Remembering Pa Gibbs

Just a heads up that this post really has nothing to do with immigration or Mexico or anything of that nature. My dad has been on my mind a lot lately as we're nearing the date of his departure from this earth and I wanted to share with you how this precious man that I was privileged to call my father has shaped who I have become and has even influenced who I have chosen to spend the rest of my life with. I will be in Mexico on March 4th, the anniversary of his homegoing, so I thought I would post this ahead of time in honor of that date.

As I'm sure most of you are aware, Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in December of 2010 and he died a few short months later. I am blessed to be able to say that I really have no regrets when it comes to my relationship with Dad. I have many fond memories of going on tractor rides with him and tagging along in the car to go check on the crops at the different farms. Though many girls have said that their dads kinda distanced themselves from them when they started going through puberty, this time of my life did not scare my father. Perhaps it was because I was the baby of his five girls and he had plenty of practice. I always knew that no matter what, my dad was on my side. He was always there to hug me when I needed a hug and to tell me he loved me when I had a bad day. Maybe he was soft because he had all girls or maybe God gave him all girls because he created him to be a softie. Whatever the reason, my Dad was good at being a girls' daddy.

Not only did Dad treat his daughters well, but he also was a good example of a godly husband. Though he and my mom had a few "disagreements" now and then, I had no doubt that my dad was totally devoted to her. Though it was usually just meat and potatoes, my dad took his turn at preparing lunch or supper when he could and he always pitched in with the dishes. He was truly a servant to his wife and his familty, and I could tell that my mom respected him and loved him as well. Their marriage was a partnership built on Christ and serving him together. Their home was open to all of their children--from all over the world. Many people of no blood relation have seen my parents as mom and dad or grandma and grandpa over the years.

I do regret that my dad didn't get to spend very much time with Raul before he passed away. Though they are very different, they are also very much the same. I can tell that Raul loves me and he serves me much the way that my dad loved and served my mom. Dad set the bar very high, but my I'm sure that my husband can live up to my dad's example with the Lord's help. One of the most precious memories that I have was from one of the last times that I was with my dad. Raul and I were taking him to the ER in the middle of the night because of blood clots in his leg. I was in the driver's seat and dad was already in the truck as well and Dad asked, "Where's my boy?". He was referring to Raul and at that moment, it became clear to me that Dad thought of Raul as his son. Before Dad died, we were talking about how Raul was going to take care of me and he said, "I love that boy." Me too, Dad. Me, too.

I miss my dad so very much and as I type this tribute to him, I'm wiping away the tears. Yet, I know that I will see him again one day. Thank you, Lord, for this godly man you gave me to call my father. Thank you for his faithfulness to you. May Raul and I live up to the example that he and Mom have set before us. Amen.

In Juarez Again

Raul began his journey to Juarez Wednesday morning.  He stayed overnight at the airport in Mexico City last night so that he could catch his early morning flight to Juarez this morning. His appointment at the Consulate is tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m.  Unlike last time in Juarez, Raul had a friendly American face greet him at the airport when he arrived. A friend in Iowa told us of her missionary friend, Jim, who lives in Juarez where he and his wife are involved in a variety of ministries. I was able to contact him by phone and he offered to pick Raul up from the airport and to even let Raul stay in their home until Raul flies back to Mexico City. We are so thankful for his acts of kindness.

I just got off the phone with Raul and he seems to be in better spirits than his last visit to Juarez. I suppose part of the reason is that he knows more what to expect this go around. But, I also think he's enjoying being able to stay with Jim (his wife is currently in the States) and Jim's two dogs. Apparently, one of the dogs is very big and fluffy and has been a good source of stress relief for Raul already.

Turning in the waiver tomorrow is our final step in the process. From there, we just wait, and wait, and wait... :) As I said before, we will get a letter in about two months either stating that Raul has been approved for his visa and he can head back home to the States or stating that his case has been sent for further review. If that happens, we will probably have to wait 8 or 9 more months before we hear if he got approved or denied. There is a high likelihood that our case will be sent for further review since it is more complicated than many. However, God can do miracles, so nothing is certain at this point.

I will be relieved when the waiting is over, but the closer we get to a final answer, the more anxious I get. It feels like we are approaching our court date last May all over again. The only thing that keeps me sane (other than know that God's will will be done) is the fact that no matter what the verdict is, I will finally be able to reunite with my husband and live in the same home again. However, I am still really hoping that home happens to be in Waukegan!

For now, we are looking forward to my visit in the beginning of March. I will be with Raul on the anniversary of my dad's homegoing on March 4th and I'm glad that I will be there with him on that day since he has been so supportive through the whole thing. Thankfully, my mother will be able to be with my sister and family so she will have support as well.

Thank you everyone for your encouragement and prayers. Please hold Raul up in prayer tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. (Juarez time, which is one hour behind Illinois time) as he has his waiver appointment.