There and Back

Hi,

I can't believe I've had such trouble getting to my own Blog account! Seriously, who would bother trying to read our updates if it takes this much effort. My own mother doesn't even read these things. I feel like I'm yelling down a well. So, in trying to make a determination regarding Blogging vs Email Updates...we're open to your input on our output. That said, let me engage in a quick rehearsal of our most recent travels. We flew to Florida for a gynormous summit that was all about connecting Stateside churches with our region. We squeezed two weeks of meetings and networking into one. God blessed with a powerful movement of His spirit in more ways than we will ever know this side of heaven. He connected us with one another and more importantly with Himself and that will change us and our region forever. He is such a mighty God. There are times when I begin to think that if I'm not making it happen it's not happening. What a goofball! I've got such a tiny window on such an awesome God.

Dave and I have spent the last couple of days in recovery mode. Flipping nine hours back and then nine hours forward in the last 10 days has not made a positive contribution to our bodies or minds. In fact, my right ankle and knee are presently wrapped up tight after I sprained them at the airport in Jacksonville. As our hostess pulled her SUV up to the exterior baggage claim area, I was in the process of cheerfully waving to her through her passenger side window when I effectively disappeared. Now you see me...now you don't. I fell off the curb. It was a memorable introduction as she dismounted her vehicle and hurried around the front to find me already seated but not in her car. Staying off of my feet has been the best medicine but our schedule has never been conducive to limited movement. We fly out tomorrow for Egypt. We're meeting up with our new member care couple for NAME and attending a consortium of MC providers and supporters from the ME outside Cairo. We'll attach a few extra days in the city to help our new MC team members get to know some of the folks there.

Prayer requests include safety and stamina and a good beginning for our new MC couple. Ask that the consortium would stimulate new ideas for ministering to those working in this part of the world. I also have a personal sense that God wants to speak to me there. I'm not sure what this means but ask for ears to hear. One thing I really want to do but simply haven't found the time to accomplish is to catalogue our worker's many, many stories. I listened to one recently from a doctor who treated a woman who had mistakenly used super glue instead of eye drops in both eyes. How do you fix that? Our doc was asking himself the same question only under lots more pressure. With a little cutting and plenty of hydrating, she is seeing through both eyes today. In many ways, I feel all our workers face the same crisis as this doctor. We are God's assistants in opening the eyes of this people. Eyes which have been sealed shut for so very long. Sadly, they don't even realize they need a doctor. Please pray that we would follow His lead in patience, wisdom, love and surrender.

Well, I've got to run (make that hobble) but I always find myself ending these updates with a sense of gratitude for the gathering of witnesses both heavenly and earthly, that help us run (limp) our race. Sara for Dave too

PS - As I write this email, I'm listening to two rambunctious toddlers living in the apartment to our right. They join a fussy baby who lives in the apartment to our left. We're not home much but this newly inaugurated day care atmosphere can be tiresome. I'm not sure which rough spots the Lord is presently sanding in my life but pray for a grateful, peaceful spirit to quickly emerge.