Mellie and I had 5 years between us in age but it didn't seem like it most of the time. We did many things together. She was never one to leave behind! :) One year we were able to go to a camp with AWANA together. It would be my last year and her first year going. On the first or second night she watched a movie about a missionary, I don't remember the details,was it Nate Saint? I don't know, I just remember an airplane and a strong plea for missions. Anyway, she cried and said that she wanted to be a missionary. I thought she was just being emotional. I have always disliked movies and "worship" or any other times that your emotions are manipulated to make you feel a certain way. (For clarification: I was a music major because I love the structure and laws of music. I love the mental process of writing and reading good music. Theory: I love. Ear training: I struggle).
Well, Melodie never wavered on that "emotional" commitment. She has always had a genuine interest in people. She always takes you where you are and accepts you while challenging you to be more. Melodie is also very gifted in many areas, I will name just a few, not because of a lack in her talents, but because of my own limitations in classifying, or even being aware of all her skills. Her skills include: organizing, sewing, cooking, planning, teaching, mentoring, leading, beautifying (i.e. hair cutting, makeup, nails,etc...), etc. etc. etc... She is in a nutshell: a leader.
And so God took Melodie to Albania, where she was leading her college drama and music team, and gave her a very special vision for the Albanian people. During those trips she met a missionary from America, married to an Englishman, now a missionary in Albania,Caralee (sp?). Caralee is one of those intuitive people into the character of people, knew that Melodie was someone she would like to see come back to Albania...and so a friendship flourished. Emails flew and soon Melodie had plans to go back to Albania for one year.
Melodie had been to Albania on two missions trips, two different years during college. During her first trip she was asked what she wanted to do with her life. "Have a dozen sons." Amid shouts of laughter the kids of the church introduced her to a man whom they said had the same dream. Melodie ended up working alongside this man, Erion, and admired and learned from his communication skills, his leadership skills and his thinking skills. He was a children's pastor and also an English translator.
When Melodie began her year long journey in Albania she grew convinced that the people and the culture where part of her life's vocation. She gave her heart to the Albanian people and a young man there wanted her to give him her heart as well... :)
On September 6, 2006 Erion proposed to Melodie amongst sunflowers (her favorite flowers) and a special dinner. The joy and delight that Melodie relayed to us was very dear. She is a wonderful woman and Erion has found a gem in her. She will always consider her Beloved's needs above her own and will nurture their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. She is one who will never allow her household to face cold or hunger because she will always be industrious. A piece of our family will be in Albania now. How grateful we are for the years our lives were graced with Melodie's and how delighted we are to watch her blossom in her new home.
We had the privilege of meeting Erion briefly over the Christmas holiday. We look forward to a lifetime of friendship and a very special new Uncle in...ONE YEAR and TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We love you!!!
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