August 23rd is an important date in my family’s history. My parents got married on this day in 1975, so even though I wouldn’t be part of the family for another decade, their choices and commitments on this day shaped my life in every way.

On this day, one year ago, I was already living out of suitcases, planning my move to Haiti. I was finishing my final weeks of office work, and couch-hopping, apartment-sitting, friend-mooching my way through the days of transition after selling my house and putting in my notice at work. I’d taken a couple days off of work to visit my sister and her family in their new home in Roseau, MN. As they were still moving in, we were all sleeping on the floor that week.

In the midst of the excitement and chaos, my dad had continued to get sicker. I was getting text messages from my mom on this day last year about how my dad’s skin was yellow and she was making him go back to the doctor and demand some tests. Then she started evading my questions and finally responded that she wanted to talk to my sister and I together.

So, on this day, one year ago, over a speaker phone call with my sister and brother in law, we found out my dad was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a blood and bone marrow cancer that had gone undetected in his system for possibly three years already.

I’ve never been an appropriate emotions in the moment kind of girl, so I was a bit stunned, but my mind went immediately to how this would affect my plans. Could I still even go? Would I? All my ties had already been cut. I was effectively unemployed and homeless, plane ticket in hand.

But on some other random day, probably three years back, I sat at Grace Church, uncomfortable and a little bored, sweat pouring out of every inch of my skin, surrounded by worship in an unfamiliar language, and I told God that if He called me here, I’d come.

On another random day, maybe two years ago, at the home for sick and dying babies, I watched a friend patiently feeding a child with Down Syndrome, and God spoke clearly to me that He didn’t actually need me to take care of my family. He’d continue to take care of my brother if I wasn’t around for him.

On one random afternoon, maybe 29-30 years ago, I heard God’s still small voice for the first time that I can remember, as I sang out worship songs on our backyard swing set.

There have been many random days and moments throughout my childhood and adult life when I made good choices and when I didn’t. But none of those moments could have happened without two people committing their lives and future family to God on this day, 44 years ago.

On this day, one year ago, some bad news left me rattled. But, ultimately, I decided, with the support of many friends and family members and peace straight from God, to move forward with my plans and go to Haiti.

On this actual day, my dad is doing so good! He takes very powerful and expensive medication, but he has energy again and we aren’t collectively feeling the weight of a death sentence diagnosis anymore.

On this actual day, one of my sisters is expecting my newest niece to be born any moment. 😀

On this day, I am grateful.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:9

Oh, and because I should include a few pictures from my current life… there are some really random shots attached.