"That's why God made the Church"

We finally arrived home yesterday morning around 5:30 am...driving those 950 miles reminded me again why we usually FLY to Georgia!

I want to backtrack just little bit and recap our week in Georgia. We finally arrived in Athens last Friday around 6pm. Since Papa had just died that morning, we were actually the first family members to the house (besides the ones who already lived in Athens.) I am so happy to have had those hours because I was able to sit and talk with my grandmother without a lot of interruption. Papa had actually written out memoirs in the last several months that no one had ever seen before. My grandmother and sat up on the bed where he died and read through the amazing stories of his life. A lot were memories of his childhood during the great depression, some were from World War 2, and others were from his adult life.

Aunts, Uncles, and cousins started arriving on Saturday, and let me tell you, it was a house FULL. There were 52 of us there on Saturday evening for dinner. A man from the church owns a bbq restaurant and donated food for all of us. There was much love, laughter & sharing of tears and memories throughout the day. It was a blessing.

You may remember from my last post Papa had requested he didn't want a memorial service. The elders and preachers called my grandmother on Friday night and asked if they could dedicate Sunday Worship service to him. The service was beautiful and so special. You can go to http://www.campusviewchurch.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=87 and download the speaking portion of the service from April 13th "Why we are Here." They had an incredible luncheon prepared for all us after church which was amazing.
I received a call on Monday from my sweet friends from Grapevine telling me they wanted to organize food for our family this week....again, overwhelmed by the love and generosity of Christian family.

Last night I was speaking to my sister Rachel on the phone about the love and generosity people have shown us during this difficult time. My sister is a believer, but hasn't always been the most committed to church or attendance. She stated that through all of this, she finally understood why God made the church...Because they are family who is there for you through happy and sad times. They watch your house and feed your cat when you have to suddenly leave town. They teach your Bible classes and tie up loose ends. They send you flowers to brighten your day. They bring you food because they know how emotionally drained you are. They give you hugs right when you need it. They call and offer plane fare in case you want to stay with your family longer. God knew we needed the church. He knew that life on this earth would not always be easy. In his infinite wisdom, he provided a place where people with no blood relation could come together and be family. Rachel said she was inspired to do the same for other people. To bring people who are lost in so they could experience the saving grace of Jesus and be a part of His family. Amen.

Papa playing the harmonica for Annaleigh last ChristmasIn love for 62 years. A true testament to Christian marriage

At Rachel's college graduation. He was there for every big (and small) event in our lives.