awkward honor

It was a farewell for us.  But we were farewelling them too.  Tuesday June 3rd we experienced a night of being honored by our church of two years.  Three sets of people, representing different aspects of the church, spoke about what we will be leaving behind as a legacy when we go.  It was awkward.  It was humbling.  It was VERY encouraging.  Things we never knew people noticed were noticed.  Things we never thought were important were important.  Somehow our last 24 months of living impacted this little church of 75 or so.  We knew it wasn't us they were praising, it was God.  His work.  His goodness.  His legacy.  All we did was show up.  And even that was all His doing.

One sweet moment was the farewell portion for our daughters.  They were asked to go up on the platform and were each presented with gifts that will help them remember the Bahamas (as if they could ever not!).  Hats, fans, and purses woven in true Bahamian fashion by the ladies at the Straw Market were presented to them in their favorite colors.  But more than the gifts were the little poems written about the girls by our friend Demetria Rolle.  She and her husband lead Counter Culture, our youth ministry.

Clarence and Demetria Rolle, our youth leaders

 

 

Demetria hit the nail on the head with each of the girls' dispositions in their respective poems.  Thoughtful, loving...that's God's church in action.  Our Care Group Leaders, David and Antja Humes, similarly reflected upon our care group moments together and there were many laughs...and even a few tears as we remembered together our dear Keva, who the Lord took to heaven this past December. And finally, Cedric and Alexine honored us both with gift items and gift words.  They presented us with LAND leather bags, which apparently are all the rage here in Bahamaland.  Laughing, they said we will now be known in the airport as true Bahamians because we have the right bags!  This was a lovely gift to us; a briefcase and ipad case for Keith and a handbag for me.

Me with my new LAND bag. (A bit Vanna White-ish?)



Keith and me expressing our love and thanks

After meeting, we all adjourned to the fellowship room for food and drinks.  Several varieties of wings, appetizers and cake were served.  It was a good night.  Hard but good.  And now as the final ten days of life here roll to a close, we ask for continued prayers.  Finishing well is our desire...up to the last.  May God be glorified.