Thursday 12 March 2009

The barn door

The barn door is missing from this barn. This picture was taken of my brother and I a couple of years ago by a newspaper photographer. You see, my grandfather probably ran and played in this barn as a young boy and probably did chores as a young teen, 140 years ago. Then at the age of 17 came with his father to America. His father returned home leaving him in America to work with his brother in the lumber industry. My brother and I returned to Sweden, the island of Ă–land, to see our roots. The local paper did an article about our story. We walked where grandpa Gus walked.

My search of my roots to get to this doorway took 7 years. But the paper journey was as almost as spectacular as the "barn" itself. The day after this picture was taken we had a family reunion dinner with 60 relatives -relatives that a year before were non-existent.

I wonder, 140 years from now what kind of legacy will I Be remembered for? I guess I had better get to work.

18 comments:

rk said...

You are already living your legacy - your balance of truth and grace, and most importantly authentic desire to be His servant is awe inspiring. You just want people to know HE's the Father. That is already influencing us, and will continue to influence your generations to come.

xoxo,
R

Indian Lake Papa said...

Roxx - those are strong words, very humbling - and scary.

Kimberly McKay said...

You will be remembered for reaching across the global community with a heart for God and his people! I love this photo by the way!
Will you tell momma - thank you for her email? I never heard back from her.

Anonymous said...

Papa, your legacy in 140 years will be reflected in how future generations of your family carry forward your faith and values. I see in the love your family expresses that you and Mama are on the right track.

Little Sara, and her children, and their children are your legacy.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Kim - we had a wonderful trip to Sweden - we made big news on the island there. It is quite a story. Thanks for your kind remarks - mama plans to drop you a line.

ED - papa is really trying to be what my faith tells me to be - but I screw it up sometimes.

rk said...

Papa,

It's God's grace, mercy and love that you model that make those words comforting. That's the gift of who you are. You make the cross a soft place to land. A place for everyone. Hence your ministry to those you are within arms reach to, and those you are minstering to cross country.

I love you.

R

Indian Lake Papa said...

Roxx - thanks for the kind words again - but I am still scared -

I have a passion for my Lord but I still get scared. I don't want to screw this up.

Unknown said...

papa, i dont think youre screwing anything up. you jumped into my life and shared your love with me. without hesitation. your loving discernment detected i hadnt had a father growing up. then, you came into our home and blessed us with your love. blessed ALL of us with your love. love and authenticity that my kids witnessed and that has effected them and their lives. and so...your legacy lives here too. right now.

you are loved and treasured more than you know!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Thanks Tam - I pray as I go through my life that the memories others have will be good. I have had the opportunity to love your family and share. THat was and is a remarkable time.

Love you!
Papa

Anonymous said...

Awesome story and love the picture. Thanks for sharing! Blessings.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Real GAl - Our family in Sweden has become real family - what a story.

Anonymous said...

How awesome Papa and Mama that your family is real! Blessings!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Real Gal - my cousins daughter in Sweden has become very close! They have come from Sweden to Florida just to spend Christmas with us! We had a blast when they came. We love them dearly!

Life Adapted said...

Papa, I think your legacy will be your spark! It's in your spark that you are able to share your faith and love of Christ to others. You keep the attention of your readers by that little spark you have. That spark lights the fire of faith and that fire will live on for generations.
Be blessed.
Btw, Rt. 80 is very close - we're less than 20 miles from the Delaware Water Gap.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - legacy's are tough. I just pray mine is what God will be pleased with. I still have work to do.

Anonymous said...

I can see your legacy all over blogland. You love others with diligence. You encourage as you move among the many bloggers who have come to love you.

I think you'll be amazingly blessed and humbled when you step into heaven, to see all those who want to say "thanks!"

Be blessed, Papa, for you are a blessing to me.

Annie said...

That is so awesome!! I have relations (I don't know if they're living anymore) in Germany, and very very distant relations in Scotland. It would be SO awesome to visit someday.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michelle - mama and I realized very quickly that "our" blog was going to be a ministry - we have tried to live our lives to be a blessing to others.

Annie - family is precious - work hard to keep the love alive within your family.