May 27th 2014
This last weekend I spent time with my extended family in Portland. It was our annual "Cox family reunion." Normally, most of my stories I write on my blog have to do with students. But since my family is a big reason I am able to continue working with students, I just want to share a quick story about a moment that really moved me this last weekend.
I was sitting next to two of my aunts, the oldest of my aunts, Rose, and the youngest, Connie. Aunt Rose asked Aunt Connie why she liked to watch the Times Square Church Services on Sundays (7am) before she goes to her own church service. Aunt Connie replied by sharing how when she had decided to turn back to God and didn't know how to start over again, the Lord had reminded her of David Wilkerson, who she'd seen in person, share a message after watching a screening of the Cross and the Switchblade. "Mom had taken me there," Aunt Connie said. Shortly after this, tears began to fall down Aunt Connie's cheeks as she remembered my grandmother and the impact her love had made on her life and her new-found walk with the Lord. Aunt Rose, put her hand on top of the top of Aunt Connie's head and said "She thought you were amazing. You were so special to her."
As I watched Aunt Rose comfort and encourage Aunt Connie in the same way that my MeMe (grandmother) would have done, I almost cried myself.
The students in my life are attracted to this same kind of family love. I can easily show it to them, because it's been shown to me.
Another blessing this last week was a text I received from Silu! (I wrote about her in my April/May update, if you'd like to receive this update please let me know.) I was delighted when she asked if she and her mother could go to the coast with me! I later found out it was her birthday the next day so I sneaked in buying a gift for her. Silu, her mother, Maria (the daughter of Jenny, a MDiv student from China), Clara (visiting scholar who lives in my home, Danqing (teacher in Linfield college with whom I've been building a relationship) and I had a wonderful time together from talking, to climbing sand dunes, to making s’mores. Thanks to Loren who helped with this trip as well!