"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" ~ Romans 12:12 Returning to Tenerife, Spain on 29 July 2022 Returning to the Global Mercy ship, after my month stay in USA, felt bittersweet. I stay steadfast in my commitment to Mercy Ships and look forward to new experiences. But I will deeply miss my family, friends, and familiar community activities. Life is a series of leaving and beginning events. I realize the importance of listening to Paul's words in Romans 12:12 telling me, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. This verse helps me to emotionally prepare for transitions. I returned to Minnesota to attend my father's Memorial Service. My father created numerous opportunities for the family to gather during his lifetime. During the Memorial Service, my sister and I spoke about the meaningful memories. As children we hold important memories of growing up. Then we built more memories during the years of raising our c