A lion chased me up a tree, I rather enjoyed the view 

-An African Proverb

    We wanted to keep you faithful partners and prayer warriors updated on what is happening with us and what lies ahead. I made a midnight phone call the other night to my dear friend and mentor, Conchie. I needed someone to cry with. It has been a hard year and season for us and while I shall save year end reflections for another time I would not be truthful if I said this past week  had been easy. It has been exceedingly difficult for us. We have been very grateful for many things but we are grieving many things as well. So with the backdrop of thanksgiving we are writing to tell you about what lies ahead for our family.

         We are so grateful the Lord spared Daniel’s life. Had we not had access to re-hydration via IV (which me brought in with us from Nairobi) or quick medical evacuation he probably would have died from severe dehydration (what kills with rotovirus is your bodies inability to retain fluids). Watching our son be so sick and the quick medical evacuation after a brutal week of goodbyes and graduation business has left us quite emotionally exhausted. With the exhaustion comes the knowledge that there are no planes for the rest of the month flying into Paloich so we will be unable to return to our home for Christmas. Our tree sits in our home with ornaments and decorations and our plans with our sweet friends for a South Sudanese feast are cancelled. Our return home is further delayed by our teams spiritual life conference in January. Because of this we will not be returning into Melut until early February. To say we are sad about this is an understatement. We feel a bit like a lion chased us up a tree into Nairobi.

       That being said we know the Lord knew about these sudden changes as well. A friend is loaning us her Christmas tree, and we can remember Christ’s gift to us just as well in Nairobi as we could have in South Sudan surrounded by friends, or in the states surrounded by family.

   Pray for us dear ones, that we will “enjoy the view” that we will embrace the unexpected, seek what God has for us here and use this time to rejuvenate physically and emotionally so we can return home stronger in the grace of God.