Aridzona Can Collection Co.

I spent the last two weeks visiting family in Arizona and Colorado.  It was a much needed time of rest, catching up, planning, and getting some things done.

In Arizona I visited my grandparents, or as we call them, the Grrs...they are a very inspiring couple, this last year they helped raise $24,000 for the local humane society through collecting and recycling cans, not to mention their runs to pick up their "Doggy Banks," which solicit donations in various restaurants around town.  Although they are theoretically long-retired, they've both worked extensively with Habitat for Humanity previously and now with the Humane Society, and Grandpa Bob and I were out picking up cans for a couple hours almost every day.  (Grandma was happy for the rest, she'd busted something in her shoulder recently)  Right now we have three generations in my family who volunteer with the majority of their efforts and time, how cool is that!

We helped the Humane Society move into their new building

A highlight of this time was hearing stories from their childhood days, and Grandpa busted out the family tree that goes back to 1650.  Along with those documents and pictures of my mom with her 70s tomboy bowl cut were letters from a concerned German mother praying that her kids didn't lose their way in the crazyness on the other side of the world that was Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania one hundred years ago.  It was really encouraging to know that somebody was praying for us, back long before my grandparents were even born.  It was also humbling and challenging to think of what sort of "immigrant" legacy I might leave for my great-great grandchildren.  When I was leaving Mexico, one of my friends told me that I taught her how important it is to pray in all circumstances.  I hope my kids, generations from now even, will learn the same from me some day, learning to know God, serve others, and walk in faith.

And you?  What's your legacy?