Greetings, everyone! Sorry for the late part 2 update! I have some important things to share, so let's jump into it:
As many of you know, my wonderful grandmother, Marilyn Jenkins, had passed away on December 26, 2023. She was truly special to me and was one of my biggest supporters in my mission in Japan. As a child and as an adult, I always loved her for her warm heart, gentle humor, and her love of the Lord and for people. One of the hardest things about being a missionary is not being around when bad things happen to the ones you love back in the USA, and unable to be there to be with them or help them. Every time I visited her, I made sure to spend lots of time with her, knowing that there was no guarantee she would be around the next visit. One of my personal biggest regrets is that she never got to meet Misako in person, someone I so wanted her to meet. Now, I will have to wait until we reunite in heaven to introduce her to my Grandma.
One thing I am so grateful for is that on December 25th, Japan time, while I was walking in Sendai, my cousin William was able to call me and allow me to have a final word with Grandma while she was still conscious. She had been unresponsive for days prior, but was able to be awake up long enough so I could finally talk with her. If I called too soon or too late, I never would have the chance to say goodbye to her, since the next day, I was going to fly out of Japan with my DTS students for the Thailand mission trip. It truly was the Lord's blessing, even in the midst of heartbreak to have that precious last moment with my wonderful Grandma.
During the mission trip, Pastor Marshall of Lakeside Christian Church graciously invited me to speak at Grandma's memorial, which would have cut into the mission trip time, but after much prayer and console, I accepted. I knew the Lord wanted me to be there to grieve with my family and pay my last respects to my Grandmother. Leaving my team a few days before we all left Thailand was tough, especially saying goodbye to Misako, but I knew my co-leader, Joshua, and the rest of the students could handle their remaining time in Thailand, which they did. So near the end of January, I stayed in San Diego for two weeks to attend Grandmother's memorial.
The memorial was beautiful. My sister and many of my cousins flew in from all over to be there, some of whom I haven't seen since I left for Japan. At the service, there were sharing of stories, memories, and times of joy. Many tears were shed and even moments of laughter. My cousin Ricky put together a wonderful video in honor of grandma's legacy, and I can safely say there wasn't a dry eye in the congregation during its showing. Finally, at the end of the service, the entire family drove up to a campsite my Grandfather owned, Featherstone, and we all spread the ashes of Grandma and Grandpa all across the site, as requested by them.
Sad as it was, I am thankful the Lord made a way for me to be there to honor Grandma one last time. Thank you to everyone who participated, and attended the memorial, and to all those who were apart of the life of Marilyn Jenkins. さようなら、おばあちゃん。
Many of you already know this, but for those who don't: I am engaged to Misako! I proposed to her on the 17th, and she said yes! I will be sharing details soon, but we are still in the planning stage of the wedding prep, but what I can share is we also desire to visit America in September of this year, Lord willing! Please be praying for us as we are entering this new, exciting, and a little scary season. In honor of our one year anniversary as a couple, and out of respect for my grandmother, I will write more about our engagement and upcoming wedding on the first week of April! Thank you all for your continued support and prayers!
Ecclesiastes 3:4-5
"a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing,"
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