Dear Friends and Family,
Thanks for bearing with our silence. The fever I mentioned in our last letter turned out to be a resurgence of Zach's throat infection-- he had to get more shots. Then Micah got intestinal parasites and now we all have colds-- I'm sure that somehow directly affects my ability to type :). I have been down at the pre-school for an hour or two every morning and then jaunting to the doctor's office more often than not. The team from Ireland got the playgrounds at the Deaf School, Blind School, and preschool off to a good start and Jesse has been supervising finishing them off. He has also supervised the repairs of the Timothy Bible School building (The school finally has a name!) and the putting up of their new shower stall. The students had their first classes yesterday morning. We are also working hard to put systems in place that will help run things while we are gone-- turning over the preschool accounting records, getting the lesson plans translated, leaving money accessible to the film team...Phew! Strangely enough (or not so strangely) we love the crazy pace and the knowledge that we are contributing to something so worthwhile and are really sad about leaving, even though we are excited to head back to where Zach can get the care he needs and to see what else God has planned.
Jesse's parents came up to visit for three days-- they were a big encouragment and help. It was fun to have someone actually see the preschool in session and observe the changes at the Bible School, and Dad really helped Jesse talk through a lot of the details of leaving things well. Zach loved having grandparents around to play with, and Micah enjoyed lots of extra cuddles. We will probably get to see them in the US as well, since Jesse's sister Lisa has just announced her engagement and the wedding is in Canada on Jan. 4. Lord willing, Jesse's parents will come to the US in December and will probably drop by South Carolina.
As for our own travel plans, we have purchased tickets for October the 14th and will arrive in Charlotte on the 15th. We are coming mid-October instead of late October since Zach has continued to be ill and we would like him to get strong and healthy and have a flu shot before any possible surgeries-- the pediatrician here is recommending that we look into getting his tonsils out as well. We'll see.
Please pray for all the details that still have to be arranged, that we will all be healthy for the trip, for continued guidance, and that this time at home will be a blessing for us and for others.
In Him,
Joy
