One of the unique things about living among Americans overseas is that almost all of us are here temporarily. Although the length of time spent overseas can vary, most families come for three-year assignments. This means that about one third of our American friends and acquaintances will pack their household goods into boxes and fly home this year. To minimize the impact on school-aged children, most of the moving happens between May and September. In this respect, 2011 is no different than any other year. We are sad to see our friends in
the Shumway family fly home to Utah on Friday. Since we arrived in Germany in July 2009, our families have shared memorable experiences at church, church activities, birthday parties, dinners, lunches, movies, and more. Oscar and I met the Shumways at the bowling alley tonight for one last get-together.
Each Life That Touches Ours for Good
1. Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.
2. What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
3. When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
4. For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior’s name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.
Text:
Karen Lynn Davidson, b. 1943. © 1985 IRI
Music:
A. Laurence Lyon, b. 1934. © 1985 IRI
Download:
mp3
Thanks Paul! May God bless you and your family until we meet again.
ReplyDeleteSaying goodbye to friends is, for me, the most difficult part of living in a community like ours. Two of my closest girlfriends and their lovely families moved away in the last month, and it was hard.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hymn. Thanks for sharing, Paul.
What a great post about them. I was there that night and didn't see you. I'm glad they were able to spend some time with friends before leaving. In hindsight, there should have been a huge going away party for them. Kicking myself. We are definitely very sad to see them go. He was an amazing bishop, they were both great parents and Amy was a very good friend. They will be missed.
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