Letter from Ruth

> Hey there,
> Ruth wrote a little update but she doesn't have all of your emails so she asked me to send it out.
>
> Our time here is coming to an end. We have less than 4 weeks left before we leave the Philippines. It's so crazy! I can't tell if time has gone by fast or slow. It seems like I've been here for so long. It feels very much like home, but yet not at the same time. I'm still trying to grasp the fact that I'm actually leaving, and trying to make the most of these last few weeks.
>
> All of our schooling is done. All we have left is the NARM exam to become certified, which we will take on September 27 in Monterey, California.
>
> The new students have arrived. It's strange seeing them all here and meeting them and not doing all the get-to-know-each-other things with them that we did when we arrived. We moved out of the dorms to make room for the new students. So right now most of our class is staying together in a different house. It is a little farther away, but it has been nice to just be on our own.
>
> Funny, we went tubing down a river a few days ago. It was so fun, but was quite Filipino. There were guides enough to go around (1 for every 2 of us) and the water was quite shallow and quite rocky. For the first little bit, the guides went from person to person pulling us off the rocks as we would get stuck every few seconds. Then the water got a little deeper and the rocks spaced out enough to allow a passageway between them. We bounced off the rocks and the guides pulled us down the river. The guides were so funny. They felt very responsible for this group of 10 white girls and were making sure we didn't get lost or drown. If we ever started to get too far apart, they would start grabbing our tubes from the back and pulling them up on the rocks so we were stuck. Then when we were all in a little cluster stuck on the rocks, they would say, "Plastered tanan (they're all stuck)", they would do a head count, and then push us all off again. It was so funny. I felt like they were treating us a little bit like cargo. They wouldn't tell us to stop and wait for the rest or to put our feet down, they would just pull us up on the rocks so our tubes were stuck :). The water was probably only waist deep--smile. Anyway, we had lots of fun.
>
> Please pray with me for a baby named Abegail that I delivered back in October... she is 10 months old now and is in the hospital because she was having a high fever (104) and convulsions. They aren't sure what it is yet, but are still doing labs and testing. Her dad is a pastor and her mom a teacher, so I have really enjoyed spending time with them. They have been so encouraging to me. Anyway, they need prayer right now. I went and visited and the baby seemed to be ok at the moment, but they still haven't figured out what she has.
>
> On the way into the hospital to visit, another lady came up to me and started talking to me like she recognized me. I didn't recognize her, but she acted like she knew me. I think I must have accompanied whoever was taking care of her when she got transported from Mercy during Labor. Anyway, her baby had just died of Pneumonia and she was quite a mess. She was crying and sobbing and wanted us to go see her baby and take pictures for her. She was so pitiful. Her name is Ruby.
>
> Anyway, this is getting long and I still need to attach Ruth's letter. I hope you all are doing well!
> Have a great day!
> Love,
> Hannah
>

letter

July 2012

 

      The longer it takes me to get to the computer, the more you have been on my mind -- does that make sense? I am thinking about you and praying for you.  So many times, I have said that, and not done it. "I'll pray for you." Work on the habit and discipline of prayer. But now I am very careful -- Pray.  Pray and wait.  God will answer. It might not be in this lifetime, but He will. A day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day. Pray and pray - it changes you, and it changes me. 

      Pray for your pastors, missionaries and leaders. So many are falling and have fallen. If there is a serious war situation, a hot spot, a special task force will be sent in especially equipped to do the job. They are on the front line where the battle is the hottest. They are the most likely to die. The devil is after us. He is after all the Christians, but mainly those who are active in the battle. It is a scary thought. The devil has planned an evil day for me -- and for you. Pray and pray some more. 

      I am back from the Philippines. The church has a good spirit of unity.  A girl named Kalah Stout traveled back from New York with me. We have been working hard to finish up some school (While the cat's away, the mice will play -- and they did), and she has been a GREAT help. She wants to see a delivery while she is here.  I did not have anyone "lined up," so I had been praying about that.

      Three people got saved this month - each of those was so exciting. A lady contacted me who wants me to deliver her baby. She is due any day. Anyway, she and her older sister prayed to repent and receive Christ at the last baby check up. "Out of the blue" she called me, wanting me to do her delivery. So, either God wants Kalah to see a delivery, or He just wanted those ladies to get saved. Now we have a little new believer's handbook to use in discipleship, so we are working on getting those available to our people and meeting with them for mentoring. That is where true involvement takes place.  Kalah is using this booklet to help Claudia, the girl in the picture, to grow. This will also help Claudia with her English.

      Also this month, we are focusing more on Bible memory -- for ourselves and for others. This is Seth's idea, and we are all working together. In our Bible time, we went through again "How to Successfully Memorize and Review Scripture" by Ron Hood. That is a VERY good booklet. We are trying to do a mini Bible memorization competition, and it will take some work and planning for all of the churches. Everyone is a winner who memorizes God's Word. The Bible competition will go from August (we are making announcements now) until the first week of November.  Please pray so much for this that people will learn God's Word and change. We do not change God's Word; God's Word changes us. May God have all the honor. 

      I guess this reads as a prayer request sheet. Our biggest concern to pray about is our kids. Ruth and Hannah are taking their huge NARM exams on September 27.  Then we are trying to figure out (it is great to know that God already knows it all), where Seth and they should go to college.  They are thinking about Ambassador Baptist College and also West Coast Baptist College. Pray that the Lord gives us all wisdom on the next step for them. 

      Since animals are a large part of our lives, Susanna really wants you to see a FEW of them -- smile. We have two monkeys that stay in diapers when in the house. How would you like a horse roaming around your somewhat-small yard? At least, she keeps the grass cut. Dan and Susanna roped off a space for her, so she doesn't have free reign unless we want her to. Susanna is enjoying the horse. The hope is to later breed her and sell both before we leave -- help with money for college. Pet care here is cheap -- no vet bills, and food is cheap and easy to be had. They are great for teaching kids responsibility, care, and love.  What a great replacement for TV and electronic gadgets.

 

Thanks for all your prayers and financial support! God is All Powerful!! Praise Him.

 

Love in Christ,

Dan and Joan, Ruth, Hannah, Seth, Lydia, Susanna, Isaiah, Stephen, Rebekah, Josiah, Joseph, Esther and Gideon

 

PS. Seth's leg is healed nicely. He is applying anti-scarring oil, and we are praying that the "centipede" look of it will fade. 

short note

Hello from Cote d'Ivoire. I am home and back into the routine of things. All are well and Seth's leg is healing without any complications. Thanks for your prayers.
Witnessing opportunities abound --just take the time to sit and talk. An older man on Sunday - just seemed ready. Sometimes we plant the seed, sometimes we water, and sometimes we get to pick the fruit. Each of the steps is exciting to be a part of. The church is growing, we are growing, the fellowship is Petite Pedro is growing ---growth by multiplication --the most exciting to see. Someone said,"As many times as missionaries write the word "exciting" they ought to be the most excited people on earth." - Ha. Oh well, I go around quite happy with life.
This picture is in NYC holding my new nephew Jonathan. Thanks for all the prayers. May God bless you. Have a great day.
Love,
Joan

It's me again --Hannah

Hello Friends,
I have good news! We are finished all our midwifery schooling and assignments! Yay! Stress is much relieved. Now we just have practice tests and then our final exam before we leave here in September. So the stress of schooling and getting assignments done is gone. We even got all our papers and application and requirements sent to NARM (North American Registry of Midwives) to apply for the exam. That is going to be on September 27 in Monterey, California. We are still praying for funds for all the traveling and for the NARM (it costs $700 each just to take the test). The NARM is the final board exam that we have to take to become Certified Professional Midwives. It is an 8-hour test that is only given a few times a year in specified locations. It's a big deal--smile.
We have lots of decisions to make as we decide what to do after this and where to go. Right now the plan is to take the NARM in September and then go to Bible school in January or February or whenever the semester starts. We are thinking to go to Ambassador Baptist College in Lattimore, NC, but are not 100% sure yet.

My mom and great aunt (Sandra Shaw) visited us for the month of May. They just left. It was fun spending time with them and being able to share of bit of our lives with them and for them to get to meet the people we've been living with for the past 2 years (will be 2 years in August).

short news

Well, I am headed home on June 4th. I get to spend that night in the airport in Manilla - smile. Then on to Cote d'Ivoire by June 7th ---another day layover in Dubai. Pray that all the flights go well. It will be fun going home.

A bit of refresher - I was in NYC for one month and here in the Philippines for the month of May. The Lord has really been working in my life all along the way. I have been reading great books. The latest is called Your God Is Too Safe by Mark Buchanan. (Thanks Karol for giving it to me.) God wants us to have holy habits - Godly routine, grow, fast - Is Food your Idol? There is no way to summarize the book without starting to "preach." It is very well written and interesting. Get out of the rut of serving Jesus, wait on Him, and live the glorious Christian life. I have had more time to read, meditate, self examine, and grow ---and yes, just time to think - smile. I'm planning to re-read the book to our family - it is really good.

Also God has been working on our marriage. The devil is so out to tear down Christian marriages Let's pray for each other. So, in this trip, Dan and I have been able to communicate a lot again. (You might know that we met in the mail system.) In all the busyness of home life and ministry, we were not communicating like we should.

On top of all of that, I have had a wonderful time with Ruth and Hannah --they are super midwives, calm and competent, and ready for whatever God has in store for them. So, I watched deliveries, helped out where I could, ate out, swam and had fun with them, and basically just enjoyed life here with them.

While I was gone, the church has grown. There is such a better spirit of unity and harmony. A few major problems have been ironed out and the people involved are friends again and smile at each other. Dan and I have had a chance to evaluate a bit and plan to do a few things differently and better. The little village church plant work is also growing, packing out the room, people getting saved and ready to be baptized. That is so exciting to see.

Also on a sad, but good note - Seth was in a motorcycle accident. (I am ready to get rid of that, but it WAS on a dirt road, minor, when a bicycle ran in front of him.) So Seth has an 8 in. gash down his shin ---had to have 15 external stitches and 5 stitches on the inside. I am sad that he had the accident, but I'm sure it could have been way worse. Maybe God was putting a little fear and caution into him. Praise the Lord for His protection.

Thanks for praying for us. Continue praying for our health and safety both at home and abroad. We pray for you.

Love in Christ,
Joan and Dan

Re: Update

I just realized that I sent out the letter, not using the blind carbon copy. Sorry for that!!

Update

Hi everyone!

I am away from Ivory Coast --now you get the benefit of a quick note about a dual ministry --Dan there and Me in NYC.

First, mission accomplished. My niece had a fairly smooth delivery on April 16th (Are any first deliveries very smooth?). Strong labor was about 7 hours during the day --God's timing is so very nice. Jonathan was born at 8 lb. 8 oz. healthy and fine. Both Laurelyn and Jonathan are doing fine. He is cute as you can see --even smiles a lot --how is that for a newborn. I am so happy for them and am glad I was able to be here and help out after the delivery as well. I guess I am the Great Aunt - smile. I've also been able to teach a few times and help with their VBS just a little --it has been fun; along with enjoying free time to read and do Bible study --so good.

Meanwhile, my wonderful husband has been taking care of the house, ministry, baby, 10 kids. He misses me - a good thing, smile. Maybe someday he will give his perspective on the matter of how it feels to be FRIED.

The village ministry is going so good. Seth started going out there by taxi (cost $3.00 for that), preaching in French on Sundays; and they still go together on Fridays. The room has been packed out and we need to take more chairs next time --that is a wonderful problem. Also people have been getting saved and soon we will have a baptism. We love growing pains. Keep praying for GOD to open their understanding and convict of sin to repentance.

Keep praying for my travel. Next week I leave for the Philippines --a month with Ruth and Hannah. Keep praying for Dan and all the kids at home!!! Thanks a lot.

Love,
Joan and Dan

a few pictures

Well, the great trip is about to begin so I wanted to write a quick note before I leave. As Rebekah said, "Calendars sure go by fast." Yes, they surely do. Pray much for all the upcoming travel (America to Manilla to Davao and back, 5 flights to go and 5 flights to come) and for the family still here in Africa. It is nice to have skype to be able to talk frequently.
The latest news is that Seth is now going out to the village on Sunday mornings to preach in French. Then he stays out there to do visitation and comes back later in the afternoon. Pray for God to open their hearts and for Seth to have power as he preaches and witnesses.
Dan is showing films both on Thurs. night and on Friday night --evangelistic films. Pray for open hearts. What a wonderful time to think about heaven - Resurrection Day. I like that better than "Happy Easter." May God bless you as we remember the power of the resurrection!!
We are studying Revelation. It is a sobering book, yet one to motivate us to get out there and witness --and then witness some more; compel them to come in. Do not grow tired. If they die without Christ they will suffer forever. They will cry tears of suffering and regret for all eternity. Keep someone in your prayers and look for opportunities to share Jesus with them. Time seems so short.
Love in Christ,
Dan and Joan
Here are a few pictures by Susanna----us, our kids in order of age, and the some of the zoo - we left off the dogs.

Hannah's news

Dear Friends,
Hello again...
So much happens here I don't know how to keep you all updated on everything that is going on. I'm going to try to touch on the biggest things :).
The biggest thing right now is graduation. I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but this school is kind of like doing college homeschool. It is quite flexible and adapts to each student's learning style and abilities. So if we are stressed or have too much to do, or if people get sick, we can ask for an extension. Well... many of our classmates were sick for much of last year. Thankfully, this year has been a lot better. I thank the Lord for all your prayers; Ruth and I were not sick when all the rest of our classmates were. However, because of all the extensions we had last year, we are quite a bit behind schedule. Normally we need to have everything finished and turned in by May 1st so that we can apply for the NARM (the big midwifery exam that makes us licensed). We have been working away and trying to get things done, as we only have about 4 weeks left. However, there is also a big midwifery conference (the MANA conference) where the NARM exam is offered. Usually it is in November, but this year it is in September. Our class has opted to take the NARM at the MANA conference in September, giving ourselves an extra month to get all our work done and turned in. So we will be staying here for an extra month, which is a blessing because we wanted to stay longer anyway but were having a hard time figuring out if we wanted to stay till November and be out of school for awhile before taking our big exam. So this works perfectly--we get to stay a little longer, but don't have to stay for THAT much longer.

The other big thing that is about to happen is my mom is coming for a visit! We are so excited to get to spend the month of May with her, and for her to get to meet our friends and see a bit of where we've been living these past 2 years. She was planning to come for graduation, but now that we aren't leaving till September, graduation got moved to August... so we're sad that my mom is going to miss graduation, but we are glad that my mom is coming. Also my mom's aunt is coming too, so that will be fun.

Prayer Requests:
That my mom will have a safe trip
Pray that God will watch over the rest of our family in Ivory Coast and continue to keep them healthy
We are going to have to find housing for the month of August because the new students will be coming and we will be moving out of the dorms.
The MANA conference where we will be going to take the NARM is in California, so we will need to find housing there also.
We are so thankful for the health and strength God has given us
Pray for our studies. It's hard to stay motivated as the end draws near and we just want to hang out and have fun... We have 3 assignments left... It was hard for me to keep my motivation when the date first got switched... But I'm still trying to get as much done as I can before my mom gets here in May.

Another thing that we did since I last wrote... in February we went on a 3 day hike up Mount Apo--the tallest mountain in the Philippines. There were 5 of us students and one of our supervisors and her husband and a group from her aunt's work.

Letter from Ruth

Hello again! Some of you have already received this letter from Ruth, but I wouldn't want to miss you if you didn't. Praise the Lord for the training He has given the girls. Have a great day.

African Camping

Some think we are crazy --why would we choose to go off and live without even a hope of electricity or water in the pipes? It was fun. Our destination was a deserted peninsula that separates the ocean from a river. There is an abandoned, stripped hotel there with a sidewalk running parallel to the river --nice for sitting on and setting out meals. It was supposed to be a 3 hour trip.
We left on Sunday after church for Grand Lahou which is on the way to Abidjan --(We needed to go to Abidjan early Monday morning to try to get my visa, sell 2 puppies, pick up Seth from the airport at 11:30 AM and head back to Grand Lahou to meet up with Messers.) We arrived at 9 PM with hungry, tired kids --including us. Things in Africa tend to get worse because of the bad roads and lateness of the hour. There is not 24 hour service for food. About the best you can do fast is French bread --which is very yummy. We got avocado, cucumber, tomato and put that in bread - nice.
Monday we were up at 5 AM to wash the puppies - 3 of them - on to Abidjan. I'll make this short - because of an accident up ahead we didn't get to Abidjan until 9 AM (supposed to be a 2 1/2 hour trip max.) The first couple bought a puppy - on we went for the visa. OH, the MONKEY was with me since we didn't want to leave it in the hotel. The kids stayed in the hotel to sleep a little - it was Dan, Lydia and I. The visa has to wait since it is only good for 3 months. On we went for groceries, (the other people who wanted a puppy wouldn't pick up their phone), picked up Seth who had a great time in Kenya, and back to Grand Lahou.
We were just pulling into GL when Andy called that their car had stopped completely, right on the other side of town --now it was 3:00 PM. On we went to pick up Becky and the kids; the men brought the car in - limping - huge problem - had to be left in GL with a mechanic to find parts in Abidjan and work on it while we were on the camping trip. By the time we were figuring out all this, it was getting late. The older part of the group went ahead to the camping spot ---take them to the dock, get a motor boat to drive up the river to where we wanted to camp - set up camp in the dusk around 5 PM. It gets completely dark by 7 to 7:30.
Meanwhile, I drove our car back to get Andy and the younger part of the group - another load over by 8 PM. We were able to eat sandwiches I had picked up in Abidjan ---all was fine and to bed in our tents we went. Don't forget --2 puppies and a monkey were with us as well. They really were no problem --just added babies along. I think there should be an age limit on camping --5 and up.
We were able to swim in the river every day - float down the river, walk up the beach, ride the canoe ---everyone had a great time. Seth even rigged a swing to swing out over the river.
The main funny story --the first night we weren't well organized. We had a king air mattress (aren't we camping in style?) in our tent. Gideon was on a pillow, then me on the air mattress next to Esther, then Dan and then Rebekah. Now, those two little girls are rollers ---I tell you, we didn't have this thing planned well. During the night I heard Esther go "Ahhhhhh." I told Dan, "Move quick. She is peeing." It was funny and yes she was. We changed the sheets and were fine after that.
The next night a huge storm kicked up. Andy and Becky's tent almost went over ---moored only in the sand. We were up trying to rain-proof the site and praying that it wouldn't hit. It was a big storm - lightning and thunder ---very beautiful. And to think, God is so much more powerful than the storm. He is ALL power!!! lightning and thunder ---very beautiful. And to think, God is so much more powerful than the storm. He is ALL power!!!
Well, God let the storm pass with only a few sprinkles our way.
The rest of the trip was uneventful ---good food and fun. If you want more details or have questions - feel free to ask.
After 3 nights on the beach we went back to the hotel at GL --it even has a pool - $20 a night. We all got washed up and slept WELL.
Andy and Becky's car still wasn't ready on Friday. We stayed with them until 11:30 AM then left to get to our meeting in the village on time. They came later after their car was running. They have more stories about that. Praise the Lord we all made it home safely.
Thanks for all your prayers. This is called - real family time - smile.
Love,
Dan and Joan and Co.

Quick news

you!!!!!  

The girls sent this picture ---as they said, "It wasn't meant to be cute.  We were trying to be warm."  And I don't know how to separate the picture from the "I love you." so there you go.  God is great and takes care of us as always.  Thank you so much for your prayers!!!

Here is what is happening at the moment:  Ruth and Hannah graduate the end of May.  A cheap round-trip ticket came up from here to there for 900 some dollars (a normal ticket is near 2,000 from here - like double to America).  That ticket was a Christmas / New Year special and it was a "decide and buy NOW."  Well, we couldn't decide and buy now and the time went by.  Meanwhile, we got our hopes up and then were a bit disappointed.  I told Ruth and Hannah to pray and if God wanted me to go, He would provide something BETTER.  Nothing had been turning up.
My niece Laurelyn is pregnant and is due in April.  She wants me to come deliver their baby!! Wow.  PRAY a lot for that delivery --her first.   So, they are bringing me to the states, and from the states round-trip to the Philippines is in the 900's again.  
If I had gotten the first ticket I wouldn't have been able to go deliver Laurelyn's baby.  That is not all.
There is a girl who wants to come out for about two months - never traveled overseas before and her father was thinking to accompany her.  Now she is able to try to get her ticket to match mine and come back with me.  That will be nice for both of us.  She sounds like a very nice girl - 18 yo.  Even another thing --she wants to be in the states for June 2 - a graduation, and our ticket won't be until June 6th.  
It is comforting to me to see the hand of God in the details.  I am nervous and praying so much for all my babies that will be here.  It will be good for the older kids to get pushed out of their normal comfort zone for a bit --teach in French, play the piano for church, laundry, cooking, buying groceries to keep up with the menu (I WILL make a menu for them), maybe appreciate Mom a bit?    
So, that is what has been happening around here.  The weeks are full.  Life goes like this - school every day, beach Monday afternoon, Wed. night meetings, Friday to the village to preach and teach, Saturday afternoons - visitation, ladies' class, and everything planned for Sat. afternoon; Sunday 8:30 SS, then Church, then classes - ladies' class, youth class, men's class, membership class.  Normally in the states you could have some of these meetings during the SS hour or during the week.  No one wants to come out at night and they don't show up on time for SS.  After church is the best time to have everyone present.  Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are a bit free --do the shopping, do whatever pops up as an "interruption" during the week, and even practice the piano or guitar if it works out.  We do love life here.
  We so appreciate it and you praying for us.  Please PRAY for all this travel to go smoothly, for the delivery, and for all my family still here at home to be safe and healthy.  Thanks a lot.
Have a great day.
Love in Christ,
Joan

PS.  We just got back from our African camping trip ---yes, I know our whole life is camping in Africa.  Our camping TRIP is to go and spend 3 days and nights ON a deserted beach.  Last time we did the trip it was just our family and we slept on air mattresses and blow up pool toys outside with mosquito nets.  This time Messers went with us and we had tents.  It is a very long story that I can't write up right now ---LONG story - Messers' car had troubles and broke down completely;  going with two puppies and a monkey;  Gideon is 2 years old and was teething - hanging on to me like glue;  going to get Seth at the airport ---he had been on a mission trip to Kenya;  huge rain and wind storm in the night --everyone up trying to rain proof the tents - one of which was about to blow over completely.  I'll write the story after a while.  We got home to no water and lots of wet laundry - it might get moldy, that is why none of our clothes from here are fit to bring to the states.  No, I'll lay them out in the sun to at least dry them a bit.  

Have a Wonderful Christmas

Dan is feeling a bit better. He drove to the big market area a few days ago and figured out he'd pay for that ---not ready for driving yet. So, that leaves me driving to the village - Petite Pedro on Friday night and Gblao on Sat. night for a film. Seth will go and preach Friday night, Dan will go on Sat. night. Also we have all been invited to the ice cream shop on Sat. night ---when can we do that? Sat. night Seth is leading a service and skits in here at Lac. We will see if we can do the ice cream late.
Tues. we / I made and decorated Christmas cookies, brownies, sweet-rolls, and jam bars ---made some platters to pass out ---many unsaved friends and neighbors. Gave a nice card with 5 different tracts. I'm sure they will read them on their spare time. So, Tues. night we went and passed those all out --it has been busy. We usually do Christmas caroling ---but decided to skip that and pass out goodies and tracts instead.
Now I am on sort and clean-up projects for today --made a shell mirror for Nadege with Rebekah ----take a mirror and glue sea shells to the frame --very nice. Today is a breather before the weekend starts. Made a mirror for us --"May the faces I see see Jesus in Me."
I've been able to witness well to Fatiah and Sophia. They now all know, believe they say, no decision yet. No blood on my hands. They are now somewhat friends ---as good a friends as you can have with the unsaved. Susanna and Lydia went to spend the day with Sophia today. We will invite them to the Sat. night time --will be very good and evangelistic. Seth is great for that. I don't know if they will come --they want to come to our church; our church is not geared to the wealthy. We will see. So, we keep praying and witnessing to all the lost that we can.
Lately I've been focusing on prophecy. Since you see all the prophecy coming true --Jesus is coming soon --get saved NOW. In the days of Noah --when the ark was finished - the people should have known the time was near. When they saw the animals getting in the ark --they should have known - something is up, time is running out. That is how it is these days. Time is running out ---get saved now.
Well, off I go. Have a Merry Christmas. Sunday morning we are only doing a breakfast ---boiled eggs, bread and chocolate spread, and popcorn --more simple. -- We are just tired a bit ---want a good time, but focus on the gospel getting out.
Have a happy new year too.
Love,
Joan and Dan
PS. Ruth and Hannah were supposed to have a break in the Philippines ---it was cancelled. They work at the clinic on Sat. night ---they don't mind that and love to catch babies. It is good for them to be busy - -less chance of being homesick.

Have a wonderful Christmas

As the kids move the little angel along the calendar closer and closer to Christmas, I know that if I do not hurry, I will not have time to wish you all a super merry Christmas. You have probably heard ---"He had the birthday, we get the gift." Don't we moms know that? We gave birth, did the labor; and the kids get the gifts for the rest of their lives. How does that work out?? The kids have figured out that our birthday parties are getting boring because I have done about 143 of them. Well, Christmas is never boring and He keeps on giving so many blessings.
As for news ---God has been so great as usual. Dan was in a minor motorcycle accident. The problem was that the other man had a gas bottle (like a propane gas bottle - the size of two basketballs) on the front of his motorcycle, which flew off and hit Dan in the collarbone and ribs thereby fracturing them. From the swelling, discoloration and pain; I figured he had fractured them and since there is no treatment plan (I had already checked to see if things seemed straight) -on we went. He has his arm in a sling and is taking it easy. Meanwhile we have two heads working and only one body - smile. The body needs a rest. Praise God that it wasn't worse.
Meanwhile, Micheline's husband got saved, and Claudia got saved tonight. Wow, she prayed a beautiful prayer all on her own ---the young girl who is staying with us while her mother is trying to find them a place to live --a very long story. I just love it when someone gets saved!! I pray so much for Sophia and her mother to get saved ---we talk with them every weekend; Fatiha seems very close. Pray much and for us to have boldness and a Word from God.
Have a wonderful Christmas vacation ---that is what we like best. Just rescue us from school ---we are ready for a break. In all the activities, remember - He had the birthday ---he suffered and died and rose again, so that we could have the gifts.
With lots of love,
Joan and Dan

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I would be neglectful if I didn't join in the loud praise and thanksgiving to God for ALL HIS wonderful blessings. Thanks be to God!! And we are headed to Christmas --Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!! Amen. We are going to focus on Wise men STILL seek HIM. Yes, we sure do want to be wise. Everyone has a response --accept, reject, tell others, opposition. We want to accept Him and tell others --not just tell them, but compel them to come in. Wow. Though the task is huge, aren't we so happy to know that He is in charge of the harvest?
We love you. THANKS TO GOD for all His Blessings. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Love,
Dan and Joan