We have very heavy hearts today as we grieve the loss of our dear friend and teammate, Shannon. I feel like I don't even have words to say right now. I know in my head that she is with Jesus, free from pain and sorrow... where there is no more crying or death. But our hearts still can't make sense of this, as we love her dearly and miss her already.
We have so many pictures of Shannon, and these aren't really the best for capturing her vibrance. This picture makes me smile because she convinced me to sing this really nerdy country song with her. And it was fun!
Leif and Shannon had such a fun brother-sister relationship. I loved watching them tease each other. I loved that Shannon was good friends with both of us.
Shannon was the one who welcomed us to Ulan Ude when we moved to the field, and she quickly became family. She was the one who heard all my woes as I dealt with culture shock. She has a way of making every person around her feel that they are the most special person in the world. We celebrated holidays together, as our teammates become a second family for us.
Anneka will never know her auntie Shannon on this side of heaven, which is sad for us to think about. Shannon's favorite song was Lifesong by Casting Crowns. She lived this out. She was adventurous, fun-loving, deep, full of faith, compassionate, giving, sensitive, wise, hard-working, always putting people before projects... and loving them well. She fit in here like no one else on our team. She truly became one with the culture and the people all around her. She inspired us all. There is so much more to tell that I can't even put into words. But we are so thankful for these three years of knowing Shannon. Our lives are much richer for knowing her, and we can't wait to be reunited with her again one day. I leave off with the words of her favorite song... one that she lived out well:
Lifesong
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You
11 comments:
What beautiful words about Shannon. Thank you for sharing them with us. I love you!
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. I too feel fortunate to have met Shannon, if only for a few breif days. Some day, through our Savior, we'll meet again and sing together in Heaven. God be with you in your grief, (Grand)Mama Irene
So so sorry about your teams' loss. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose someone there that is like family. We are praying for you all!
I'm so sorry for your loss! I remember Beth Moore saying one time that God created us to be eternal beings and when someone passes away our hearts just ache b/c our souls know it is meant to last forever. How amazing heaven will be when we never have to lose anyone again! We're praying for you all as you deal with the loss. Love you.
Dear Gustafsons - Shannon's death is such a loss here on earth. Thank you for your beautiful post. My prayers are with you!
Martha
Baikal Camps
2008
I so agree...beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us.
Ken & I are praying for you as you grive the loss of your dear Friend. What you wrote about her was such a beautiful tribute! And, what a perfectly fitting song for her to have loved and lived, from what you shared. Lots of love and hugs coming your way....
Gustafsons- my heart is beginning to grow attached to you guys and everyone over there who cares about Shannon so much - perhaps someday we can meet. I'm glad to hear of her "other brothers" over there who helped enrich her life. we are trying to go on with life here but it will be a long process. thanks for all you've done and for the beautiful blog.
-Matt (brother)
Such a beautiful blog! You described our friend Shannon so well! I worked with her at a Wilderness Camp in 1996-1998, and she was also in our wedding party. I understand your loss and grief, and yet I know she is enjoying life now in with our Redeemer. She will be missed by many here on earth!! - Milford & Joyce Yoder
That's very sad...we will be praying for the Lord's amazing comfort during this time of grief...
so sorry for your loss of your friend for this life time... yes, teammates are so much like family and i hope God heals your hurting heart soon. God will do some sweet things in your life during this time, its just His way!
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