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Update 10/4/10

Greetings from beautiful Nebraska!

I will start this update from the day before we left Zambia, so hopefully I won’t miss anything I wanted to share.

9/20 – Today I baked 4 dozen muffins for the farewell potluck tomorrow night. We were blessed with a new muffin pan from Jennifer Bjorland when she was here this summer and friends sent us a lot of muffin mixes. I think the student’s will love these.

The two suitcases we are taking home both weighed under the 50 lb. limit so I didn’t even have to rearrange anything. I think I did really well in that I only packed 2 pair of shoes!!! :) Paul was very impressed with me that I had the bags packed two days ahead of time. I do think this was a first for me.

Papa Joe got the brakes fixed on the white truck after much frustration with trying to find the parts and getting things to fit properly. Thank you to Papa Joe for his patience and skills to get the white truck going again. Paul and Papa Joe worked on getting one of the steel brace beams put in place on the library today and Papa Joe plans on welding them in place today.

I walked around and took some pictures today so I would have some new ones to take back to the states and show everyone. Pastor Davis Daka, Regional Director for Gospelink was out this afternoon and he and Paul went over lots of paper work that needed to be done. Davis and Paul work closely together getting the funds distributed quarterly to the national pastors.

Henry & Paul had a final meeting with the student’s and their passports and e-tickets were passed out and some final details gone over. I think the students are so excited they seem kind of numb with anticipation. I really cannot imagine what they are feeling like, as most of them would not have even dreamed of having an opportunity like they have been given. It is just so wonderful that God can provide more than we ever can ask or imagine.

When the student’s return they will have a long paper to write about their cross cultural trip and these will be graded by Lewis Nelms when he is here to visit in December.

First day in the USA!!

Paul and I were the first one checked thru at Washington as we got to be in the American citizen line!! This was kind of a neat feeling to know we were welcomed back home without any more paperwork. The line was VERY long for the student’s to get passed through customs, but all went smooth. As the students passed through this process Paul & I were there waiting for them to shake their hands and tell them WELCOME to AMERICA!! They were all smiles.

When we were waiting in Washington Dulles airport I bought Paul and I a coke lite as we waited. We told the students to get something to drink at their first fast food restaurant in America. No, they wouldn’t do it as they were saving the American money they had been given for something more special than a soda :)

All the flights were great and were smooth sailing. The students all did great and seemed to enjoy the experience. Paul and I saw that only very few of the students have even left their seats during the long flight. We told them it was good to get up and walk around, but they just were more comfortable staying in their seats. Of course Paul and I watched some movies during the long flight but as usual the students continue to teach and humble us as many of them were reading their bibles. I think they all watched a movie too, but it was still wonderful to see them with their bibles on their laps. Mine was packed in my checked luggage. I don’t know this just seems like they know to keep God’s word close to them all the time. I continue to be taught by the students. The students all did a super job filling out the custom paper work and I just walked up near them and answered the questions they needed help with. We were all pretty much sitting together except one of the students who ended up by himself about 6 rows back. We thank God for the privilege to bring these students to the states so many Americans can be blessed by their testimonies and their love for the Lord. If you can get to any of the churches they will be visiting you will want to be there.

We met JR and Marlene Ehlers at the Chicago airport and passed the students over to them. They had sack lunches ready for the students and vans and drivers ready to transport them to their host family’s homes. It was sad for us to see them go but very exciting.

Paul and I had about a 3 hour wait for our flight to Omaha and it departed about 15 minutes late because of mechanical repairs. It did get us praying for a good mechanic to be working on the plane :) It was a fast smooth flight and our friends Murry and Marylyn Christenson were there waiting for us when we arrived. We were tired but the ride home was great conversation even if our heads were dropping down sometimes. We stopped in Lincoln and had supper at a Cracker Barrel restaurant and it was weird seeing such a clean store and a big menu.

We slept very well and our son Ben came over the next morning and we took him to McDonalds for breakfast. It was SO GOOD to see him. He really does not know how to hug very well, but you can be sure this mom gave this young man a good hug. Ben is very proud of the different car he purchased just a few weeks ago: a 2007 Honda Accord. It was fun for him to give us a ride to McDonalds and show it off to his old parents :)

Our first full day back we stopped in at the bank then stopped at Sapp Brothers, Paul’s former employer and visited with the staff. It just so happened they were have a BBQ for lunch and we were invited back to join them for that. It was great having grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings.

On Saturday our friend Brian Poland took Paul out to breakfast. When Paul came back to the house he was driving a 2010 Red Chevy Camaro!! I said, “What is this??” Brian & Winnie have given us their new car to drive the whole time we are home, can you believe that?? We are having a ball driving it and boy do people notice this pretty car and I am sure they wonder why the old couple is driving such a cool car then, you won’t believe this, more friends, Dick & Nina Strickland, Eric & Jeanette Benson gave Paul a new Harley motorcycle to ride while he was home!!! Did I mention that we have great friends!!!!! The motorcycle belongs to Levi Benson who is away at school and who serves in the ROTC. I know Paul will take good care of both of these generous gifts. Once again God meets our every need before we even can ask, and then with two new vehicles. Amazing!! Plus our friend Brenda Miller gave me the use of her 2nd car to use as Paul & I will be going different directions on some days. A big thank you to all of you.

Our first Sunday at church was just so special. Pastor Mike Neely gave a great message from 2nd Timothy with the reminder that “God is Able”. It was just so good to be with our home church family, familiar songs, familiar language, loving friends and the Holy Spirit just ministering to our hearts. Going to a Sunday school class afterwards was great, just being with friends studying about heaven and how very wonderful it will be. We hope to visit a different class each Sunday and then visit different Bible study classes. The ladies are studying the book of Daniel on Monday nights and the men have a study on Wednesday nights that Paul will attend. It is so good to be home getting our buckets filled back up with such great love from our church family.

That first Sunday back my side of the family “The Knuth’s” all gathered to welcome us home at a local pizza restaurant and that was wonderful. 36 of my family members were able to be there. This pizza place has a game room next door so the kids were able to have some fun too while the grown up visited and looked at some pictures.

This week my “Fun Sisters “have some time off so we will have some good fun. We all rode together along with two of my nieces, Audra & Tess to Kearney. We went with my sister Gayle to see an orthopedic surgeon about her frozen shoulder and then we went on to lunch and some shopping. Please pray for my sister Gayle has she need to do a lot of physical therapy to get her range of motion back.

I was able to visit my good friend Diana Cook and pick up my new shirts that she had bought for me. She has been my personal shopper and watching for good deals on some new things that I need. We have been good friends since Jr. High band and what a wonderful gift to have such a great friend for such a long time. God has been so faithful to bless our friendship with lots of time and lots of love and laughter. Thank you Diana for always having my back. Diana had even saved an old pair of my tennis shoes that I had given her daughter at one point so I could borrow them back and have some tennis shoes to go for walks while I am home. Now keep in mind, I would never have saved an old pair of a friend’s tennis shoes, but dear Diana is a saver and takes good care of me. Diana will also color my hair while I am home. She is one of those people who can do about anything with one hand tied behind her back. She has always been my hero :)

My sister Carol and I were able to go for a pedicure and manicure today and that was a fun girl time. I feel bad for Paul as he didn’t think he wanted to join us for this event. He had to find something more manly to do.

Friends from church continue to bring over good food for us to eat. Tami Bednar brought over some things provided by the Women’s ministries of our church. Roast, frozen potato casserole, raw potatoes, chips, burgers, homemade enchiladas. YUM. Then another day we were give pulled pork, buns, chips BBQ sauce, and more. I can tell now that much weight will be gained during this visit. Murry seems to think we need chocolate ever in our reach so it could be kind of scary on the weight gain. One day when I came back to M&M’s house Paul & Ben had just finished polishing off large Snickers Blizzards from Dairy Queen. They both looked quite pleased with themselves.

On Wednesday night Paul went to the men’s bible study at church as was asked to share about the ministry in Zambia. Paul shared the need for a national nurse to be hired for the clinic, and to make a long story short the funds have been committed to support a national nurse!!!!!!

Praise God!!! When we return home this will be a priority to get a nurse hired. She will be able to help with the government paper work that will be required and help with the setup of the clinic. We will be holding some meetings with interested people about the best way to get the medical equipment and supplies that will be needed. Please pray for wisdom in hiring the right nurse and for God to lead us in this process and also the best way to get the supplies.

I was able to join my Dad and his wife Arlene over at their apartment for lunch today. My Dad is 83 years old and looks great. He works hard to take care of himself by walking twice a day and riding his exercise bike. He is one of my heroes. I was able to go out to visit our Humane Society with my sister Gayle and her grandson Sam Sims who is 9 years old. It is really a neat story about how Sam and his family fed a BIG Bull Mastiff homeless dog for a few years. This dog was out in a rural area and has been able to out run the attempts to capture him. Sam left him food out each night by his garage and each night this big dog enjoyed this act of love.

Well, the TV show “Animal Planet” heard about the story and how the Humane Society did get the dog captured. They named the dog “Angus” and had the very large tumor on his hind leg removed. “Angus” is now the mascot at the humane society and the director takes him home with her, where he now lives with her English bull dog “Dotty”. We were able to watch the segment that was filmed about “Angus” on the animal planet. It was great and I was so proud of my great nephew Sam.

I was able to visit our son Ben at his work place today and remind him that supper was at Uncle Bob & Aunt Lori’s in Doniphan. It was so nice to see Ben at work and just to connect with him during the middle of the day. Great grilled steaks with Bob & Lori. My sister-in-law Lori is a great homemaker and her house is always decorated so cute and it so welcoming.

Paul made stops at the church to visit with Lori Vaughn who does all of our finance bookkeeping for us. The office staff at our church goes above and beyond to support us in many ways with all the things that need to be taken care of. A big thank you to Nina, Lori, Carolyn & Sue. I was able to visit friends at their different work locations and that was great. One day I joined the Histology lab staff for lunch and we had a great time visiting about Zambia.

Paul has gotten in a long ride with friends Dave Chase & Lynn Wilson and the weekend weather was great. Paul was also able to join some of the men from church on a nice ride on a Sunday afternoon. Many of the men and women from church who ride bikes meet on certain Sundays to go for a ride as a group. Paul just joined in the fun. It is nice that we can encourage each other in our own type of hobbies and fun.

Paul went to an early 6:30 am men’s bible study before the church service on Sunday morning and enjoyed his time in God’s word and rubbing shoulders with old friends and meeting new ones. Ben has come over some evenings and watched the Yankee’s play baseball, the Steeler’s play football and just about any other sporting event he and Paul can find.

The Fun Sister’s made another road trip to watch great nephew Sam play tackle football. His team won and we all had a great time cheering him on. The Nebraska weather has been just perfect and beautiful each day since we have been back. 70’s, sunshine and nice cool evenings. Just perfect and it is nice not to be hot all the time. October is the hottest month in Zambia so I am thankful I am missing out on that. We stopped in at church and Nina; our personal secretary had a 3 fold brochure, business cards and address labels printed up for us to look at. Of course they looked great and she will be printing some off for us to have available for us to use. Murry & Marilyn are doing everything for us and won’t even let us help with dishes. They are letting me do our own laundry so I am getting to use a dryer!! I must admit I do miss hanging out my clothes on the line. We have checked in with Chad & Amber back at the college and things are going well. Teacher Marty Kelly is there teaching the freshmen right now and that is going well. Papa Joe and Chad continue to work on the library, backhoe and getting some cabins ready for the new students who will start in January. Most important Amber is taking good care of little Jess and loving her in our absence.

I went to the bible study again Monday night and enjoyed the video segment from Beth Moore on Daniel 3. The illustrations she uses really help me see the deeper meaning of God’s word.

Well, as you can see we have been busy and enjoying every minute of it. Sure hope you are receiving our email prayer & praise updates, if not let me know and I will get you on the list if you would like. I cannot end this update without giving Murry & Marylyn a big thank you for having us in their home and helping us feel so at home. We could not feel more welcomed and loved then we do.

I’m taking notes and will update again next week of our adventures while here at home.

We have gotten reports that the students have been a wonderful blessing to people as we knew they would be and that many scholarships have been sponsored. God continues to go before the needs of the International Bible College!!

Thank you all for your love, support and prayers.

You are loved by Jesus and us.

Update 10/10/10

Hello, from the land of the Nebraska Cornhuskers!!

Yes, the Nebraska football team had a great football victory over Kansas State last week.

I must list all the places we have gotten to eat at with friends/family: Ruby Tuesdays, Local sports grill, Carlos O'Kelly's, Arbys, McDonalds, Subway, Jimmy Johns, Valentinos, Pizza Hut, Applebees, Olive Garden and lot of great food brought to the house by our church family. Yes, we are gaining weight at a rapid pace. We want to thank everyone who has blessed us with food and fellowship. With all the food being brought into the house I know Murry & Marilyn will miss us when we are gone:)

Paul & I took a nice walk one afternoon and enjoyed walking around the old neighborhood. The weather has been absolutely beautiful the whole time we have been home. On Saturday I was able to spend the whole day with my friend Kristal Wood and her mom, Norma Havranek. Kristal and I have been friends since 4th grade and grew up next door to each other out in the country. It is a blessing having a friend from childhood and still being friends at age 54. Norma was like a second mother to me and I have always called her "My evil step-mother" as she always took care of her own daughter's need first :). Kristal went back to Wyoming this weekend but we were both thankful for the time we were able to spend together.

My tooth has not hurt once since I have been back home, so I am very thankful for all your prayers about that. My glaucoma is still not under control but I am having some laser done on the eye this Friday so that will help and maybe some additional eye drops. I will keep you posted on this left eye of mine. Thank you again for your prayers about this.

I was able to have lunch out with my Fun Sisters this week and we had a great time with lots of laughter. The people sitting around us asked if they could join us since we were having so much fun!! I was able to go to Lincoln, Nebraska with my friend Diana Cook. We have been friends since Jr. High Band. We had a great time and got some super bargains on summer clothes for me to take back to Zambia and the heat that will be awaiting us. Thank you Diana for buying me some new clothes and for all the fun we had.

The ladies’ bible study at church has been wonderful for me to be in. Beth Moore is teaching me things from the book of Daniel that I had never read or just didn't get as much out of it at the time.

Paul continues to join the men's bible study on Wednesday nights and is being blessed by his time in the word and by the fellowship with his brothers in Christ. Paul was once again out on the "Harley" today and had a great ride. He was able to meet with some men from the New Life Community Church in Grand Island and share about the ministry in Zambia.

Chad, Amber & Papa Joe are working hard and continue to get lots of work done at the college. I know they are all three taking good care of our little Jess. We sure are missing that sweet, sweet dog.

This past Sunday at church we were give a cash gift from a men's bible study group that they had been gathering for us. We plan on dividing it among the students to use on their trip back to Zambia so they can have some American cash in their pockets.

We are excited about the students arriving in Grand Island this Saturday. We plan on eating the evening meal with them, showing them the church and then they will go home with their host families. This Sunday will be so special for everyone who comes to church to see them and maybe get to visit with them. We are really missing the students and all of our Zambian friends.

Thank you to all the host families from Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska who have had the students in your homes. I know you were blessed and I know they were blessed by you.

God Bless all of you for your prayers, love, encouragement and support.

You are loved by Jesus and us.

Dear Family & Friends,

WOW, WOW, WOW, it has been a crazy, wonderful, exhausting time since we have been home. I cannot begin to tell you all the wonderful blessings God has provided since we have been home but I will do my best :).

Paul and I actually took an hour out to go for a walk around our old neighborhood and that was fun. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous since we have been home. 70-80's, sunshine each and every day. We have both gained weight since we've been back. I think we have almost eaten out for every meal or the ladies from out church have provided a home cooked meal for us. Tonight we go our with Randy & Jan Dye at a great Mexican place. Yum. Of course we have spent time with family and many friends. Our son Ben is doing Great and we are loving on him as much as possible. He is 33 so only allows so much love from his mom. Today I am having lunch with my three Fun Sister's again. My Dad is 83 and he looks great and is still going dancing every weekend. My Dad is just the bestest Dad ever and I love him so much and wish the time would not be going by so fast.

We did get to watch some of the Nebraska vs Texas football game and I am sad to report we were beaten pretty badly. The Nebraska fans are very sad.

We went to the zoo in Omaha with our son Ben and a good friend from Omaha, Bill Ruhlman. We had too make a few trips to Cabela's. We had a great time.

I was able to go for an evening meal at my friend Kathy's house and she introduced me to her friend Dan, who I thought was her imaginary friend but I did meet him, he is real, and a really nice guy.

My friend Diana has been treating me well. She has cut and colored my hair, and I must say I do look beautiful :). We were able to go shopping in Lincoln for a day and we had a super fun time. We always shop the clearance racks and we found some short sleeve summer shirts for me to wear in the heat of Zambia. I was able to go to lunch one day with her and her husband Pat and we had fun and some good laughter.

My friend Nancy and I went to Lincoln on another day and met with our friend Helen and had a wonderful visit. Helen is an 80 yr old Sr. citizen and you would never know it. I don't think I could keep up with her for a day. She started running marathons when she was 40 and has keep healthy and strong. For her 80th birthday she went para-sailing in Florida!!!! She is one of my heroes. We all went out for some great pie, and again much fun and laughter.

Nina, our personal secretary has printed off for us some business size cards with all our address information and made a nice brochure for us to use when we are speaking to groups. They look really nice and it makes it so easy when people ask for our information. Go Nina Go!!!

NEWS RELEASE: Some one as stepped up and sponsored the National Nurse for the medical clinic!!! YAHOO! We will be able to interview and hire a nurse when we get back to Zambia.

Another gift came in to buy a hammer mill for the college so this to can be purchased when we return. Now all Paul has to do is build a building to put the hammer mill in:) This will be a wonderful benefit to the college and also to our neighbors. They can come to the college and get their corn ground instead of hauling it 20 plus miles to get it ground.

Ben has been coming over to the house and we have been cheering on the Yankee's. I guess we need to start cheering a little harder.

Dr. Mark Stines and Dr. Michele Gleason have taken very good care of us with our eye care/eye glass needs. I had my left eye lasered to help bring down the pressure in my left eye. It is working and hope to remain on just one eye drop but I might need to add another drop. Thank you all for your prayers regarding my eyes, my teeth and my knees. I just am putting on a few patches and I'll be ready to get back to the college.

We were able to visit Paul's Dad and his wife Mary one evening and shared some KFC for supper. We were even able to watch the show "Survivor" with them and that was fun. We then were able to visit Paul's brother Mark, and his family, Bunny, Mickel and Secilia. Everyone just seems to grow and change overnight when you don't see them for an extended period of time. Paul's nephew Matt looks great and his little girl Arlynn is the cutest thing ever. We found out Heather, Matt's wife is expecting so we are excited and happy for them. Paul's sister Lori, her husband Bob have been taking good care of Paul's yellow Honda bike for him along with his jacket, gloves and helmet. Thank you guys very much as he has used his stuff when riding Levi Benson's Harley while he has been home. Paul's great nephew Hunter is growing cutter every day and I must say I think his Grandma Lori is taking really good care of him. He wants for nothing. Paul's sister Sandy lives in Texas and his sister Terri lives in New Mexico so we won't be seeing them this trip.

One day some of the ladies with our Ladies Ministry Committee from church took me out to lunch and then we went out for a pedicure and manicure!!! It was great!

This past week I have been blessed to share with larger groups of ladies from our church on Monday evening and then on Tuesday morning. It was a wonderful time of food and fellowship. My personal secretary made gourmet style mini-muffins of several flavors and yum, were they great. The ladies all asked great questions and are very supportive of the work being done at the International Bible College in Zambia.

I was able to celebrate my sister Carol and my sister Jolene's birthday's with them. I bought them each a balloon so they could be reminded of their special day for a few days longer. They both pointed out that they will always be younger then me!! You have to love those Fun Sisters.

I was able to join in one of the ladies prayer groups from our church one afternoon and that was a special time. We took our church directory and prayed for each family from like 3 pages of the directory. Each time the ladies meet they just continue to pray through the directory and I was blessed to take a part with the prayer warriors.

My Fun Sister Carol is letting me use her little Mazda car, so I am zipping around all over town in it, while Paul continue to zip around his Brian's 2010 Red Camaro. We are being loved on so well.

Last Saturday afternoon we were able to meet the student's at a local pizza buffet restaurant and it was wonderful to see them again. You should of seen the BIG RIG they got to ride in!! It was so cool. A big semi Mobil home on wheels. We got a tour of it and it was beautiful on the inside. These students got to ride in style. Thank you Paul from Iowa for sharing your blessings with the student's. Joining them were friends from Iowa and friends from Minnesota. Yes, we have friends:)

We all had lots of good food and sharing of stories. The student scholarships continue to come in and we praise God for His provision for the students. Way to go Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska churches for your support of these fine students. Excuse me if I left any state off from this tour that has picked up sponsorships for the students. I know there are people from Georgia, Virginia, Florida, North & South Carolina, Delaware and other states that love and support the students at the college. After a great meal we all went to our home Evangelical Free church for the students to do a quick sound check and get a look at the church. Pastor Mike Neely was able to be there to greet them and our son Ben was even able to stop in and shake the students hands. The students all were anxious to meet our son Ben so we were very thankful he took the time to stop in and meet them. The host families picked up their students and the evening drew to a close. After the students left Paul & I and our friends from Minnesota were able to "drop in" to Dick & Nina's Strickland's house for coffee and fellowship. Thank you Dick & Nina for always opening up your home and being a great host & hostess. We love ya.

The next morning, Sunday, October 17th the students arrived at church at 7:45 with our first service starting at 8:15 am. Paul and I were just so excited we could hardly stand it!!!!! Well the students did their African Shuffle up the main entrance to the stage singing "We are Africans, We are Zambians, we are children of the Lord". It was wonderful, I mean wonderful.

The student's had almost all of the service time and shared in songs and shared songs and testimonies were shared. We were so proud of the student's and Henry and Lucy. Pastor Henry gave a short update on the work at the college and thanked our church for all the support they have for the work at the college. The student's participated in a question and answer time between services in our informal "Gathering Place". Students were scattered around round tables with many from the congregation sitting with them. It was a super time of sharing. A spokesperson from each table shared what they had learned from visiting with the students at their table. We even had many young people there from the youth groups and that was really special. The friends that came down from Minnesota were able to participate and it was so wonderful they made the trip down to see the students and see us of course:).

After the students shared in the second service a church potluck was held and many people stayed and once again the students were gathered at round tables to share a meal and fellowship with many people.

It was hard to say goodbye to them, but the time will go by fast and we will be back at the college soon. The students of course told us they have had a super time and their main comments they made to us were how nice all the people were, how good the host families were to them. How nice the roads are and how pretty the houses are, and how clean everything looks.

Pastor Henry shared that he had not had to dust his shoes off once since he had been in America! We were so blessed as many our friends and family were able to visit our church the morning the students shared so this made it more real to them the reason we are serving in Zambia at the college.

The students each came with one suitcase that was not even full and they are returning with 2 suitcases each stuffed full, extra suitcases with larger items that needed to be sent back and as much as would fit in their carry-ons as possible. I do believe they were loved on really good!! It was kind of sad to see they all had to pack an "IOWA" sweatshirt in their suitcases!! Oh well, maybe I will be able to get some Nebraska T-shirts to take back for them to put over the Iowa shirts:) OK, OK, I won't do that. Don't send me any mean emails!!

Another super gift was a new wet tile saw. Paul will be using this when we get back to the college for cutting the tile for the medical clinic. This is a really nice saw and Paul was able to break in down and get it packed into two suitcases. It is a really nice saw. Looks just like any old saw to me but Paul was really excited to get it and told me it was the best brand and good model for the jobs that need to be done. Another friend Darrell bought Paul a cross bow and accessories from Cabela's. We too have broke this down to size and packed in into a suitcase. We are worse then the students as we will be taking maybe 3 suitcases each back with us. Just goes to show you we too have been loved on really well.

We were blessed getting hugs from Levi who is serving in the ROTC while going to college. He is a small guy, over 6 ft tall and built like a VERY Strong Army guy. He had to bend low to give us our hugs. He told us he kept his eye on our walk with the Lord and he is praying for us. This touched our hearts so much to hear a college student tell us this.

We have received new financial support since we have been home and that has helped fill in the gap where other people have had to drop off their support for various reasons. We want to thank all of our supporters who generously support us and the work of Gospelink at the International Bible College in Zambia and many National Pastors from many countries. It is eternal work you are supporting.

We were able to meet with our Pastoral staff and discuss the future work and future needs at the college. It is wonderful to belong to a church body committed to mission outreach and support of the work by missionaries around the world. I know the students were a BIG blessing to our church body in Grand Island and we praise our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ for HIS work on the cross that we might receive His love and serve HIM for all our days. Thank you all for your love, prayers and support. God is pleased when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity. Ps 133:1.

You are loved by Jesus and us.

October 26, 2010

Dear Family & Friends,

We are in Nebraska for our last week and are schedule full with lunch and supper dates with family & friends. It is so wonderful to be loved so well since we have been home. It seems like Paul & I have worked out a good schedule as he meets a guy for lunch and I meet some girls for lunch and then we get to meet with couples in the evening. I know we will lose the extra weight we have put on when we get back to Zambia.

We were blessed to have breakfast one morning this past week with our Lead Pastor Mike Neely and his wife Mickee. It was great to just sit and fellowship about all that is going at the college in Zambia and about the dear student's and staff who were able to share at our church on Sunday. Many, many people from our church family continue to tell us how much the student's visit blessed their lives and now have a better picture of what Paul and I are doing at the International Bible College in Zambia. Two of my dear friends who were at the service with with student's told me with tear's in their eyes that "Now I get it why you & Paul are in Zambia". It just meant so much to me to know people are understanding the mission of the college and the eternal impact of grounding young men and women in God's word to go into the world and share the truth and love of Jesus Christ. To God be praised for all HE has done during the student's visit to the states.

My tooth continues to flair up so I would appreciate prayers for that to stop doing that. I would also ask for prayers for my left eye as the pressure is still not down where Dr. Gleason would like to see it. I go see her one more time before I leave and the answer will be that I use two different drops a day instead of one, so we do know what to do if the pressure is not where she wants it.

We had two great meals with Randy & Jan Dye and Doug & Sue McTavish just sharing the stories of Zambia and the great progress that has been made at the college. I have shared with some people the need for simple, inexpensive craft ideas for me to do with the ladies that come to bible study on Thursdays and I have gotten some great ideas and even some samples to take back with me. Jany Dye picked up some decorative rubber stamps and stamp pads are a garage sale and I am taking those back with me. This will be a super way for the ladies to decorate some paper and envelops that they can use as gifts, or even decorate something for their homes.Shelia Baird brought me two craft ideas with fabric and wire that will be fun to make. Roselan Dunagan and Ella Mae Dahms have also dropped things off at the church office for me. The ladies in the surrounding villages that come to bible study will be so blessed and have lots of fun doing some new craft projects.

We have been able to have some breakfasts and evening meals with our son Ben and those have been fun times. I am not allowing myself to think about good-byes until the time comes. My fun sister's, Gayle, Carol & Jolene continue to bless me with all kinds of goodies to take back with me. Paul says I have to stop collecting things as the suitcases will not hold all I want to take back with me:).

Tom Bednar at Physical Therapist was able to help me with care for my inflamed bursa sack below my knee. With the tape and exercise's he gave me I should be able to care for this problem a little better.

I was able to visit with friends at the hospital I had worked at and that was great except for there is just never enough time. I was so glad Colleen Genuwch who is the RN and good friend who helped Paul get his diabetes under control before we left for Zambia. She is a super nurse and diabetes educator and has been a blessing in our lives. Colleen was able to attend one evening at our church to hear me share about the mission of the college and it was wonderful to see her face in the group of ladies.

I was able to ride over to Kearney with my fun sisters Gayle & Jolene this week and once again we had a great time and lots of laughing. Gayle was able to take me on a country ride and show me where my niece Andrea and nephew Mark are building a home. It is a beautiful spot along the river where they will always be able to have horses and see lots of wild life. It was great just to have a ride in the country and see more of beautiful Nebraska and all the corn that has been harvested and the home farm places that are still in Nebraska.

Paul is on a mission and is packing our suitcases this week so he can show me how much room I really have left to pack things in. He is so good about being organized and doing things that need to be done ahead of time. If it were left up to me I would be packing the night before and panicking:). God is so faithful to have blessed me with a husband who love me and balances out my weaknesses.

I continue to be blessed by the Beth Moore bible study on Daniel on Monday evenings. I think I will contact Lifeway ministries and see if they would send me the dvd's of the Beth Moore studies on Daniel and the one on the Patriarchs. It never hurts to asks. Speaking of asking, if any of you who are reading this have been on a short term mission trip to the college would like to share your "Impressions" of your time at the college I would love to put them on our "Impression" spot on our web page. Please email me what you write and I can put it on the our site.

Well I guess that is it for now. Well update again soon with all the blessings that continue to come into our lives from our God.

You are loved by Jesus and us.