Dear Praying Partners,
It is amazing what a bit of sunshine and a fresh, thick, pristine layer of snow can do for the spirit. The sun is hiding once again, but there is still the reminder of newness and cleanness blanketing our world outside.
For what are we giving thanks to the Lord?
–Recently we’ve had quite a bit of contact with neighbors. Last night I stopped by Chinagul’s apartment as she was making supper. We chatted for a bit and she wanted me to stay until the food was done so I could sample it. It was the first time that I had this particular Kyrgyz dish. We chit-chatted for about 1 1/2 hours.
–On Saturday the third seminar for teachers was held. What a good time! Attendance basically doubled as those of us hosting were able to invite a few others and some of the past attendees invited colleagues. This group likes to participate and share both thoughts and questions. Those of us behind the seminars continue to marvel as we find out how these ladies’ lives have intersected in the past (unbeknownst to us). That is very important since typically new people thrown together tend to be skeptical of each other instead of amiable.
–The first week after the New Year is more of a vacation here. (Since Christmas isn’t celebrated New Year’s is a major holiday.) A lot of things don’t take place on their usual schedule, so last week was our first week to dig back into lessons. (Sy did a really good job of pushing himself to study through the holiday season. That posed more of a challenge for me!) The little break provided us with some renewed energy to apply toward language.
Current requests:
–This Wednesday our neighbors are coming over for dinner. Please pray for the whole of the evening, especially for the conversations that will take place around the table. They are willing to try foreign food so I’m thinking that lasagna will be on the menu.
–Next week our team will be in the capital for a team retreat and rest and relaxation. We are praying for good times as a team in both work (probably lots of planning) and “play”. Sy hopes to see two local non-believing friends during his free time. There is also a local believing couple whom we hope to have dinner with one evening.
Up-date on my mom:
This week is one of change. Tomorrow (Tuesday) my dad and mom will transfer from Denver to Billings, MT. We are thankful that good friends of theirs have volunteered to be their chauffeurs. A nurse will also be making the trip with them. My mom will check into another hospital for in-patient acute therapy. Billings is still a little over three hours away from my parents’ home, but it will allow my dad to return to preaching on Sundays while being with my mom during the week.
Specifics:
–This week is the first time since Dec. 20 that my dad will be without any of my siblings. Please pray for him as he steps into the role of sole main support for my mom.
–I was able to talk on the phone with my mom for the first time last week. Praise the Lord!
–My mom’s feeding tube was removed late last week, so now it isn’t an irritation and she can eat food again. Praise the Lord!
–Please pray for my father as the next few days, weeks, and months will be ones of constantly recalibrating to the new norm of his and mom’s life.
–Please pray for stamina and great gains for my mom during this season of therapy.
–Please continue to pray for wisdom and clarity for us in making decisions about returning for a time to help with my mom’s rehabilitation.
Thank you for lifting these items up before the Lord. We know that prayer is an awesome privilege that brings the body of Christ together before the Father’s throne. If you have specific requests for which we can pray, please send them our way.
Blessings upon your week,
Renessa for the family
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