Legacy

Today I had the honor of serving at Compassion International.  During the regular Chapel meeting, the current President, Wess Stafford, interviewed his predecessor, Wally Erickson.  Compassion's work has grown from modest beginnings in South Korea in 1952 when American evangelist Reverend Everett Swanson felt compelled to help 35 children orphaned by the Korean conflict.  Today Compassion has a worldwide ministry where more than 1.2 million children are now reaping the benefits of one man's clear, God-given vision.  As I listened to their conversation, I was moved by the connection these two men had.  Their friendship centered around their love for the children of the world and for the responsibility that God has put on each of us to care for the vulnerable and oppressed.  Their passion was clear and demonstrated through comments and tears shared as they relived moments in the history of their friendship and ministry.  The Chapel ended with a slideshow of moments captured on film... Wally with children on different continents, in different countries, at different ages, always smiling, always serving the children.

After Chapel, I had the privilege of assisting in the serving of lunch to Wally, Wess and various employees that had served at Compassion during Wally's tenure.  I watched as Wally and his wife reminisced with old friends and relived even more memories.  I was touched by how moved Wally was...even surprised at how much Compassion had grown since his retirement.  

That made me think.  What legacy will I leave?  How am I making a difference?  Wally just followed his passion, God's leading.  He invested in those around him and those around the world.  He "trained" Wess for 17 years before his retirement!  Who is right under my nose, that I should be "investing" in?  Obviously, my children.  That's an easy one.  But who else?  The Lord has been leading me into moments and encounters with the people around me.  Each conversation is laced with Him... How He brought us here, Why we said "yes", How He has been faithful to show Himself to us, How we are trusting Him daily.  Not preachy, mind you, just trusting and real.  Slowly and steadily, God is building our base for us.  The foundation on which we will build friendships, support, influence.  Last night, I attended the PTO meeting at our Elementary School and co-volunteered with a neighbor (that I have met once) to organize an event at school, today I served at Compassion, Friday I will attend a Parent gathering where several of us Middle School Moms to pray for our children's school!  I am determined to reach out.  Influence requires ACTION!  

The catch is... good or bad, we all leave a legacy!  Positive influence or Negative influence?

What legacy are you leaving?  It's worth thinking about.... better yet, It's worth ACTING ON!!

Fiber!

I have been dropping the proverbial ball lately on updating the blog.  So, in the interest of getting more fiber in my blogging (a.k.a. Get things moving!), I am going to attempt to post a nugget of Koning-ness once a week.  As the kids get into school, I may find more time to blog... So, here goes!

Family update:

• All of the kids are now enrolled and scheduled and such in school.  We start back to school nights next Monday.
• Bob is loving the company that we moved out here for: Compassion International. If you are familiar with the company, let me tell you, it is everything you think it is!  They really do care for the children and in a way that is God-honoring.  It is all about the kids!
• Marshall has found his other half... A kid named Matt that lives down the street. And although he misses his Missouri friends, this one seems to take care of his social needs!  We call them m&m!
• Levi has found his niche in following m&m around.  Which works most of the time! He also has a buddy, Scotty, that goes to our church and whose family is in our small group, that he gets along with well.  They will be in the same school next year (although different grades 4th/5th).
• Nardos has found her nirvana!  Two little gals that live a block away, both adopted from Guatemala and close to her age.  They also love princesses and dress up, so it's a good fit!  She "found" them one day while riding her bike and brought them and their Mom down to meet us!  They have been down to play a number of times, and now Nardos is at their house for a play date and lunch! I am sure it will end all too soon today and she will be begging for more play time!  Nardos also has latched onto a little gal that is in our small group, Sami.  She happens to be Scotty's littlest sister.
• Beti is Beti.  She is content to stay at home and is willing to go out with us when we go somewhere as a family (ie. the park, or for a hike).  She does not crave the social scene, but has asked if I can find out if Levi's friend Scotty is in her class next year.  She likes our small group (which meets every Sunday evening) and hangs out with Scotty's sister, Ashley.
• I, Audra, am enjoying getting our home organized and keeping our family sane!  I have recently started "meal planning" and am shocking the socks off the hubby!  I have found the creative side to structure and it suits me fine!  I love that I am feeding my family well and saving money at the same time.  I will do a post later with suggtions and tips for making meal planning work for you.  I want to give hope to the naturally disorganized and unstructured individual!  I can relate to you all!  
• In addition to Bob's work, he has been invited to serve in the church praise team band!  He is so excited he can't stand it!  He will start in a few weeks and he will be on a rotation for three months.  Then, if he wishes, he can continue for another three month rotation.  On the rotation, he plays one weekend a month.

Ok, I am going to end it here.  Check back for more family stuff!