Hello Friends & Family -
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| Sending Eduards & Helena off at the airport |
Well it was not easy saying goodbye yesterday to Eduards and Helena. I think they were sad, but also excited to go back. Emotional feelings have been the hardest thing for them to express all along, and I wonder if that is something that they have never experienced in life - expressing emotion. Our last week together was so good, including a visit to the National Zoo, a small local (Mt. Airy) carnival, a horseback riding lesson, a camping trip and introduction to my sister Gail & family in Swanton, Maryland, more visits to Dr. Hummers for fillings, Adventure Park and dinner with the DeChosa family, and of course, lots of swimming!
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| A day at the National Zoo with Annie's family |
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| Ariel DeChosa delighted us with his piano! |
At the beginning of this adventure in hosting, we hoped and prayed that we would be able to share the love of Christ with Eduards and Helena, and with God's help we feel that goal has been accomplished. Each night before bed we spent some time reading Bible stories, and discussing God's love and how he has His hand in our lives. The last afternoon and evening, we shared God's plan for our salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, using a gospel-sharing tool called the Evangecube. As we explained what God is offering to us, Eduards and Helena said they would like to ask Jesus to be their savior. We made sure they knew that we loved them either way, and in no way were we forcing this, so we are hopeful that their choice to pray and ask Jesus to be their savior was truly from their hearts in response to His work in their lives! When you live with someone every day, your life is truly on display, and we pray that we were a good example to them of life with Jesus, and that they can grow in their faith. We asked them if they know any Christians at home, and they said that they did not. So we told them that even though they may feel alone in their new faith, they are NOT. The Lord is with them, and we are going to be praying for them!
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| Could this be why Frankie's back is sore?? |
Over this whole experience, I have been so grateful for the help God's sent our way through so many of you. Dr. Hummers provided his dental care, and not only that but he patiently talked the kids through their anxiety, and his
kindness and graciousness to us, as well as that of his wife and every single staff member there in his office, will never be forgotten! The Chin family provided for us to attend a Keys Baseball game, complete with souvenirs, and have a very American experience. Joanna Buppert provided a dream-come-true riding lesson, including grooming, saddling and washing the horse after the ride. She is the sweetest most patient horsewoman you can imagine, and was absolutely perfect with Helena. The DeChosa family showed their support by treating us to an very fun afternoon at Adventure Park, and a delightful evening of dinner and awe inspiring music in their home. My sister Gail and family hosting us for boating, hot tubbing, and a fantastic meal was a delight and a great opportunity to share extended family life with E & H. Thank you also to our own four children and all nine grandchildren, and the MANY ways they shared love with E & H just by being themselves, and sharing life with us during this time. Frankie especially was such a sweet big brother to them, sharing his home and just being a kind, loving, patient, fun older brother to them, and a source of strength to me. Joanna & Dan Hart and family hosted us for a fun family picnic along with the Runkles, the Lazos, and the Crows at their home. So many others of you have expressed interest and support, and all of this adds up to us knowing that God is helping us along this road - we are not doing it in our own strength! Thank you SO much for all of your prayers and words of encouragement.
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| Swallow Falls State Park |
Now, what's next???
Stay tuned, we're not sure, but we'll keep trying to ride the wave God is moving . . . ;-)
