The Roller Coaster Ride

Hello again from weather changing Wisconsin,

I don't ever remember the weather doing such weird things when we lived here years ago.  But it just may be that I didn't notice it as much back then, it may have been more the "normal" at that point.  We had a day or two of wonderful (for us) weather in the 80's, and now it's back to the 40's.  But, this seems to be the life here.

We finally were able to talk to the person scheduling surgeries.  And that was our first shock.  Don is now scheduled for his physical... the 15th of July.  Then his first surgery on the 22nd of July and the final surgery on the 29th of July.  This really set us back.  A friend suggested contacting other doctors in the area to see if we could get in sooner... so I tired (he even gave us the numbers to call).  This did not work out.  So our next decision was what to do.... should be go back to Haiti and then return, or sit it out.  Cost wise, it was about the same, so Don decided we should go back to Haiti as planned, and then return.  Don felt he needed to check on things and make some decisions there, and we prayed about it.  We do feel this is the way the Lord wants us to go, so that is the plan.  

We have been back and forth on this decision for several days, but now have peace about it.  We know the Lord knew all of this already, so He will guide and direct us on things.

Each morning (some MUCH earlier than others) Don has the TV on (cable).  He has had some really great teachings this way.  Some of the teachers on TV aren't the greatest, but God has led him to some really great ones.  We are so happy that we get daily input from the Bible through some wonderful scholars.  Many are sharing their thoughts and insights from the Bible on the end times.  Others have concentrated on putting God's word into our daily lives and living through Him in all we do.  Now don't mistake me, we sure are not into the "perfect" realm.  But it's great to have the guidance each day on putting the Lord first and trying to live the kind of life He would want.  The teachings have been eye opening in many ways.  We read the Bible and can read the same passage many times, then all of a sudden, that same passage opens up and reveals a new understanding of a topic.  When we first became Christians, we thought God would simply show us all we needed, right then.  But this daily walk is showing us God takes us that ONE STEP AT A TIME with Him.  God has been so faithful in so many ways, but the marvelous things is that He is THERE, each and every day to guide and direct, through His Word, through His children, through His voice in our being.  Here we go again... GOD IS SO AWESOME!!!  I am amazed at the different ways and means He uses to teach us all we need, just when we need it.

A special thing for us has been the great time we are able to spend with our children.  They really are a blessing from God and we are so thankful and proud of them.  Children ARE a blessing from the Lord.  I will treasure this time with them for a long time.  As parents we love them, unconditionally.  But this time has been special and means so much to us.  We praise God for our kids and grandkids.  And the GREAT grandkids, too.  Oh, we have three more greats on the way.  (a set of twins in there, too.  Got to see the sonogram.)  More blessing from the Lord.

We miss our kiddos in Haiti... Savanah, Abbie, and even Sammy.  And we miss Vero, and Bud and Jane, too.  And it's been so good to talk to them.  We keep praying God is going to care and watch over all of them and be with them in all they do.  Pray for them, and for us.  Pray we will make the right decisions and walk the way the Lord would want us to.  

Thank you for being a part of our ministry in Haiti, but also for being with us here as we go through the necessary things we need to do.  May the Lord walk with you, and bless you, and guide you in His ways, as He is doing for us.  Blessings!!!