There were two missionary news e-mails in my inbox this morning.

One from my brother & sister-in-law, requesting prayer cover for their journey from Pensacola to Dakar, Senegal, beginning this afternoon. I am grieving their departure a bit, even though we only get together about once a year anyway, because West Africa feels so much farther away than California, where they have lived for the last four years. But I know this is a fantastic opportunity for them and for their employer, so I share in the excitement, too. Also, they plan to read the new Harry Potter book en route, which means I will finally be able to discuss it with them (either by Skype or Internet) once they arrive. (You didn't think I could make a post without mentioning Harry, did you?)

The other e-mail was from Dr. Christopher Zoolkoski in Galmi, Niger, passing on the news of the passing of his wife, Helene, to skin cancer. This was not unexpected, as they have known for some time that her stage-four cancer was past the point where medical intervention could be expected to be effective. They had decided to continue their long-anticipated service in Niger and enjoy her remaining time with their three children rather than stay in the U.S. to pursue aggressive experimental treatment that at best would delay the inevitable. Helene enjoyed more than a year of symptom-free living before her health went into decline about three months ago. Their 15th wedding anniversary was Wednesday. She died on Saturday.

Chris invited friends and supporters to remember Helene by meditating with them on her favorite hymn, O Sacred Head Once Wounded. Her family sang the song to her at her deathbed, including the fourth verse: