I think the Powell’s knew me before I knew them, and I know they loved me before I loved them. I was probably just all of 6yrs. old when their family became friends with my family. I say they loved me first, because today they have so much love to give, I am certain they had just as much to give back in the 80s when I was just a wee little thang. My first memories of Mr. and Mrs. (Mario and Brenda) were during a “children’s crusade” at our church. Brenda was dressed up as some character along with my grandma Connie, as “grandma raisin muffin” and my grandpa as “trapper Pete”. Mario did some silly act with someone else pretending to be his legs and arms (that person was behind a black sheet). I’m not quite sure how I learned the love of Jesus through all those silly acts, but I am certain that I know the love of Jesus today through the lives of the Powell’s. They obviously have allowed Jesus to take first place in their home and in their lives. Even though it was a very frigid day in Moberly, Missouri, the joy that radiated from the Powell’s warmed my heart. It is my honor to present to you, the Powell’s.
