Dear Friends and Family,
Paper towels, cinnamon, crescent, my mom.. what do these things have in common?
Each can be followed by the word "rolls."
In July we celebrated the 25 year anniversary of the day my mother was paralyzed in a car accident and began her life in a wheelchair- "rolling along," as she likes to say. We chose to celebrate the anniversary instead of simply grieving and remembering the day because we are so thankful that God spared her life and allowed us these extra years with her.
Unfortunately, the effects of the accident so long ago have continued to wear down her body over the years, and daily life has become more and more difficult. We are entering a new season where I will need to go back to the US more often to help out.
Today I am leaving Jesse, Micah, and Elliot behind in Burundi to go to South Carolina for a 3-week visit, hoping to help get oxygen canisters refilled, the handicap accessible van tuned up, and the house better set up for the in-home caregivers that help out from day to day. I have never left my whole family behind in Africa before.
I am excited to visit Zach in Kenya on the way to the US. This is his first term at boarding school. God made it clear that this is what is best for him, and he is really enjoying it, but it is also hard for all of us.
As I pulled my rolling suitcase through the airport this morning, it occurred to me that as the waves of this new season roll under and over our family, God provides the "rock" to help us with the "roll."
Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Please pray for our family, the film team, the Bible School, and Discovery School as life and ministry continue rolling along without me there. Praying as I write that you will also feel God's steadying presence as you roll along today.
In Him,
Joy
Pics- Jesse dropping me off at the airport, my wonderful Mom, Zach on his 1st day of school at Rift Valley Academy
