Saying Good-Bye

Today, August 14, 2019 is a special day. There have been other special days. The day when I found out I’m going to be a father. The day I held each of my grandchildren (so far) the first time! The day I led three of my children in the covenant of Christian marriage. Today is no less special. Today is the day my oldest “child” is leaving Canada for what is planned to be a two-year period, and quite possibly for much longer.

I’ve been asked a few times how I feel about my daughter packing up and moving to Tanzania. Am I nervous? Am I worried? Do I have mixed feelings?

I can say I am 100% confident and comfortable with what Nora is doing and where Nora is heading. This is true for several reasons.

1. Ever since Nora was born (as is the case for all of our children), Nora has belonged to God. Yes, Heather and I raised her, protected her, educated her, etc, etc, and of course we love her dearly and will miss her greatly.... BUT Nora is a gift from God and belongs to God. Period. We do not “own” her. We have been privileged to raise her and have her as our firstborn. We are delighted to have had this opportunity - and we look forward to more blessings with her in the future. But in the end, she belongs to God. She always has.
2. Ever since Nora was a young child, she had an interest in serving the Lord in missions. Perhaps it was just a childish thought, but it was there. She might not even remember it. I do. After one of our missionary services, Nora told me that one day she would like to be a missionary. There is something in her heart that compels her in this direction. She loves the Lord and is passionate about others being able to know and love the Lord.
3. Ever since Nora has been a young adult, she has been preparing for this. First through college, then university, then working to keep herself out of debt, then more university, then preparation and training specific to this field, then two years (or more) of raising support. She has not just imagined this last week. She is as well prepared as anyone her age could possibly be. Furthermore, she has already traveled to many parts of the world.
4. Ever since Nora has graduated university she has been careful not to “love the things” of this world. Sure she enjoys nice things, as we all do, but they are not her pursuit. She is willing to sacrifice; she has been willing to do without; she has been willing to trust God with her future; giving up on a secure job with a good income that would have enabled her to acquire much. That’s a pretty tough thing to say “no” to. But she did.
5. Ever since Nora has announced her intention to serve with Wycliffe there has been growing support (prayer and financial) for her to be able to go. Nora has reported how people have come forth, sacrificially, to support her. I am so grateful to all of these people. I don’t know who you all are (that’s not something I’ve asked or been told) but I am indebted to you for your support for Nora.

So Nora, I am excited for you. You are called of God for this; and we are all extremely proud of you. You are well prepared. You have the right heart. And while no one of us knows what the future holds, we know with confidence that you are in God’s hands; and we know that there is not a better place to be.

Of course we will miss you. Who am I going to go tumbling down stairs with? Who am I going to poke while going down the road? Who will be my entertainment officer? And how can I forget that first Chilkoot hike you and I did together.

Nora, I am virtually bursting with pride because of you. Not in a “look at me” way, but in a “look at what God has done in your life” way. And this is only the beginning. Blessings on you Nora. Safe travels. You are already missed and I look forward to your return in God’s time.

Your dad, always.

PS: If anyone would like to read more about Nora’s work in Tanzania, perhaps get her updates; please see this link.