Grandmother's Love

Grandmother’s Love

            I don’t think anything can really compare to the love between a child and their grandmother. Long before my mom became my best friend, my favorite person in the whole world was my Mam-Mam. Growing up there was no place I’d rather be than at her skirt tail. In the kitchen, in the garden, on the front porch, at her sewing machine…wherever she went, that’s where I wanted to be. In my eyes, my Mam-Mam could do anything and she was the best at it. She grew the prettiest flowers. She made the best biscuits. She made the most beautiful quilts and dolls. But most importantly, she loved ME! I always knew that my desire to be delighted in could be filled when I got to see her. People even called me ‘Little Mam-Mam,’ and to this little girl there was/is no bigger honor. When my Mam-Mam passed away, she left me with so many wonderful memories. I’m forever grateful for every minute that I had with her.

            The first time I was introduced to the other members of ‘Team Ethiopia,’ I had no idea how close I would grow with Sandra ‘Grams’ Roper and just how thankful I would be for her friendship. Grams has become such a big part of this team and of my life. Whether we are sitting up late to watch girlie movies, sneaking off to enjoy macchiatos at the café across the street, hiking to the internet shop, hanging out laundry, preparing meals together, soaking up the sunshine or just talking, we are always having a good time. I especially love when Grams talks about her grandchildren because she just lights up and exudes joy. (Reminds me of my Mam-Mam!) I know how hard it was for her to leave her sweet grandchildren (especially knowing that she would have to miss the birth of one during her time here), and I am inspired everyday by her trust in God and her obedience to follow him even if it means missing out on time with them.

            I couldn’t imagine letting my grandmother move across the world for a year…but in this case, I’m so grateful that the Roper kids did. To Callie, Jace, Mitch, Jaynie, Grant, Cole and little Miss Paulina Campbell: THANK YOU! Thank you for letting me ‘borrow’ your Grams for a year.