is out for pancakes with his Uncle Don and cousin Anna. Heather is in the barn brushing one of the ponies. Byron has been doing some computer thing and I've been trying unsuccessfully to find contact information for two couples we'd like to see while we're up here. We have an appointment this evening but today is a holiday and we're free. We'll go to the thrift store (charity shop) and look for sweatshirts. Travel tip: Seattle has great thrift stores. And great music. Trevor and Anna were downtown last night to see The Presidents.

It's been a strange morning so far. The phone rang very early with the news that Rachel's father died very suddenly today in England. Rachel is our English sister, married to our little brother. Her dad has been a very dear friend of our family since we were all kids. We are all stunned. Rachel was able to book a flight out of LA tonight. British Air kindly waived the 24 hour requirement for using free miles and were exceptionally helpful when they heard the circumstances.

Life is fragile.
People are precious.

I realize this is not news to anyone, but today it feels raw and stinging to me.

Deela

On Saturday evening my friend Deela received full healing for her ovarian cancer at home in The Hague.



She is now enjoying being in the presence of her Lord.
The rest of us miss her a great deal.

Byron and I worked on the Europe Team with Al and Deela.

I guess I just want to say that it has been an honor to walk with Al and Deela through these last three years as they bravely battled Deela's ferocious cancer.

Please pray for Al and the kids, Daniel, Bobby and Katie there in Europe. We love these guys.

Thanks.