Hi everyone,
I wanted to share some more of the details that happened surrounding dad’s transition to heaven. While we already were comforted by the reality of heaven and that dad is now with God for eternity, the following things have just reiterated that and comforted us even more.
Backing up a bit, on Monday June 7 (two days before dad died), I remember thinking about my parents and how if/when their health was failing, I would come back from the mission field to take care of them. The night before I had come across several verses about caring for your parents, and I was evidently still reflecting on that. To be honest, I hadn’t thought much about caring for them in their old age before that…I figured it was years off. But nonetheless, it was on my mind those days.
That day I taught my last lesson (before I flew home) to teens in an after-school club in Botswana. The topic: Eternal perspective. I drew a long line from one side of the white board all the way to the other and just erased a tiny fingernail-width sliver. That tiny sliver represented our time on earth as compared to eternity. I tried to convey that our time spent on earth is SO EXTREMELY SHORT compared to the FOREVER of eternity, and that our choices (chiefly our decision regarding Christ) and our actions here on earth will determine what our life will be like FOREVER for eternity. Using an analogy they would grasp, I shared that just as one poor decision to have unprotected sex (or even “protected”) can result in having HIV/AIDS for the rest of their lives on earth…in an even more significant case, our decisions in this short life on earth will determine our future FOREVER in eternity.
Shortly after that lesson, back at home we had our Setswana lesson, and we learned how to say “has”—that something “has” something else. After the lesson, I saw one of the posters on my wall with verses in Setswana and quickly recognized and understood that same concept. Without my Setswana dictionary, I was excited to finally be able to translate it fully: “He who has the Son of God has eternal life.” I did look up khutleng just to make sure it meant ‘eternal’ and, sure enough, it did. That was the one new word I learned…eternal.
Who knew that a few days later, that verse would comfort me about my dad in a fresh way. The first night after learning about dad I ended my journaled prayer by asking God to help me keep an eternal perspective and to focus on how dad is with Him and we’ll be reunited before long in light of eternity. Then after I flew here, I learned more about dad’s last 15 minutes and how eternity had been on his mind too…
I learned that it was not actually during the men’s study that dad had passed away, but he had lingered in the church after the meeting was officially over to talk with some men he hadn’t met before that night. One of them, Tim, wrote up a description of dad’s last 15 minutes:
Wednesday June 9, 2010
Our first session of the “Wild at Heart” series had just ended at Grace Ministry Center, and several people were still lingering, so I went up to a gentleman that I had not met named Hugh. I introduced myself and he did likewise. I said to him “I detect a slight accent, are you from England?” He replies “Yes”, and our conversation began. Hugh shared about meeting his wife and how they decided to move to the U.S. because of the economic conditions in Britain and how it seemed better to them to live here and be able to visit more often with that set-up than the other way. I could tell this man was full of passion and loved his wife by how he spoke of her.
Hugh shared about his daughter named Emily, sometimes referring to her as “Em”. He said that he was amazed at the power of prayer, and shared how Emily was in a serious accident right before she was to go overseas for missionary work, and how the group that she was with, I believe YWAM [actually Youth for Christ], was based out of Denver, where the accident occurred, and how those folk rallied around her in support and prayer, and how God raised her from her bed of affliction. He told me that Emily was now in Botswana serving the Lord, and I could see by the excitement in his voice that He was proud of her.
We got to talking about the things of God and Hugh commented about the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland, and how God will settle that environmental condition in due time. He also mentioned the fallacy of “Global Warming.” Hugh spoke about the vastness of God’s handiwork and how much bigger and more powerful are His works than that of mankind. In a reflective moment, Hugh recalled the beautiful sunrises and sunsets up in Lexington that he and his wife had witnessed together in their stay there.
At some point in our conversation of about fifteen minutes or so, Hugh said “We just don’t get what Eternity is all about. We are here for such a short time compared with Eternity”. I could see that he reflected often on the things of God and His ways. He longed for more of God and wanted to experience the fullness of all that the Lord had for him. The time spent in dialog with Hugh will be something I will always remember, and I’m sure we will be able to pick it up on the other side.
---------------------------------
Wow…so some of dad’s last words were about eternity, eternal perspective, and how life on earth is SO SHORT compared to eternity! Pastor Mitch, in his eulogy last Tuesday, remarked that dad had just been saying regarding eternity, “We just don’t get it!” and five minutes later, he got it! :). Tim told me in person that dad had also been sharing about his faith background with them that night. So not only did dad go straight from the house of God to the House of God…but right after sharing about his life, family, God, and eternity!
After learning that dad had collapsed while lingering after the actual study finished, I realized how beautiful it truly is that it was there that he died. Had he left right after the study to return home, he could have been driving at that moment; and I know all too well what can happen when someone loses consciousness at the wheel on the freeway... So that makes that 15 minute conversation all the more precious and priceless.
In retrospect, I recalled that the reading in my daily bible plan for June 9 (when dad died suddenly) included this verse: “For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them”— Ecclesiastes 9:12.
Our priest and youth pastor for over a decade, Father Darryl Pigeon, also gave a eulogy at dad’s funeral/celebration service. He shared how dad had truly ruminated and meditated on a particular story in one of his sermons…so much so that even 6 full months later, dad brought it up again in conversation with him. It was a story of how the demonic beings were strategizing with Satan how to win as many humans as possible to hell instead of heaven. One suggested spreading the lie that there is no heaven. “Nope…that’s been tried and didn’t really work.” “Ok, what about telling them there’s no hell?” “Nope…tried and failed.” Then an old, wise demon being piped up, “I know…let’s tell them there’s no hurry.” I am thankful that dad lived with a sense of urgency and readiness in his own life…and it influenced the way he interacted with others. He kept an eternal perspective. And soon after his funeral, I found a post-it note next to his bedside table in my hand-writing that simply reads “eternal perspective.”
Another thing I discovered the day or so after the funeral was related to the piano piece dad had urged me to listen to recently in an email on May 30, “I Giorno” by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi. Due to the slow internet connection in Botswana, I had not been able to watch/listen to the You Tube link dad had sent me. The day after the funeral though, I remembered and realized I could now listen to it (you should too!). I looked up more information online, only to discover that “I Giorno” was inspired by a 12th century folk song from Mali, Africa. 'The song,' writes Einaudi 'is sung as a lament for the death of a king or a great person or for the loss of a loved one.'
Many comments shared how they played the piece at funerals. Last week when I was recounting some of these things in an email to a friend and just about to share about “I Giorno,” I glanced over and noticed dad’s Anglican Book of Common Prayer that I had been looking for since I got home. When I picked it up, there was a small piece of paper sticking out from it with dad’s handwriting on it. The only words written there were these: “I Giorno -- Ludovico Einaudi.” I checked to see where the paper had been inserted…it was at Psalm 139, which includes: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make the grave my bed, you are there!... In your book were written all of my days, when as yet there were none of them” (v.6-8,16).
The same day I found that (Saturday, June 19), I went with my aunt Roni and cousin Tess from England to the lakeside craft fair in my hometown Lexington. I passed by a booth for homemade soaps without really looking, but Tess called me back… “Em, this looks like your dog!” I returned to the booth to see a picture of a beagle, and not just any beagle, but Chester himself! It was a card sent from Chester [my parents really…Chester hasn’t mastered literacy yet] to the soap makers (based about an hour away) thanking them for their amazing soap that took away all his itchies! The soapmakers were like, “Oh, that looks like your dog?” and I responded, “No…that IS my dog!”
It was a cool thing not only to see Chester “famous” in his endorsement, but also a surprising gift to see that Chester’s note was in my dad’s handwriting. Nothing like an unexpected humorous note in dad’s handwriting! Also, at that craft fair we went to a booth with wooden carved picture frame mattes and one of the ones at the front of the stacks had a school bus carved in it. My dad loved being a school bus driver for over 15 years so I knew I had to get it to give to Mom the following day, Father’s Day. It has a bunch of openings for pictures so we are working on just the right combination.
The next day, Father’s Day, was one of the more emotional ones for me…understandably. I know that I am extremely blessed to have had such a wonderful father. I have been compiling many of the memories of him and will share that sometime soon…and recounting it all at once has reiterated to me just how blessed I am to call him father. And I know that the Father he often pointed me toward will be with me always – “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5).
After church, Mike, one of the young men training for ministry who works at the church came over for lunch. Dad and Mike had gotten pretty close and we learned from Mike that Dad would stop by and chat/counsel/mentor Mike or just leave notes of encouragement on his desk. His last one was something to the effect of, “Michael, you’ve gotta read What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey!” On Sunday at our house, Mike was describing how his [Mike’s] model of leadership is like the Moses-Joshua successor concept – that he wants to train up and prepare leaders under him so that if anything were to happen to him or if God quickly called him elsewhere, his ministry would continue by those he had trained.
Just a few minutes later, Mike picked up a big hardcover study bible (that Philip Yancey actually gave me and I gave Mom & Dad) that was on our coffee table to look inside. He opened to the page where there was a piece of paper with notes handwritten by my dad. And what did it say?
“Joshua effect – leaders need to train a successor. What is your ministry? Who will follow?”
!!! Mike was stunned a bit seeing that in dad’s writing after he’d just been saying that same exact thing! Mom had already bought another copy of What’s So Amazing About Grace that she was planning on leaving on Mike’s desk at church when he wasn’t there so he would find it, just like he would find dad’s previous notes. After that, she also included dad’s note about the Joshua leadership model that we now know both he and Mike value. She wrapped it nicely and left it on his desk. Mom even found and photocopied dad’s signature and pasted it in the front of the book.
Turns out, Mike discovered it right after he had come to mow our lawn. He had called one night to ask if he could mow our lawn right as another family friend visiting us was about to show mom how to start our lawn mower (one I’ve never used either—we just sold our riding mower). Mike insisted he would be honored to do it, so he came over, mowed with abandon, and then we all shared a meal outside in the garden. Moments later, Mike would discover the gift left for him on his desk.
Late on Father’s Day, I found something that I will treasure and take back with me to Botswana—a Beanie Baby bear that I gave dad years and years ago. It’s a blue bear named Pops with a tie decorated with British Union Jack flags. Its tag reads: “Pops—My Dad has such a great big heart; He’s kind and fun and really smart; He always finds the time to play; I want to be like him someday!”
In conclusion, after talking to Mom, we’ve realized that the very last time I talked to dad on the phone was when I just felt that unexpected desire welling up in me to just call home from my cell phone while stuck in traffic in Botswana for the express purpose of just taking a minute or two to tell dad and mom I love them! I also had a desire to call those last couple nights, and I even shared that in my last email to dad the day he died.
Though that phone call never happened, I am thankful to have emailed him— as I shared before, I felt led to email him on the day he died and ended with “I love you!!!!” and he wrote back just hours before he died, ending with “Luv ya back!” And how beautiful in retrospect to realize that the last time I heard dad’s voice was when I felt led for the first time in my life to call for just a couple minutes to tell my parents I love them!
And so even in the midst of this hard time, it hasn’t been hard to see the ways God has been comforting us. There’s more, but this is long enough for now. Stay tuned for some more meaningful and entertaining stories ;). Thanks again so much for all the prayers, cards, gifts, visits, hugs, etc. You’ve helped us feel God’s comfort as well.
Blessings,
Em
P.S. While I am on this side of the Atlantic, we thought I would get my jaw checked out again by the specialist in Minnesota since it’s been acting up again for over a month and a half. So it looks like I will be in Minnesota next week sometime…still working out the details. I know God can heal my jaw so let’s pray to that end!
P.P.S. Tonight Mom and I are going to an outdoor concert at DTE (formerly Pine Knob) amphitheatre to see Christian artists Toby Mac and Chris Tomlin. We are excited!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Emails with dad...humorous/meaningful
Hi again. I just wrote an entry right before this that you can read to be caught up on what's going on...this is just to share some more emails with dad since so many people have told me they enjoyed reading the first ones I posted. They are quite encouraging and entertaining!—
Back when I was recovering at home from my accident, I wrote this note to dad for him to read before I awoke:
Dearest Father,
Out of my consideration for your self-esteem and sensitivity, I have decided to refrain from posting all of my thoughts. The emboldened portion below I omitted until your consent. If you wish to include the emboldened portion, please insert it or ask mother to do so. I exercised great restraint in trying to uphold the 5th Commandment. I love you.
Caring Bridge excerpt: Also, based on my comments last time, heaven forbid I portrayed my father as having no hair styling skills at all!—he just lacks them for styling my hair. We all know he can style his hair and cover his sacred sparse area quite aptly. And best of all, one day last week I awoke to see him looking in the mirror whilst combing his bushy eyebrows! I love my Dad!! In addition, he is Chester’s fur stylist. Yesterday we decided the time had come to give Chester a bath. Dad summoned the hound from outside the bathroom. Chester took one look at him and appeared to be running toward him, but then scurried into a bedroom and hid under the bed! Eventually he surfaced thinking the danger had passed, but no my beagle friend, no. So he is a clean pooch now, thanks to Dad.
Email from Dad soon after they moved to Port Huron:
sweetness
Having moved south and being in an urban environment, in the ' 'hood', as it were, I have noticed a change in functions.
I have acquired the unenviable position of processed dog food retrieval operative. At least twice a day I follow the processor around the neighborhood equipped with my packaging materials (fold top sandwich bags for the initial retrieval, hot from the manufactory, and a re-cycled plastic replacement of the well-loved and increasingly rare, grocery sack) and 'scoop the poop'.
This morning I wondered if it would be more efficient simply to put the 'Little Bites' straight into the garbage bag, and by-pass the intermediary steps…
I will resolve this dilemma, or at least accept it as my lot, but I thought you might enjoy this glimpse of life with the elders. In all honesty it hasn't changed much since the days of walking you guys to Bates [elementary school], except that there are no processed 'Knee-highs'. PTL[Praise the Lord]!
luv ya
dad :-)
[our dog when I was in elementary school ate knee high nylons from time to time…]
Hugh Liddiard to Emily Liddiard: This whole facebook thing is a learning experience for me..... think about that senior canine innovative procedure dichotomy! I could use a late night tutorial..... call sometime. Luv ya babe.
Hugh Liddiard to Emily Liddiard: [a comment in response to my status saying I had gone on my first bike ride since my accident] Training wheels???.... Helmet???... Wrist braces???... Knee pads???... Pillow strapped to butt??... sometimes daddies are over-protective.
Mon, July 6, 2009 2:38:41 AM
Subject: daddy message
sweetie
I love you.
me
Hugh Liddiard August 31, 2009 at 3:07pm
Babe - here is my first attempt at 'messaging' - who says that mature patriarchs cannot undertake innovative procedures?
Hugh Liddiard September 13, 2009 at 8:14pm
sweetie
I took almost 36 hours to read '90 Minutes in Heaven'. The book continues in relating the ripple effects and his interaction with similarly challenged people.
There was a reason and there IS a reason, we just cannot understand.
In the words of Great Papaw Hardy, "We Walk By Faith...."
luv ya babe
dad
Hugh Liddiard September 30, 2009 at 5:11pm Oswald [regarding Oswald Chambers’ devotional reading for that day, which we both read]:
seems to me he hit one 'out of the park' today, nail on the head , bullseye type of perspicacity. Worthy of much thought and incorporation into yo mindset.
On Sat, Oct 10, 2009 at 7:23 PM, Em Liddiard wrote:
How does the moon cut his hair?
Eclipse it.
:)
Dad’s response:
o my child.......
everyone knows that the moon is 'airless'!!!!
luv ya babe
dad
Amazing email from dad:
Em,
I was performing my primary function late last week, provisioning for your beloved mother, in a place where I can be assured of meeting my secondary function, maximizing selection and economy, when I crossed carts with the Trinity Prayer Shawl Lady.
We spent several minutes in conversation of value and substance and were in turn cart crossed by Don of Don and Mary Jean Reid. He was questing for his matrimonial partner who had reportedly been in the cat food aisle, and in short order continued his quest as Vi and I concluded our discourse.
As we parted to go down our different aisles, she admonished me to render a 'Hi from Vi' in my forthcoming communication.
It has been so rendered.
Later, as I was preparing to settle my financial obligation with one of the employees appointed to effect the pre-departure reckoning, I crossed carts with the cat food lady, who was similarly seeking her errant matrimonial partner. We briefly exchanged pleasantries before she moved on towards the produce and baked goods…
With much love and heartfelt affection,
dad
My message to dad while he was home with Chester and Mom was with Ryan and me for a few weeks in Minnesota: Facebook has denied my desire to send my greeting to you in its entirety due perhaps to verbosity. So this is part One of hopefully Two: greetings father. i just felt like extending a word of love to you. perhaps you are missing your good lady wife whilst she visits her offspring in the North country. I have stepped in to fulfill your primary function, provisioning for my beloved mother, in her absence from your presence; this in the form of purchasing items of personal hygiene and victuals for her. This evening, your matrimonial partner and I cuddled with Faith, the North country beagle, but both admitted superior affection and longing for Chester, the beagle who mother tells me from your report is similarly longing whistfully for her return. Do give the hound a loving embrace in my stead.
The following is Part 2 of my discourse with yours truly. Please refer to Part One prior to reading this: Well, upon examination of the current time, it seems the effervescent goodness of Polident has worked its cleansing prowess to its allotted quota; thus it is now time to scrub my jaw appliance before returning it to my currently naked teeth. And with that, I bid you farewell. Good morning, my dear father. may you be assured of my great love and admiration for you. shalom.
and by 'yours truly' in the last post, I intended to communicate you. Not me. I try not to have discourses with myself too often, lest I be labeled mentally unstable. Right, Em? Right. :)
Hugh Liddiard to Emily Liddiard: The ability to communicate one's thoughts in writing is estimable. Perhaps the members of the Minnesota Literary Guild will influence your editing skills and encourage concise brevity to circumvent facebook's strictures.
Thank you for your good wishes for me and the Beagle of the Southlands. I am glad that you stand in 'locus parentis' in attending to your mother's welfare. You musta bin drug up good! luv yas all - dad
------
sweetie pie plum cake,
I think that you brother, the bearded child, has an I Pass which is linked to the account.
as to the other stuff.......... I know nothing, I know nothing!
Doubtless, your mother, who is at present deep in the state of slumber, will respond later this morning. I don't know who snores louder, her or Chester, but the back of the house ROCKS!!!!
luv ya babe,
dad :-)
Cynthia's comment elicited a slight moistening to my ocular orbs. Reality is dawning.
Alright, well, there are several comforting and encouraging things that I can share sometime soon. I also have some more recent emails with dad that are quite entertaining. My aunt and cousin, Roni and Tess, just got here from England and we have another visitation this evening…funeral/celebration service tomorrow at 11 am (for details on those, check a few entries back). Thanks again so much for your support!
Love, Em
Back when I was recovering at home from my accident, I wrote this note to dad for him to read before I awoke:
Dearest Father,
Out of my consideration for your self-esteem and sensitivity, I have decided to refrain from posting all of my thoughts. The emboldened portion below I omitted until your consent. If you wish to include the emboldened portion, please insert it or ask mother to do so. I exercised great restraint in trying to uphold the 5th Commandment. I love you.
Caring Bridge excerpt: Also, based on my comments last time, heaven forbid I portrayed my father as having no hair styling skills at all!—he just lacks them for styling my hair. We all know he can style his hair and cover his sacred sparse area quite aptly. And best of all, one day last week I awoke to see him looking in the mirror whilst combing his bushy eyebrows! I love my Dad!! In addition, he is Chester’s fur stylist. Yesterday we decided the time had come to give Chester a bath. Dad summoned the hound from outside the bathroom. Chester took one look at him and appeared to be running toward him, but then scurried into a bedroom and hid under the bed! Eventually he surfaced thinking the danger had passed, but no my beagle friend, no. So he is a clean pooch now, thanks to Dad.
Email from Dad soon after they moved to Port Huron:
sweetness
Having moved south and being in an urban environment, in the ' 'hood', as it were, I have noticed a change in functions.
I have acquired the unenviable position of processed dog food retrieval operative. At least twice a day I follow the processor around the neighborhood equipped with my packaging materials (fold top sandwich bags for the initial retrieval, hot from the manufactory, and a re-cycled plastic replacement of the well-loved and increasingly rare, grocery sack) and 'scoop the poop'.
This morning I wondered if it would be more efficient simply to put the 'Little Bites' straight into the garbage bag, and by-pass the intermediary steps…
I will resolve this dilemma, or at least accept it as my lot, but I thought you might enjoy this glimpse of life with the elders. In all honesty it hasn't changed much since the days of walking you guys to Bates [elementary school], except that there are no processed 'Knee-highs'. PTL[Praise the Lord]!
luv ya
dad :-)
[our dog when I was in elementary school ate knee high nylons from time to time…]
Hugh Liddiard to Emily Liddiard: This whole facebook thing is a learning experience for me..... think about that senior canine innovative procedure dichotomy! I could use a late night tutorial..... call sometime. Luv ya babe.
Hugh Liddiard to Emily Liddiard: [a comment in response to my status saying I had gone on my first bike ride since my accident] Training wheels???.... Helmet???... Wrist braces???... Knee pads???... Pillow strapped to butt??... sometimes daddies are over-protective.
Mon, July 6, 2009 2:38:41 AM
Subject: daddy message
sweetie
I love you.
me
Hugh Liddiard August 31, 2009 at 3:07pm
Babe - here is my first attempt at 'messaging' - who says that mature patriarchs cannot undertake innovative procedures?
Hugh Liddiard September 13, 2009 at 8:14pm
sweetie
I took almost 36 hours to read '90 Minutes in Heaven'. The book continues in relating the ripple effects and his interaction with similarly challenged people.
There was a reason and there IS a reason, we just cannot understand.
In the words of Great Papaw Hardy, "We Walk By Faith...."
luv ya babe
dad
Hugh Liddiard September 30, 2009 at 5:11pm Oswald [regarding Oswald Chambers’ devotional reading for that day, which we both read]:
seems to me he hit one 'out of the park' today, nail on the head , bullseye type of perspicacity. Worthy of much thought and incorporation into yo mindset.
On Sat, Oct 10, 2009 at 7:23 PM, Em Liddiard wrote:
How does the moon cut his hair?
Eclipse it.
:)
Dad’s response:
o my child.......
everyone knows that the moon is 'airless'!!!!
luv ya babe
dad
Amazing email from dad:
Em,
I was performing my primary function late last week, provisioning for your beloved mother, in a place where I can be assured of meeting my secondary function, maximizing selection and economy, when I crossed carts with the Trinity Prayer Shawl Lady.
We spent several minutes in conversation of value and substance and were in turn cart crossed by Don of Don and Mary Jean Reid. He was questing for his matrimonial partner who had reportedly been in the cat food aisle, and in short order continued his quest as Vi and I concluded our discourse.
As we parted to go down our different aisles, she admonished me to render a 'Hi from Vi' in my forthcoming communication.
It has been so rendered.
Later, as I was preparing to settle my financial obligation with one of the employees appointed to effect the pre-departure reckoning, I crossed carts with the cat food lady, who was similarly seeking her errant matrimonial partner. We briefly exchanged pleasantries before she moved on towards the produce and baked goods…
With much love and heartfelt affection,
dad
My message to dad while he was home with Chester and Mom was with Ryan and me for a few weeks in Minnesota: Facebook has denied my desire to send my greeting to you in its entirety due perhaps to verbosity. So this is part One of hopefully Two: greetings father. i just felt like extending a word of love to you. perhaps you are missing your good lady wife whilst she visits her offspring in the North country. I have stepped in to fulfill your primary function, provisioning for my beloved mother, in her absence from your presence; this in the form of purchasing items of personal hygiene and victuals for her. This evening, your matrimonial partner and I cuddled with Faith, the North country beagle, but both admitted superior affection and longing for Chester, the beagle who mother tells me from your report is similarly longing whistfully for her return. Do give the hound a loving embrace in my stead.
The following is Part 2 of my discourse with yours truly. Please refer to Part One prior to reading this: Well, upon examination of the current time, it seems the effervescent goodness of Polident has worked its cleansing prowess to its allotted quota; thus it is now time to scrub my jaw appliance before returning it to my currently naked teeth. And with that, I bid you farewell. Good morning, my dear father. may you be assured of my great love and admiration for you. shalom.
and by 'yours truly' in the last post, I intended to communicate you. Not me. I try not to have discourses with myself too often, lest I be labeled mentally unstable. Right, Em? Right. :)
Hugh Liddiard to Emily Liddiard: The ability to communicate one's thoughts in writing is estimable. Perhaps the members of the Minnesota Literary Guild will influence your editing skills and encourage concise brevity to circumvent facebook's strictures.
Thank you for your good wishes for me and the Beagle of the Southlands. I am glad that you stand in 'locus parentis' in attending to your mother's welfare. You musta bin drug up good! luv yas all - dad
------
sweetie pie plum cake,
I think that you brother, the bearded child, has an I Pass which is linked to the account.
as to the other stuff.......... I know nothing, I know nothing!
Doubtless, your mother, who is at present deep in the state of slumber, will respond later this morning. I don't know who snores louder, her or Chester, but the back of the house ROCKS!!!!
luv ya babe,
dad :-)
Cynthia's comment elicited a slight moistening to my ocular orbs. Reality is dawning.
Alright, well, there are several comforting and encouraging things that I can share sometime soon. I also have some more recent emails with dad that are quite entertaining. My aunt and cousin, Roni and Tess, just got here from England and we have another visitation this evening…funeral/celebration service tomorrow at 11 am (for details on those, check a few entries back). Thanks again so much for your support!
Love, Em
Hi all,
I thought I would share my first journal entries after I found out about my dad. I typed this up on the long trip home…
June 11, 2010
June 10 is usually the date I remember as the anniversary of when God first called me to be missionary. It was June 10, 2002 that, “You should be a missionary” popped in my mind unexpectedly as I was walking/jogging along my favorite stretch of Lake Huron’s shore just north of my house. I prayed that day for the Lord to confirm if indeed it was His call I had just heard in my heart. And as the story goes, we can now look back in retrospect with clarity and confidence after the Lord has all but drowned me in confirmation to know that yes, indeed, it was the Heavenly Father whispering His call on the waves that June 10…a call that would in the next month (and many times afterwards) be confirmed on July 10 and include Botswana…a call that eventually led me to that African country in which I now reside (on the customs/immigration forms I filled out today, it struck me that my country of residence is officially Botswana now, not the U.S.).
This year, June 10 was the 8-year anniversary of being called to be a missionary. But that is not why I will ever remember June 10, 2010. An early morning phone call from Mom eclipsed any sort of missionary anniversary thoughts. As soon as I heard her voice, I knew something bad had happened. My mind raced in that moment…who could have died? What could have happened? The words she said next still seem so unreal…that daddy died a few hours ago. What?!! “No!!” I cried out. She went on to explain how he had been at church in men’s small group studying the book Wild at Heart when he slumped over and passed away, apparently of heart failure.
Even on that phone call Mom pointed out another blessing that came out of my accident—that I had those 6 months together with dad after my accident when I lived at home recovering. It was definitely a lot of quality time together at home and back and forth from every medical appointment (for awhile it was 45 minutes each way 3x a week). It was unusual to have that much time with my parents…and basically just my parents (and Chester the faithful beagle).
Mom also told me that dad had written me a facebook message just hours before he died. We only have internet access at the office in Mochudi, so I hadn’t read it yet. So after telling my housemates what had happened and crying/embracing them a bit, I got my things ready and drove us all to the office so I could read that last message from dad…and start figuring out flight plans. The day consisted of looking back through old email correspondence between dad and me, and trying to work out flights.
In the late afternoon, I went for a run along the dirt roads/paths I’ve been running regularly lately—they take me out by a pasture on the edge of Mochudi. Once away from houses, I stood and watched the orange sun set as I just spent time talking to God about what just happened. Then I ran to the ridge nearby where I can oversee Mochudi and see the smoke rising up to the horizon from all the fires for cooking dinner.
I know that God can work even this for good…and it might have been then that I realized that now I am fatherless and can identify and reach more effectively the many fatherless in Botswana. God will be glorified even in this. He is the Redeemer. He brings beauty from the ashes.
I spent the evening in touch with the travel agent who helped get me to Botswana. I was so blessed to learn that YFC is paying for half the cost through the emergency benevolence fund and that others from my church are working to pick up/raise funds for the other half. It also took me over an hour at least to read through all the comments and messages from friends and family. What a comfort during this time. I greatly appreciate every note of encouragement and every prayer.
Then it was time to pack…it seemed harder than usual, as it was just harder to focus. Thinking clearly was more difficult (it was also after 11:30 pm by the time I started). Even though it was about 3 am before I finished packing and re-reading some of the notes of encouragement, I knew I needed to get my main encouragement from the Lord…so I spent some time journaling/praying my thoughts to Him. I’ll share what I wrote, as I was indeed encouraged through it and perhaps some of you may find comfort as well:
Abba, Rara [Papa in Setswana], I need You. What just happened? It still seems so surreal that dad is gone. My dad died. What?! How can this be happening?! I’m just 27 and my dad is gone. It doesn’t seem right; it doesn’t seem real. And yet I know it’s real. My heart hurts and yet it still feels so surreal. Father hold me when the blinding shock gives way to the searing pain and yawning emptiness of missing the man You blessed me with, the man I am absolutely honored and privileged to call my father. Thank You Father for allowing me to have an earthly father who reflected Your unrelenting love, gentleness, and humility. How blessed am I to have experienced such love and affirmation, such tender care from a father who truly delighted in me, a father whose eyes would glisten from tears when I’d share how You’ve led, guided, and sustained me; a father so devoted to his bride and his children. Lord comfort Mom, Ryan, Roni and the rest of the family/friends as only You can. Lord help us all to grieve, to mourn—may the tears fall as long as they are needed to bring healing and restoration by Your grace. You are near to the brokenhearted.
Thank You for never leaving me and for reminding me that You are my Father. You are a Father to the fatherless. Lord You’ve been showing me that for years and here I am among the fatherless in Botswana finding myself fatherless. Not what I expected so soon and yet even now I know You will use this for good—this will help me identify with and share Your Father’s heart with the fatherless You’ve called me to reach. I love You and how You can bring beauty from the ashes. You will bring good from this for us left on this earth, and You’ve already brought good from it in terms of welcoming dad into Your inexplicable joy, Your all-encompassing embrace, serenaded by music purer than his ears ever heard here. Oh he’s loving singing his heart out with You, for You, in utter amazement and adoration of Your glory. And maybe he will be given a role as a chef there, helping prepare the great banquet. He was such a servant-hearted man here—I can only imagine his joy at being able to serve with no hindrances—to serve wholeheartedly in Your kingdom. And Lord I can’t wait to see how You’ve rewarded his selfless service while he graced this earth.
And how cool to think how I just showed him on Google Earth [satellite images] exactly where I live, even the room, and so from whatever vantage point that saints exactly “watch over” us, dad now knows exactly where I live J. I’ve got two fathers in heaven now watching over me, and just as someone prayed over me today, I sense they are both proud. Lord, give dad a hug and a BIG kiss from me. Wish I could still embrace the Papa Bear, but I know You can do it far better than me. And your embrace is everlasting. Hold Mom up by Your everlasting arms as well. Meet Ry with your all-sufficient grace. Give Roni hope and comfort through You. Comfort all who mourn his loss.
Lord You are my hope, my King, my Love. You are faithful. You are good. You will sustain us and carry us through. You will not leave us in our pain, but instead You will draw near to our broken hearts and bring healing. I love You. You are beautiful. Dad knows that now better than we do, for his faith is now met with sight. And his eyes can scarcely take in the beauty surrounding him. His tears are solely from overwhelmed awe, beholding Your glory, and experiencing Your unfiltered love for him. Unfathomable love for him. Lord help us to grasp Your love for us more and more. I love you Lord. I still love you Lord. I still say You are good. I still say You are faithful, and I trust that even this can be worked together for Your glory and the good of the Kingdom. Help us keep an eternal perspective—to focus on dad’s utmost joy and look forward to the day we are reunited. Hold us now as only You can. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“All My Hope”
Things in life can change so fast;
The future looks so unlike the past.
In just a moment things can change;
You’re left wondering how to rearrange.
Sometimes it’s hard to just find hope,
Especially when you’re just trying to cope.
When everything is crashing down,
How can you stand when there’s no ground?
Chorus:
But all I know is there is hope in the Rock I cling to
For I know that His love endures all things
Yesterday, and today, and tomorrow the same
All my hope is in the One who doesn’t change
The next morning after I was all ready to go, I felt the desire to get out my guitar and sing that song. So I sang it, as well as another song I wrote called “Light Breaks Through” about how when you die as a believer, it is an amazing reception into the Lord’s presence. Here’s the chorus:
Light breaks through and shines His rays
Darkness has to flee away
He saw Him face to face that day
He felt Him lift his head and say:
“There’s no more dying, no more tears,
No more crying, no more fears.
‘Cause I died to set you free,
So you’d be here now with Me.
‘Cause I love you, My child.
Come and stay here for awhile—
Forever, Amen. Forever, Amen.
[I typed the following on the flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta]:
The last time I was on this trans-Atlantic flight between Atlanta and Johannesburg (Feb 14 2010 when I left home for Botswana), a song had come on my music shuffle that mentions leaving your father’s house, leaving all you’ve known, and saying goodbye to your father and your mother in order to follow the Lord and His will for your life, out of love for Him. It had struck me back then how fitting it was for that day…the day when I did say goodbye to my father and mother to leave home for the mission field. Then I found out that the daily bible reading for that day included this passage:
Peter began to say to him, ‘See, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.’”—Mark 10:27-30
Wow…and now on this flight again, I see it is more fitting than I knew then. That day (Feb 14) was truly saying goodbye to my father. It was the last time I saw him alive. It seems so weird to type those words. I am still coming to terms with the reality of it. Though sometimes the reality of it hits me a bit more. Earlier on the flight was one of those moments where, despite my attempts to hold it in, the tears streamed down my face—one of those moments when reality was dawning. It reminded me of what dad had written to me while I was out in Colorado at MTI in January. I had purchased my flight for February 14, Valentine’s Day, and posted that as my facebook status. Cynthia, my youth pastor from when I was growing up, commented:
“So the Father is flying His girl out on Valentine’s Day is He?! How perfectly poetic ... smile”
Dad wrote me a message after that:
Cynthia's comment elicited a slight moistening to my ocular orbs. Reality is dawning. –dad
And now reality is dawning a bit more for me that he is gone…though I think I’m still mainly in shock and disbelief. But in those moments when reality dawns to a greater degree, I find my ocular orbs moistened as well…the tears welling up.
Yesterday was the first day of visitation at the funeral home and my aunt (dad’s sister Roni) and cousin Tessa just got here from England. We’ve got another visitation tonight and the funeral/celebration tomorrow at 11 am (for details on those, see two entries back). Thanks so much for every prayer, encouragement, card, gift, meal and/or visit. We feel very embraced by your love and support. We’re doing quite well, given the circumstances. God is faithful.
Love, Em
P.S. Since so many people have told me they enjoyed reading the emails with Dad I posted before, I thought I’d share some more. They are quite encouraging and entertaining! So I will post another entry right after this with those.
I thought I would share my first journal entries after I found out about my dad. I typed this up on the long trip home…
June 11, 2010
June 10 is usually the date I remember as the anniversary of when God first called me to be missionary. It was June 10, 2002 that, “You should be a missionary” popped in my mind unexpectedly as I was walking/jogging along my favorite stretch of Lake Huron’s shore just north of my house. I prayed that day for the Lord to confirm if indeed it was His call I had just heard in my heart. And as the story goes, we can now look back in retrospect with clarity and confidence after the Lord has all but drowned me in confirmation to know that yes, indeed, it was the Heavenly Father whispering His call on the waves that June 10…a call that would in the next month (and many times afterwards) be confirmed on July 10 and include Botswana…a call that eventually led me to that African country in which I now reside (on the customs/immigration forms I filled out today, it struck me that my country of residence is officially Botswana now, not the U.S.).
This year, June 10 was the 8-year anniversary of being called to be a missionary. But that is not why I will ever remember June 10, 2010. An early morning phone call from Mom eclipsed any sort of missionary anniversary thoughts. As soon as I heard her voice, I knew something bad had happened. My mind raced in that moment…who could have died? What could have happened? The words she said next still seem so unreal…that daddy died a few hours ago. What?!! “No!!” I cried out. She went on to explain how he had been at church in men’s small group studying the book Wild at Heart when he slumped over and passed away, apparently of heart failure.
Even on that phone call Mom pointed out another blessing that came out of my accident—that I had those 6 months together with dad after my accident when I lived at home recovering. It was definitely a lot of quality time together at home and back and forth from every medical appointment (for awhile it was 45 minutes each way 3x a week). It was unusual to have that much time with my parents…and basically just my parents (and Chester the faithful beagle).
Mom also told me that dad had written me a facebook message just hours before he died. We only have internet access at the office in Mochudi, so I hadn’t read it yet. So after telling my housemates what had happened and crying/embracing them a bit, I got my things ready and drove us all to the office so I could read that last message from dad…and start figuring out flight plans. The day consisted of looking back through old email correspondence between dad and me, and trying to work out flights.
In the late afternoon, I went for a run along the dirt roads/paths I’ve been running regularly lately—they take me out by a pasture on the edge of Mochudi. Once away from houses, I stood and watched the orange sun set as I just spent time talking to God about what just happened. Then I ran to the ridge nearby where I can oversee Mochudi and see the smoke rising up to the horizon from all the fires for cooking dinner.
I know that God can work even this for good…and it might have been then that I realized that now I am fatherless and can identify and reach more effectively the many fatherless in Botswana. God will be glorified even in this. He is the Redeemer. He brings beauty from the ashes.
I spent the evening in touch with the travel agent who helped get me to Botswana. I was so blessed to learn that YFC is paying for half the cost through the emergency benevolence fund and that others from my church are working to pick up/raise funds for the other half. It also took me over an hour at least to read through all the comments and messages from friends and family. What a comfort during this time. I greatly appreciate every note of encouragement and every prayer.
Then it was time to pack…it seemed harder than usual, as it was just harder to focus. Thinking clearly was more difficult (it was also after 11:30 pm by the time I started). Even though it was about 3 am before I finished packing and re-reading some of the notes of encouragement, I knew I needed to get my main encouragement from the Lord…so I spent some time journaling/praying my thoughts to Him. I’ll share what I wrote, as I was indeed encouraged through it and perhaps some of you may find comfort as well:
Abba, Rara [Papa in Setswana], I need You. What just happened? It still seems so surreal that dad is gone. My dad died. What?! How can this be happening?! I’m just 27 and my dad is gone. It doesn’t seem right; it doesn’t seem real. And yet I know it’s real. My heart hurts and yet it still feels so surreal. Father hold me when the blinding shock gives way to the searing pain and yawning emptiness of missing the man You blessed me with, the man I am absolutely honored and privileged to call my father. Thank You Father for allowing me to have an earthly father who reflected Your unrelenting love, gentleness, and humility. How blessed am I to have experienced such love and affirmation, such tender care from a father who truly delighted in me, a father whose eyes would glisten from tears when I’d share how You’ve led, guided, and sustained me; a father so devoted to his bride and his children. Lord comfort Mom, Ryan, Roni and the rest of the family/friends as only You can. Lord help us all to grieve, to mourn—may the tears fall as long as they are needed to bring healing and restoration by Your grace. You are near to the brokenhearted.
Thank You for never leaving me and for reminding me that You are my Father. You are a Father to the fatherless. Lord You’ve been showing me that for years and here I am among the fatherless in Botswana finding myself fatherless. Not what I expected so soon and yet even now I know You will use this for good—this will help me identify with and share Your Father’s heart with the fatherless You’ve called me to reach. I love You and how You can bring beauty from the ashes. You will bring good from this for us left on this earth, and You’ve already brought good from it in terms of welcoming dad into Your inexplicable joy, Your all-encompassing embrace, serenaded by music purer than his ears ever heard here. Oh he’s loving singing his heart out with You, for You, in utter amazement and adoration of Your glory. And maybe he will be given a role as a chef there, helping prepare the great banquet. He was such a servant-hearted man here—I can only imagine his joy at being able to serve with no hindrances—to serve wholeheartedly in Your kingdom. And Lord I can’t wait to see how You’ve rewarded his selfless service while he graced this earth.
And how cool to think how I just showed him on Google Earth [satellite images] exactly where I live, even the room, and so from whatever vantage point that saints exactly “watch over” us, dad now knows exactly where I live J. I’ve got two fathers in heaven now watching over me, and just as someone prayed over me today, I sense they are both proud. Lord, give dad a hug and a BIG kiss from me. Wish I could still embrace the Papa Bear, but I know You can do it far better than me. And your embrace is everlasting. Hold Mom up by Your everlasting arms as well. Meet Ry with your all-sufficient grace. Give Roni hope and comfort through You. Comfort all who mourn his loss.
Lord You are my hope, my King, my Love. You are faithful. You are good. You will sustain us and carry us through. You will not leave us in our pain, but instead You will draw near to our broken hearts and bring healing. I love You. You are beautiful. Dad knows that now better than we do, for his faith is now met with sight. And his eyes can scarcely take in the beauty surrounding him. His tears are solely from overwhelmed awe, beholding Your glory, and experiencing Your unfiltered love for him. Unfathomable love for him. Lord help us to grasp Your love for us more and more. I love you Lord. I still love you Lord. I still say You are good. I still say You are faithful, and I trust that even this can be worked together for Your glory and the good of the Kingdom. Help us keep an eternal perspective—to focus on dad’s utmost joy and look forward to the day we are reunited. Hold us now as only You can. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“All My Hope”
Things in life can change so fast;
The future looks so unlike the past.
In just a moment things can change;
You’re left wondering how to rearrange.
Sometimes it’s hard to just find hope,
Especially when you’re just trying to cope.
When everything is crashing down,
How can you stand when there’s no ground?
Chorus:
But all I know is there is hope in the Rock I cling to
For I know that His love endures all things
Yesterday, and today, and tomorrow the same
All my hope is in the One who doesn’t change
The next morning after I was all ready to go, I felt the desire to get out my guitar and sing that song. So I sang it, as well as another song I wrote called “Light Breaks Through” about how when you die as a believer, it is an amazing reception into the Lord’s presence. Here’s the chorus:
Light breaks through and shines His rays
Darkness has to flee away
He saw Him face to face that day
He felt Him lift his head and say:
“There’s no more dying, no more tears,
No more crying, no more fears.
‘Cause I died to set you free,
So you’d be here now with Me.
‘Cause I love you, My child.
Come and stay here for awhile—
Forever, Amen. Forever, Amen.
[I typed the following on the flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta]:
The last time I was on this trans-Atlantic flight between Atlanta and Johannesburg (Feb 14 2010 when I left home for Botswana), a song had come on my music shuffle that mentions leaving your father’s house, leaving all you’ve known, and saying goodbye to your father and your mother in order to follow the Lord and His will for your life, out of love for Him. It had struck me back then how fitting it was for that day…the day when I did say goodbye to my father and mother to leave home for the mission field. Then I found out that the daily bible reading for that day included this passage:
Peter began to say to him, ‘See, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.’”—Mark 10:27-30
Wow…and now on this flight again, I see it is more fitting than I knew then. That day (Feb 14) was truly saying goodbye to my father. It was the last time I saw him alive. It seems so weird to type those words. I am still coming to terms with the reality of it. Though sometimes the reality of it hits me a bit more. Earlier on the flight was one of those moments where, despite my attempts to hold it in, the tears streamed down my face—one of those moments when reality was dawning. It reminded me of what dad had written to me while I was out in Colorado at MTI in January. I had purchased my flight for February 14, Valentine’s Day, and posted that as my facebook status. Cynthia, my youth pastor from when I was growing up, commented:
“So the Father is flying His girl out on Valentine’s Day is He?! How perfectly poetic ... smile”
Dad wrote me a message after that:
Cynthia's comment elicited a slight moistening to my ocular orbs. Reality is dawning. –dad
And now reality is dawning a bit more for me that he is gone…though I think I’m still mainly in shock and disbelief. But in those moments when reality dawns to a greater degree, I find my ocular orbs moistened as well…the tears welling up.
Yesterday was the first day of visitation at the funeral home and my aunt (dad’s sister Roni) and cousin Tessa just got here from England. We’ve got another visitation tonight and the funeral/celebration tomorrow at 11 am (for details on those, see two entries back). Thanks so much for every prayer, encouragement, card, gift, meal and/or visit. We feel very embraced by your love and support. We’re doing quite well, given the circumstances. God is faithful.
Love, Em
P.S. Since so many people have told me they enjoyed reading the emails with Dad I posted before, I thought I’d share some more. They are quite encouraging and entertaining! So I will post another entry right after this with those.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Off to the airport
Hello everyone,
I just have a quick minute to update you all. First off, I want to thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and support.
I leave for the airport in t-minus 15 minutes. Got a flight into Johannesburg on the opening day of the World Cup there (thank you God!) and will fly to Michigan via Atlanta. I will arrive home around noon tomorrow (Saturday). Ryan arrived home last night to be with my mom.
This trip coincides perfectly with my need for more Polident for my jaw appliance...which I cannot find here in Botswana. So there's a perk... ;)
Anyway, I treasure your comments and actually copied them into a document to be able to re-read them on the plane. It is helpful feeling surrounded by love and prayers.
I went for a run last night to the 'bush' so I could be alone with God at sunset. Well...alone until the herd of goats showed up. My heavenly Father has been holding me up. Last night, I re-read a lot of email correspondence with Dad and found much of it either meaningful or hilarious. I hope to share more when I'm home.
Ok, off I go...now I have to say goodbye to two of my housemates (they will be gone before I return)...and they've been here the whole time I've been here...so it's kinda like saying goodbye to family here too. Please pray for traveling mercies this busy World Cup time.
Thanks again for all your prayers and support!
love,
em
I just have a quick minute to update you all. First off, I want to thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and support.
I leave for the airport in t-minus 15 minutes. Got a flight into Johannesburg on the opening day of the World Cup there (thank you God!) and will fly to Michigan via Atlanta. I will arrive home around noon tomorrow (Saturday). Ryan arrived home last night to be with my mom.
This trip coincides perfectly with my need for more Polident for my jaw appliance...which I cannot find here in Botswana. So there's a perk... ;)
Anyway, I treasure your comments and actually copied them into a document to be able to re-read them on the plane. It is helpful feeling surrounded by love and prayers.
I went for a run last night to the 'bush' so I could be alone with God at sunset. Well...alone until the herd of goats showed up. My heavenly Father has been holding me up. Last night, I re-read a lot of email correspondence with Dad and found much of it either meaningful or hilarious. I hope to share more when I'm home.
Ok, off I go...now I have to say goodbye to two of my housemates (they will be gone before I return)...and they've been here the whole time I've been here...so it's kinda like saying goodbye to family here too. Please pray for traveling mercies this busy World Cup time.
Thanks again for all your prayers and support!
love,
em
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Sad news...
Just wanted to let you know that my dad passed away unexpectedly last night (in the middle of the night for me here). My mom called me this morning to break the news. I will be flying home as soon as I can. Here’s some descriptions from my mom and bro:
Hannah: lost my most beloved husband a few hours ago. He was at church for an evening men's study of the book Wild at Heart. During a small discussion group, he just slumped over, apparently of heart failure. He had a perfectly wonderful day, out in the spring sunshine, repainting the lawn table and chairs. He made me a simple, but scrumptious dinner, and off he went....
What a fitting place to leave this mortal sphere... in the Lord's House. He deeply loved the Lord his whole life, and quietly shared that rock solid faith with others. As someone said tonight, a very "gentle-man."
I'm still in a state of shock, I think. I keep expecting him to come through the front door... My gallant Englishman who swept my heart away within days of meeting him while on an exchange program in 1971 ... But tonight, he's rejoicing to meet his King and hug all those he loves who've gone ahead. TMO, My Sweet. xoxoxo
Ryan Liddiard The world has lost a hero. For those who knew him, he will live forever in our hearts and memories as the father, husband, and friend we all one day hope to be -- A loss that can never be replaced
He loved like each day was his first... lived like each day was his last, and each of us are better for having shared this life with him. I am fortunate enough to have called him Dad. I will never forget you, "Mr. Bus Driver, Sir"... how ever could we? You will be desperately missed!
Hugh Martin Albert Liddiard 2.23.1949 - 6.9.2010
…and Dad... you better serve them chocolate cupcakes for dessert at the Lord's table!
Em again: I think I am still in a state of shock too…I am thankful that Dad messaged me on facebook just hours before he passed away so after my mom broke the news I was able to read one last message from him (she knew he had sent it, and I hadn’t been to the office to check email since then). Earlier today when I thought to myself, “I don’t have a father…” I felt like my Heavenly Father was like, ‘Yes you do.’ I trust that my heavenly Father’s grace and comfort will sustain me through this. He’s held me through so much before.
My dad helped me see and understand what the Father’s love is like…he would tell me so often that he loves me that I sometimes had to tell him to stop…I get it! It was so much on his mind and in his heart that it got to the point where he would just have to say, “Em…” and I knew it meant, “I love you” would follow, even if he didn’t say it. Sometimes when I’d walk outside the house, he call “Em…” through the kitchen window and I’d turn and smile…he wouldn’t even have to say “I love you”…it was just known between us.
I just compiled the latest messages between us, and it’s kinda cool how in the last week or so, we had emailed or messaged almost every day. I felt I should send him a quick note yesterday to say how I’d been meaning to call home soon and that I love him. And last week or so, I’d just felt compelled to just call home while stuck in traffic just to say “I love you” to him and mom. Even though it’s expensive on my cell phone and I knew I couldn’t talk for long, I just had the urge to just call and say ‘I love you.’ Here’s some of the recent things he sent to me—it brings me comfort (and humor) to read them, so I thought I’d share:
May 11 email
Subject: Tuesday tidings
Em......
I love you.
dad:-)
May 25, 2010 at 4:35pm
Subject: guess
thats right!! -- love you sweetie
dad
Tuesday, June 1 email:
Good morning sweets
5.45 on a Tuesday morning. I see that you've just posted 'cow' pictures on facebook.
My animal experience is less visual and more physical, or even tactile.
Chester scratched to go out at about 4.50 and I was not quite as quick as he would have preferred. Nothing quite sets one's day off on the right foot as stepping boldly with the left foot into a pool of warm, aromatic dog urine.
But the day can only improve, I told myself, as I mopped with a bucket of hot bleach water.
And yes..... a picture and comment from my sweetie. Thank you!
My squishy foot memory fades.......
luv ya
dad :-)
June 1 email:
babe
I bet youse glad to be havin warm agfannies to be snuggleuppagus under the skeeter net.
The Official Government Meteorological Office Website says that June and July are the coldest months and that the forecast for Thursday for Mochudi is for a low of 37F.
Chilly showers in the early Friday morning ablutions.
Hot Chocolate and Mulled Pumpkin Juice will be the nightcaps of choice.
Stay warm
luv ya
dad :-)
June 2 email:
this morning was not so early, nor so moist.
warm hugs
dad
June 2 my (Em's) facebook status- so there I was...running when a massive bull with quite pointy horns approached from the opposite direction on the same dirt twin-track path. wisely, i stopped. the bull sauntered toward me until it reached a point where it stopped. we stared. then I started walking towards him to the right side, and he got the hint... and sauntered off, cowbell clanging, to the left. and i continued my run.
Dad's comment: "First you 'stare down' a Rock Hyrax, now a Greater Horned Bovine .. what next??"
Hugh Liddiard June 3 at 2:13pm
Babe - The reaction to your 'bull' story is based on the reality that 'we' do not see livestock up close and personal. We lead a sheltered, pampered and quite different lifestyle - and are overly confident in too many things and not open to what goes on around us. Faith and Religious awareness suffer from this 'self' mindset. We need to be made aware of the differences, and your stories and experiences which you share with everyone increase the scope of reality.
Keep the stories coming - it's good to see the world through your experiences.
luv ya, lots!
dad
Mon June 7 email:
The chickens in Botswana may cross the road in search of monkeys, their counterparts on 10th Ave. in Port Huron are still making raucous cries to greet the dawn, (or proclaim the expulsion of eggs ).
luv ya sweets
dad :-)
Hugh Liddiard June 8 at 6:35pm
the coffee bar pictures are great ..... candlelight pool!!
Do I detect visual evidence of your 'WINTER WARDROBE'?
Jacket, long pants and shoes??
luv ya babe
stay warm
dad:-)
Emily Liddiard June 9 at 1:45pm
yes, twas my wardrobe...though soon after this picture was taken i stripped off the coat, removed the long-sleeve undershirt to remain in a polo short-sleeve shirt, in which i suffered sunburn while eating lunch and now have a slight farmers tan. then i rolled up my pants to the knee as I was toasty. and so we use heat and A/C in the same day in the car.
i treated myself to a KFC brownie sundae since i was at the main mall to pick up a parcel from the post office and there is the KFC.
i keep meaning to call but been busy lately or the living room is occupied til late and i don't want to switch off the music or disturb the readers therein. love you!!!
Hugh Liddiard June 9 at 2:50pm
I am curious, my sweet, with the approach of the solstice, when the sun is at its zenith in the Northern Hemisphere and daylight starts at 4am and lasts til almost 10pm, what happens to the length of day in Botswana?
Getting a 'Farmer's tan' is indicative that the 'Winter Sun', tho' it may be low in the sky, can still have an effect on the delicate of pigmentation. It should be a reminder to use - I was gonna say 'protection' - but I didn't think that was quite proper, so -sunscreen (SPF lots).
Are you disturbing the status quo within the domicile with your proclivity for extended hours of wakefulness? If you recall, upon your arrival, the general population was a-bed by 8.30pm and you had to whisper on the 'phone lest you rouse your roomies from slumber. Now, you can hardly make a simple telephonic communication because of raucous music and wild party-time activities (page turnin' an' the like).
My, how times have changed.
mother is up so I gotta let her read this..... luv ya back..dad
So that last one was written just hours before he passed away. It still seems so surreal. My mom has people around her to comfort her...I think it is the grace of God that it didn't work out for them to move to MN a month ago...so now my mom is with people she's known forever in MI and dad's funeral can be in MI where everyone knows him. Ryan's work is flying him to be with my mom...and I'll get there probably Saturday or Sunday and stay for like a few weeks or a month perhaps so I can get my jaw looked at by the specialists since it's still bugging me a bit.
I've got lots of support around me here too, don't worry.
But of course, prayers are appreciated. And prayers for safe travels home. It looks like I’ll be flying into Johannesburg tomorrow which is the day the World Cup starts in Jo’burg…so please pray for smooth travels.
i gotta get back to finding flights. thanks so much for your prayers.
love,
Em
Hannah: lost my most beloved husband a few hours ago. He was at church for an evening men's study of the book Wild at Heart. During a small discussion group, he just slumped over, apparently of heart failure. He had a perfectly wonderful day, out in the spring sunshine, repainting the lawn table and chairs. He made me a simple, but scrumptious dinner, and off he went....
What a fitting place to leave this mortal sphere... in the Lord's House. He deeply loved the Lord his whole life, and quietly shared that rock solid faith with others. As someone said tonight, a very "gentle-man."
I'm still in a state of shock, I think. I keep expecting him to come through the front door... My gallant Englishman who swept my heart away within days of meeting him while on an exchange program in 1971 ... But tonight, he's rejoicing to meet his King and hug all those he loves who've gone ahead. TMO, My Sweet. xoxoxo
Ryan Liddiard The world has lost a hero. For those who knew him, he will live forever in our hearts and memories as the father, husband, and friend we all one day hope to be -- A loss that can never be replaced
He loved like each day was his first... lived like each day was his last, and each of us are better for having shared this life with him. I am fortunate enough to have called him Dad. I will never forget you, "Mr. Bus Driver, Sir"... how ever could we? You will be desperately missed!
Hugh Martin Albert Liddiard 2.23.1949 - 6.9.2010
…and Dad... you better serve them chocolate cupcakes for dessert at the Lord's table!
Em again: I think I am still in a state of shock too…I am thankful that Dad messaged me on facebook just hours before he passed away so after my mom broke the news I was able to read one last message from him (she knew he had sent it, and I hadn’t been to the office to check email since then). Earlier today when I thought to myself, “I don’t have a father…” I felt like my Heavenly Father was like, ‘Yes you do.’ I trust that my heavenly Father’s grace and comfort will sustain me through this. He’s held me through so much before.
My dad helped me see and understand what the Father’s love is like…he would tell me so often that he loves me that I sometimes had to tell him to stop…I get it! It was so much on his mind and in his heart that it got to the point where he would just have to say, “Em…” and I knew it meant, “I love you” would follow, even if he didn’t say it. Sometimes when I’d walk outside the house, he call “Em…” through the kitchen window and I’d turn and smile…he wouldn’t even have to say “I love you”…it was just known between us.
I just compiled the latest messages between us, and it’s kinda cool how in the last week or so, we had emailed or messaged almost every day. I felt I should send him a quick note yesterday to say how I’d been meaning to call home soon and that I love him. And last week or so, I’d just felt compelled to just call home while stuck in traffic just to say “I love you” to him and mom. Even though it’s expensive on my cell phone and I knew I couldn’t talk for long, I just had the urge to just call and say ‘I love you.’ Here’s some of the recent things he sent to me—it brings me comfort (and humor) to read them, so I thought I’d share:
May 11 email
Subject: Tuesday tidings
Em......
I love you.
dad:-)
May 25, 2010 at 4:35pm
Subject: guess
thats right!! -- love you sweetie
dad
Tuesday, June 1 email:
Good morning sweets
5.45 on a Tuesday morning. I see that you've just posted 'cow' pictures on facebook.
My animal experience is less visual and more physical, or even tactile.
Chester scratched to go out at about 4.50 and I was not quite as quick as he would have preferred. Nothing quite sets one's day off on the right foot as stepping boldly with the left foot into a pool of warm, aromatic dog urine.
But the day can only improve, I told myself, as I mopped with a bucket of hot bleach water.
And yes..... a picture and comment from my sweetie. Thank you!
My squishy foot memory fades.......
luv ya
dad :-)
June 1 email:
babe
I bet youse glad to be havin warm agfannies to be snuggleuppagus under the skeeter net.
The Official Government Meteorological Office Website says that June and July are the coldest months and that the forecast for Thursday for Mochudi is for a low of 37F.
Chilly showers in the early Friday morning ablutions.
Hot Chocolate and Mulled Pumpkin Juice will be the nightcaps of choice.
Stay warm
luv ya
dad :-)
June 2 email:
this morning was not so early, nor so moist.
warm hugs
dad
June 2 my (Em's) facebook status- so there I was...running when a massive bull with quite pointy horns approached from the opposite direction on the same dirt twin-track path. wisely, i stopped. the bull sauntered toward me until it reached a point where it stopped. we stared. then I started walking towards him to the right side, and he got the hint... and sauntered off, cowbell clanging, to the left. and i continued my run.
Dad's comment: "First you 'stare down' a Rock Hyrax, now a Greater Horned Bovine .. what next??"
Hugh Liddiard June 3 at 2:13pm
Babe - The reaction to your 'bull' story is based on the reality that 'we' do not see livestock up close and personal. We lead a sheltered, pampered and quite different lifestyle - and are overly confident in too many things and not open to what goes on around us. Faith and Religious awareness suffer from this 'self' mindset. We need to be made aware of the differences, and your stories and experiences which you share with everyone increase the scope of reality.
Keep the stories coming - it's good to see the world through your experiences.
luv ya, lots!
dad
Mon June 7 email:
The chickens in Botswana may cross the road in search of monkeys, their counterparts on 10th Ave. in Port Huron are still making raucous cries to greet the dawn, (or proclaim the expulsion of eggs ).
luv ya sweets
dad :-)
Hugh Liddiard June 8 at 6:35pm
the coffee bar pictures are great ..... candlelight pool!!
Do I detect visual evidence of your 'WINTER WARDROBE'?
Jacket, long pants and shoes??
luv ya babe
stay warm
dad:-)
Emily Liddiard June 9 at 1:45pm
yes, twas my wardrobe...though soon after this picture was taken i stripped off the coat, removed the long-sleeve undershirt to remain in a polo short-sleeve shirt, in which i suffered sunburn while eating lunch and now have a slight farmers tan. then i rolled up my pants to the knee as I was toasty. and so we use heat and A/C in the same day in the car.
i treated myself to a KFC brownie sundae since i was at the main mall to pick up a parcel from the post office and there is the KFC.
i keep meaning to call but been busy lately or the living room is occupied til late and i don't want to switch off the music or disturb the readers therein. love you!!!
Hugh Liddiard June 9 at 2:50pm
I am curious, my sweet, with the approach of the solstice, when the sun is at its zenith in the Northern Hemisphere and daylight starts at 4am and lasts til almost 10pm, what happens to the length of day in Botswana?
Getting a 'Farmer's tan' is indicative that the 'Winter Sun', tho' it may be low in the sky, can still have an effect on the delicate of pigmentation. It should be a reminder to use - I was gonna say 'protection' - but I didn't think that was quite proper, so -sunscreen (SPF lots).
Are you disturbing the status quo within the domicile with your proclivity for extended hours of wakefulness? If you recall, upon your arrival, the general population was a-bed by 8.30pm and you had to whisper on the 'phone lest you rouse your roomies from slumber. Now, you can hardly make a simple telephonic communication because of raucous music and wild party-time activities (page turnin' an' the like).
My, how times have changed.
mother is up so I gotta let her read this..... luv ya back..dad
So that last one was written just hours before he passed away. It still seems so surreal. My mom has people around her to comfort her...I think it is the grace of God that it didn't work out for them to move to MN a month ago...so now my mom is with people she's known forever in MI and dad's funeral can be in MI where everyone knows him. Ryan's work is flying him to be with my mom...and I'll get there probably Saturday or Sunday and stay for like a few weeks or a month perhaps so I can get my jaw looked at by the specialists since it's still bugging me a bit.
I've got lots of support around me here too, don't worry.
But of course, prayers are appreciated. And prayers for safe travels home. It looks like I’ll be flying into Johannesburg tomorrow which is the day the World Cup starts in Jo’burg…so please pray for smooth travels.
i gotta get back to finding flights. thanks so much for your prayers.
love,
Em
Friday, June 4, 2010
Stories of Hurting and Hope
Dumelang,
I mentioned last time about focusing on the “one” and loving kids individually. I felt like I got to do that for a couple kids on Saturday when I volunteered at the Baylor Center Teen Club for HIV+ youth in Gaborone. It meets monthly for about 4-5 hours. They split the teens into two groups (younger and older), and one group has a life-skills teaching one month while the other has a fun activity. This month the older youth learned about teen pregnancy while I went with the younger group to the library and the national museum. We had worksheets for them, like a scavenger hunt to find the answers.
On the walk downtown from the Baylor Center, I walked in the back with a 13 year old girl who walked with a limp. So we had a good 15 minutes to talk. It turns out she goes to one of the schools where YFC is about to start up a club and where the South African YFC dance/drama team performed in March. Her face lit up when she remembered that. She found it hard to believe that the woman in one of the dramas could forgive someone who killed her husband and son (it’s based on a true story from South Africa where a woman forgave the murderer of her husband and son and asked to take in the murderer as her own son…and they embraced in tears in the court room). I shared that it was because she had experienced forgiveness from Christ that she had the grace and ability to forgive.
I shared how it was powerful to me – in fact, the first time I saw the program had been at her school and it had brought tears to my eyes—especially because it hit home with how I also had been led to extend forgiveness and mercy in a court room and embraced the man who hit us on the freeway. So I was able to share a bit of my story with her too.
Later, after lunch, a quiet sad-looking young boy from the club came up to me and asked if I could help him – he wants to share something with his classmates at school, but wasn’t sure how. When I asked what he wants to share, he pulled out a tattered notebook and had me read his handwritten paragraph. I read about how he has never met his dad and doesn’t even know who he is. He has a sister, but she and his mother died on the same day in 2001, and now he is alone.
Wow…and don’t forget, this is a boy who is HIV+ positive himself. What do you say to that?! After saying, “I’m so sorry…” and placing my hand on his shoulder because I was at a loss for words, I gently asked some more questions and found out he lives with his aunt and uncle. It seems like it was a matter where the mother died in childbirth with the sister and then the baby did not survive longer than that same day. Only one close friend of his knows about his mom and sister, but he wants all his classmates to know. I asked him if it’s hard for him to talk about it since he showed me the written page instead of verbalizing it to me, and he agreed that it’s hard for him to talk about it.
So we worked out different possibilities that he could run by his teacher (who knows the situation) for how he could show his classmates what he had written. I warned him that his classmates may not know how to respond and may laugh—he said he doesn’t care how they react; he just wants to tell them. I encouraged him to talk to his teacher and go for it if he feels it is what he needs to do. At the time, I didn’t mention that I’d be praying for him, but later I tried to find him to tell him, but he was already gone or in a meeting. But I have been praying, and I will look for him next month to see how it went and how he’s doing.
Then on Tuesday, I got a text message from one of the three Face the Nation volunteers for whom I’m a prayer partner (she is a 20 year old university student who will be teaching the AIDS prevention curriculum in Molefi School in Mochudi starting in about a week). She let me know that her grandma had passed away. This is one who has already lost her mom 10 years ago, and this is her maternal grandmother who has acted like a mother to her since then. She has been a rock of refuge to her and her siblings.
And in the same week, two of her other extended family members died. A little girl distant relative was buried last weekend, and this weekend she will attend two funerals—for her grandmother and her cousin’s wife. Yesterday I was able to meet with her, hear more of the story, and to pray with her. She said she cannot sleep much at all but that God is helping her through. So if you feel so led, prayers for her and her family are certainly appreciated.
For some more uplifting news, there is a teacher at Molefi School in Mochudi who works with blind students in the school. She wants to help Face the Nation reach them more effectively and work with YFC to help follow them up. Persons with disabilities are so much more vulnerable than the able-bodied and this then makes them more vulnerable to becoming HIV+. Since much of Face the Nation’s curriculum is very visual, they are working together to organize extra sessions for the blind students. The volunteers will work with the Special Needs educators to achieve this.
The teacher wants to translate into Braille the follow-up booklet “Choose to Wait” which is given to every student that signs an abstinence pledge card. YFC was instrumental in the creation of that booklet and so George gave her the contact info of the publishers so she can start the translation work. This is also exciting because we can give them to the kids at the School of the Blind in Mochudi, where YFC works on Mondays!
Also, at the same school where we helped Face the Nation gain access to test out the computer-based HIV prevention curriculum with our PACT club members, we also were able to secure an opening for the Face the Nation dance/drama team (they call them rally teams) to perform for the whole school on Wednesday. It was their first performance and a time to gain experience and be critiqued. Here is the report sent out by Face the Nation:
These teams gained some valuable experience by doing a rally at the school. They were very nervous but did well. All five of our previous rally-team leaders, two seasoned ex rally-team members and one rally-team coach were in attendance to critique the performance. I am always amazed at how God uses us in spite of ourselves, our weaknesses, fears and shortcomings. His plan is to use man to reach man. He has no plan B. God came through for us and we had a number of young people counselled, 27 gave their lives to Christ and most of these also signed abstinence pledge cards. They will be followed up by Youth for Christ, who go into that school on a regular basis.
The whole student body is only 78 students, so over a third of the school gave their lives to Christ!! So now George and I are praying about how to follow them up and disciple them.
Also, prisoners at four prisons nearby who saw the outreach by Canadian YFC singer Sam Rolland have started the YFC follow-up bible study course. Prison fellowship staff also want to make the bible studies available to the children of prisoners as a means of reconciliation between the embittered children and the imprisoned parents. So that’s an exciting open door!
Now I am off to a True Love Waits training so I can be certified to teach follow-up in schools after Face the Nation leaves or just in general if a school wants abstinence teaching. I was invited to attend it by the Face the Nation staff, and so I’m excited to learn more.
If I don’t write another update before Tuesday, prayers are appreciated for our first time at the other private school where we’ll be leading worship and sharing a short message in the auditorium on Tuesday morning. Exciting times!!
Blessings,
Em
P.S. Believe it or not, it gets cold here. My toes were numb yesterday for a few hours. It has been dipping into the high 30s and low 40s Fahrenheit and buildings here have no heat or insulation. So from chilly Botswana, I say “Go siame!”- go well!
I mentioned last time about focusing on the “one” and loving kids individually. I felt like I got to do that for a couple kids on Saturday when I volunteered at the Baylor Center Teen Club for HIV+ youth in Gaborone. It meets monthly for about 4-5 hours. They split the teens into two groups (younger and older), and one group has a life-skills teaching one month while the other has a fun activity. This month the older youth learned about teen pregnancy while I went with the younger group to the library and the national museum. We had worksheets for them, like a scavenger hunt to find the answers.
On the walk downtown from the Baylor Center, I walked in the back with a 13 year old girl who walked with a limp. So we had a good 15 minutes to talk. It turns out she goes to one of the schools where YFC is about to start up a club and where the South African YFC dance/drama team performed in March. Her face lit up when she remembered that. She found it hard to believe that the woman in one of the dramas could forgive someone who killed her husband and son (it’s based on a true story from South Africa where a woman forgave the murderer of her husband and son and asked to take in the murderer as her own son…and they embraced in tears in the court room). I shared that it was because she had experienced forgiveness from Christ that she had the grace and ability to forgive.
I shared how it was powerful to me – in fact, the first time I saw the program had been at her school and it had brought tears to my eyes—especially because it hit home with how I also had been led to extend forgiveness and mercy in a court room and embraced the man who hit us on the freeway. So I was able to share a bit of my story with her too.
Later, after lunch, a quiet sad-looking young boy from the club came up to me and asked if I could help him – he wants to share something with his classmates at school, but wasn’t sure how. When I asked what he wants to share, he pulled out a tattered notebook and had me read his handwritten paragraph. I read about how he has never met his dad and doesn’t even know who he is. He has a sister, but she and his mother died on the same day in 2001, and now he is alone.
Wow…and don’t forget, this is a boy who is HIV+ positive himself. What do you say to that?! After saying, “I’m so sorry…” and placing my hand on his shoulder because I was at a loss for words, I gently asked some more questions and found out he lives with his aunt and uncle. It seems like it was a matter where the mother died in childbirth with the sister and then the baby did not survive longer than that same day. Only one close friend of his knows about his mom and sister, but he wants all his classmates to know. I asked him if it’s hard for him to talk about it since he showed me the written page instead of verbalizing it to me, and he agreed that it’s hard for him to talk about it.
So we worked out different possibilities that he could run by his teacher (who knows the situation) for how he could show his classmates what he had written. I warned him that his classmates may not know how to respond and may laugh—he said he doesn’t care how they react; he just wants to tell them. I encouraged him to talk to his teacher and go for it if he feels it is what he needs to do. At the time, I didn’t mention that I’d be praying for him, but later I tried to find him to tell him, but he was already gone or in a meeting. But I have been praying, and I will look for him next month to see how it went and how he’s doing.
Then on Tuesday, I got a text message from one of the three Face the Nation volunteers for whom I’m a prayer partner (she is a 20 year old university student who will be teaching the AIDS prevention curriculum in Molefi School in Mochudi starting in about a week). She let me know that her grandma had passed away. This is one who has already lost her mom 10 years ago, and this is her maternal grandmother who has acted like a mother to her since then. She has been a rock of refuge to her and her siblings.
And in the same week, two of her other extended family members died. A little girl distant relative was buried last weekend, and this weekend she will attend two funerals—for her grandmother and her cousin’s wife. Yesterday I was able to meet with her, hear more of the story, and to pray with her. She said she cannot sleep much at all but that God is helping her through. So if you feel so led, prayers for her and her family are certainly appreciated.
For some more uplifting news, there is a teacher at Molefi School in Mochudi who works with blind students in the school. She wants to help Face the Nation reach them more effectively and work with YFC to help follow them up. Persons with disabilities are so much more vulnerable than the able-bodied and this then makes them more vulnerable to becoming HIV+. Since much of Face the Nation’s curriculum is very visual, they are working together to organize extra sessions for the blind students. The volunteers will work with the Special Needs educators to achieve this.
The teacher wants to translate into Braille the follow-up booklet “Choose to Wait” which is given to every student that signs an abstinence pledge card. YFC was instrumental in the creation of that booklet and so George gave her the contact info of the publishers so she can start the translation work. This is also exciting because we can give them to the kids at the School of the Blind in Mochudi, where YFC works on Mondays!
Also, at the same school where we helped Face the Nation gain access to test out the computer-based HIV prevention curriculum with our PACT club members, we also were able to secure an opening for the Face the Nation dance/drama team (they call them rally teams) to perform for the whole school on Wednesday. It was their first performance and a time to gain experience and be critiqued. Here is the report sent out by Face the Nation:
These teams gained some valuable experience by doing a rally at the school. They were very nervous but did well. All five of our previous rally-team leaders, two seasoned ex rally-team members and one rally-team coach were in attendance to critique the performance. I am always amazed at how God uses us in spite of ourselves, our weaknesses, fears and shortcomings. His plan is to use man to reach man. He has no plan B. God came through for us and we had a number of young people counselled, 27 gave their lives to Christ and most of these also signed abstinence pledge cards. They will be followed up by Youth for Christ, who go into that school on a regular basis.
The whole student body is only 78 students, so over a third of the school gave their lives to Christ!! So now George and I are praying about how to follow them up and disciple them.
Also, prisoners at four prisons nearby who saw the outreach by Canadian YFC singer Sam Rolland have started the YFC follow-up bible study course. Prison fellowship staff also want to make the bible studies available to the children of prisoners as a means of reconciliation between the embittered children and the imprisoned parents. So that’s an exciting open door!
Now I am off to a True Love Waits training so I can be certified to teach follow-up in schools after Face the Nation leaves or just in general if a school wants abstinence teaching. I was invited to attend it by the Face the Nation staff, and so I’m excited to learn more.
If I don’t write another update before Tuesday, prayers are appreciated for our first time at the other private school where we’ll be leading worship and sharing a short message in the auditorium on Tuesday morning. Exciting times!!
Blessings,
Em
P.S. Believe it or not, it gets cold here. My toes were numb yesterday for a few hours. It has been dipping into the high 30s and low 40s Fahrenheit and buildings here have no heat or insulation. So from chilly Botswana, I say “Go siame!”- go well!
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