Hey You guys! I can't believe it is almost March. I hope your year has been as full of blessings as mine! The good and the bad have been chock full of God moments and I am so thankful.
Garth's step-mom Priscilla passed away Jan.29, so Garth made a quick trip home to see his Dad. Priscilla was a wonderful lady full of life and laughter. It was terribly hard to be so far away, but we are thankful that Garth was able to go back. It is always hard to lose someone you love. Thankfully we have so much hope through Christ. What would we do without that hope?
Garth has been having loads of pain with his knee so the doctor suggested he go through Singapore on his way back here and have it checked out. The Singapore doctor was able to repair Garth's torn meniscus, a loss of cartilage and to move his kneecap over since it had been in the wrong place. Currently, Garth is on crutches with a strong knee brace preventing him from bending the leg. Praise for the surgery going so well, and prayers for a smooth recovery.
It's been two years since we have been home so we will be making quick summer trips to Wisconsin, New York for a family memorial for Priscilla, and Oregon to get Emma settled in college.
Yes, you heard me right. Emma and Wyatt will both be at Corban University. Wyatt is finishing up his first year there and Emma will be starting in August. This is a HUGE step for us. HUGE! To be on the other side of the world with two kids in America, trusting God to supply financially for us and for them, trusting God to take care of them when we are so far away. We have been learning more and more what it means to release them to His care. Please pray for the transition of all of that.
We will be spending most of our furlough time in the Oregon/Washington area. We need to get Emma settled, teach her to drive, get her license etc. but we also need some counseling time. Garth and I are fried. This is a hard job and we have had some very difficult moments. We need some time to debrief and reflect on things that have happened and get some counsel on how to proceed. We truly believe that this is where God wants us but that doesn't guarantee that it will be easy. A church in the Vancouver area has been ministering to us for years and has offered to provide us with the care we need. Please pray for Garth and I to be full to overflowing with God's gracious love and comfort, and for wisdom and strength to bring God glory through our ministry.
Thank you for always caring for our family. We appreciate you.
Garth and Rachel
