The bumps in the road...

I just sent out an email and thought I should update everyone on here also.  Lots of prayers needed.  I'm also including a picture or two for you all to see what is going on.

Here is the letter:
 

Greetings to all,

So much has gone on lately, but I will try to catch you all up on happenings here.  Well, not HERE, but in our lives.

After the New Year began, we were excited about the upcoming team from our home church.  Did the planning and tried it get things all done before they came.  THEN...

The morning the team was to arrive, I checked email before heading out to the airport.  There were two emails... one from our daughter Michelle and one from our son, Dale.  Michelle's husband had passed away at 1:00 AM that morning.  Well, we prayed first, and cried a while.  We felt her pain and knew we had to do something to help.  But with the team coming, it was a bit of a situation.  Needless to say, prayers again! 

As much as I wanted to be with Michelle, I also wanted to be with the team. The team started out great and was able to do so much...but they agreed that I needed to go to Michelle.  They arrived on Sunday, and I left on Tuesday.  My flight to be with Michelle was on Thursday.  Had a meeting at MFI on Wednesday to cover some needed items, then prepared to fly to Mobile. 
 

Had an interesting flight...almost missing my connection since I had to RUN the length of the Atlanta airport.  But I did make it and arrived here in good time. 

The arrangements for the memorial went along and we finished things quickly.  Then our son, Dale was to fly in.  His adventure was much more involved than mine, due to flight changes, snow delays and then FOG here in Mobile.  His plane was diverted to New Orleans and he ended up spending the night there.  Michelle and I had spent a few hours at the airport here waiting for him, and hoping he could make it.  But he did arrive on Friday morning and then in the afternoon, our son, Todd, his wife, our son, Tim and his wife arrived.  So we had most of the family here to be with Michelle.  There was no way our daughter Christine could get off of work to be here, but she was with us in spirit.

The memorial was really good.  I really like the pastor.  His message was great but also fun and he included very neatly the message of salvation.  Michelle didn't want sad memories shared, so Pastor Chris shared some great stories.  Met more of Wayne's family and their friends.  It was a good time.  We were all able to spend some good time with Michelle and had some good family times.  Sad reason for the gathering, but good to be together.  

Since everyone left, Michelle and I have had some good time together.  I stayed to help her through some of the hard things, but it's all taken care of.  Tomorrow (Friday), I fly back to Fort Pierce and then on Tuesday, into Haiti.

But this morning Don called with news that was a bit unsettling.  Yesterday, the Canadian embassy in Port au Prince (where Savanah's final paper is), was closed down.  They fired several people because of corruption.  (I honestly don't know yet what the whole story is and only have a small idea of what happened).  I immediately called Guerline (Savanah's new mama).  She didn't know of this either and is having the adoption agency there check things out.

So, at this point, I'm asking you to pray, for several things!  First, for Michelle and her boys as they are transitioning through without a husband and father.  Second, for the situation with Savanah's paper we need, no matter where it is or what is needed.  And lastly for my flights, both tomorrow and Tuesday, when I return to Haiti.  I know the next week or so is going to be really tough for Michelle, so ask for special prayers for her.  

We do have folks staying at the dorm now.  Pray for Don and Bud as they attempt to get our water back working.  OH, I didn't mention THAT problem.  Our water pump ended up with a major problem BEFORE I left.  Our team from our home church was on very restricted water since the pump didn't work well.  And at this point, it is still a problem.  Prayerfully they can put a new pump in tomorrow and get the water up and running again.  Just another prayer request going your way.

Through all of this, I know the Lord is here right beside us all the way.  I know He has His Hands on us and will be with us and keep us.  I really do not know what I'd do without His help and guidance and also peace.  The Lord promised to be with us through all of our struggles and He has certainly been doing that!!  I just keep leaning on Him in all things and in all ways.  

So, there is our catch-up and we are praying all things will continue to be guided and directed by Him.  In all things, Praise and Allow the Lord to lead.

So, now you know how to pray.   

Here are a couple of pictures of our family.... first one is me with four of our kids.  Next one is Dale, Tim, Amy, Todd, Debbie and Michelle.

 

 

 So, please pray and remember to keep the Lord Jesus at the front of all you do, and live your life for Him.   Blessings!!!