We spent this past weekend with my sister, Amy and her family in Lynchburg, VA. The trip served two purposes. One, to celebrate my niece, Emma's 10th Birthday, and two, to share our ministry during Amy's Sunday School class at Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Every Ministry Partnership trip has its highs and lows, but this trip was mostly highs. It was a delight to spend time with my beautiful nieces and share in their lives. It was so great to catch up with my brother, Sam and his family, and to see my sister, Marita and her kids. The time with my siblings was refreshing and rewarding, and I am thankful for the opportunity I had to simply be myself with my brother and sisters. These people know better than anyone the journey I have been on for the past 13 years, and it was awesome to be welcomed as a missionary into my sister's and brother's church.
When we were presenting to my sister, Amy's Sunday School class I tried hard to avert my eyes from her's. I knew if I caught her eye I would become a puddle of emotion. I failed desperately at this task. I am not sure why I became so emotional in front of my older sister's class, but I think it has a lot to do with the way she was looking at me. She was so proud.
Amy is 9-years older than me. She named me, Megan Rose. She allowed me to sleep in the same bed with her until I was way too old, and then shared her bed with me on college breaks until she was a married woman. My earliest childhood memories are with my sister Amy, and my most poignant adult memories have her at my side.
This past Sunday, in the car when we were alone, Amy simply said to me in her soft, sweet voice, "I am so proud of you." Those words mean the world to me, but what I was unable to say to her was, she should be equally as proud of herself. I could not ever be where I am in life, or ministry if it were not for her love and support. If I had not had her to idolize as a little girl, to aspire to be like as a young woman, to learn from as a young mother and wife, and to emulate as a daughter of Christ, I would not be where I am today on my journey.
I was not able to say how equally proud I am of my big sister. I am proud of the daughters she is putting out into the world. I am proud of how she is the first person to jump into her car and come to the aid of anybody who is in need. I am proud of her loving heart, and of her quick humor. I am proud of how she stands her ground in a sweet and gentle way. In many ways I hope to be just like her when I finish growing up, mostly because,.....she tries to be just like Jesus.
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