Forwarded from Mary:
First, I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers over the past few days. There were times during the decision-making process when I got really tense and nervous, but God would always remind me that you guys were praying for me. That means a lot.Yes, I have made my final decision. I will not be accepting the invitation to Russia. There are a lot of important things happening in my family this summer, beside the fact that my grandparent's are in poor health and I want to spend as much time as possible with them. Plus, the general conclusion in my family was that moving to Russia was probably just a little drastic for my first trip out of the country. Basically, my parents and pastor (as well as I) were just very uncomfortable with the idea of me traveling alone in a communist country.So I want to thank you all again for your prayers while I made this very difficult decision, but you don't have to worry any more - God willing, I won't be missing any H2Os this summer!
By His grace and for His glory,
Mary
Monday, January 12, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
EXCITING POSSIBILITIES
If you haven't heard...here's the latest from Mary...
I could really use a lot of prayer right now. Some of you might know the Ketel family - they're missionaries to Siberia. A couple of years ago while they were on furlow I traveled with them a little bit as a nanny for their baby, Kaleb. Well, they now have two babies, Kaleb and Ethan, they're now on the field, and they want me to move to Russia with them to be a nanny while they're in language school. (Yes, I'm freaked out completely) I have not made my final decision yet. My parents have told me that they're okay with whatever decision I make as long as I'm sure I'm doing the Lord's will. If I decide to accept Allen and Michelle's offer, here is some significant info:1.) They want me to come a soon as possible. They have a large 3-bedroom house until August, so I'll probably be staying until then. (the standard visa is 3 months)2.)The biggest obstacle will be getting my visa. Allen and Michelle are talking with their teacher about it, and will let me know as soon as they can. (needless to say, a 12-hour timezone difference makes communication somewhat slow)3.)The next major obstacle will be getting me to Russia. Flying over will cost me about $1500 (I'm not sure yet how much money the visa will cost). So I'll have to find a way to raise that money.4.) The scariest part of the whole thing will be the layover in Moscow - I'll be alone, the Russians will probably see the word "AMERICAN" stamped on my forehead, and I don't speak a word of Russian. (Although Michelle told me via email that all I need to do to fit in is wear tall high-heeled boots and a mini skirt and don't smile) Plus, I've never flown anywhere before, so I have no idea how to find my way around an airport. (The unsocialized homeschooler thing, I guess) I've got to be honest, guys, living in Russia with Allen and Michelle is no big deal - a layover in Moscow is terrifying.I'm going to discuss this with my parents some more, and hopefully arrive at a decision sometime this weekend. Really, the layover thing is scary, but I'm still really excited. I want to do whatever God's will is, and if He wants me to go to Russia I'm all for it! I hope He can use me to minister to the Ketel family.So, if you all could pray really, really hard for me, I will greatly appreciate it. If any of you have questions, you can email me at <singingcreekranch@peoplepc.com>
I could really use a lot of prayer right now. Some of you might know the Ketel family - they're missionaries to Siberia. A couple of years ago while they were on furlow I traveled with them a little bit as a nanny for their baby, Kaleb. Well, they now have two babies, Kaleb and Ethan, they're now on the field, and they want me to move to Russia with them to be a nanny while they're in language school. (Yes, I'm freaked out completely) I have not made my final decision yet. My parents have told me that they're okay with whatever decision I make as long as I'm sure I'm doing the Lord's will. If I decide to accept Allen and Michelle's offer, here is some significant info:1.) They want me to come a soon as possible. They have a large 3-bedroom house until August, so I'll probably be staying until then. (the standard visa is 3 months)2.)The biggest obstacle will be getting my visa. Allen and Michelle are talking with their teacher about it, and will let me know as soon as they can. (needless to say, a 12-hour timezone difference makes communication somewhat slow)3.)The next major obstacle will be getting me to Russia. Flying over will cost me about $1500 (I'm not sure yet how much money the visa will cost). So I'll have to find a way to raise that money.4.) The scariest part of the whole thing will be the layover in Moscow - I'll be alone, the Russians will probably see the word "AMERICAN" stamped on my forehead, and I don't speak a word of Russian. (Although Michelle told me via email that all I need to do to fit in is wear tall high-heeled boots and a mini skirt and don't smile) Plus, I've never flown anywhere before, so I have no idea how to find my way around an airport. (The unsocialized homeschooler thing, I guess) I've got to be honest, guys, living in Russia with Allen and Michelle is no big deal - a layover in Moscow is terrifying.I'm going to discuss this with my parents some more, and hopefully arrive at a decision sometime this weekend. Really, the layover thing is scary, but I'm still really excited. I want to do whatever God's will is, and if He wants me to go to Russia I'm all for it! I hope He can use me to minister to the Ketel family.So, if you all could pray really, really hard for me, I will greatly appreciate it. If any of you have questions, you can email me at <singingcreekranch@peoplepc.com>
FYI
I have put a link to JP's "Christmas Dance" video on the blog side bar. Thank you JP for making us laugh, and JT for recording it so that we can enjoy it anytime! :)
Nyiad
Nyiad
Friday, January 02, 2009
TODAY IS THE DAY-PRAY FOR KATE
Dear friends,
Today is the day that Kate has her permanency hearing. This will decide who she will live with unless the judge decides to put it off and give the birth mother more time to prove herself. This has been a very painful time for our dear friends (Zack's family) and a continual giving up of their will to the will of the Father. Please pray for the judge (Bob Lawson) the attorney for Kate (Linda Thomas) and Kate's case worker (Angela Wead). Pray that truth will be revealed, that Kate's saftey will be foremost, and that this will not drag on and on over weeks of uncertainty. I believe the hearing is set for 2:30-I don't know if they "run on time" or not, but our friends need to feel the power of prayer sustaining them today, all day.
I wanted to mention a few other prayer requests,
Jake and Ashton's grandfather has been hospitalized since last week. He is in a more stable condition, but they have found cancer in his lymph system and have started chemo. This was very unexpected by the family. Please be praying for Mr Glenn to be healed and for the family as they are making medical decisions.
About Mr H2O-
Many of you have asked what we found out in Ohio. Well, the doctor there recommended that Chip have the surgery through the back of his neck that would open up the space for his spinal column. Basically this involves sawing through 7 or 8 vertabrae, inserting a piece of bone to hold them open and screwing that in place. It is a very invasive surgery with an extended recovery time. This should relieve him of some of his symptoms, although there is a possiblity that surgery through the front of his neck would be needed later to correct the bulging disks. The greater issue is the lack of space for his spinal cord. (One plus to doing the surgery through the back of his neck is that he would not lose movement like he would with the surgery through the front.) We are sending his medical records to a doctor in St Louis that the Ohio doctor strongly recommended do the surgery. Afer we find out if his prognosis is the same we will make an appointment with him. We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers for healing and peace. Thank you.
Today is the day that Kate has her permanency hearing. This will decide who she will live with unless the judge decides to put it off and give the birth mother more time to prove herself. This has been a very painful time for our dear friends (Zack's family) and a continual giving up of their will to the will of the Father. Please pray for the judge (Bob Lawson) the attorney for Kate (Linda Thomas) and Kate's case worker (Angela Wead). Pray that truth will be revealed, that Kate's saftey will be foremost, and that this will not drag on and on over weeks of uncertainty. I believe the hearing is set for 2:30-I don't know if they "run on time" or not, but our friends need to feel the power of prayer sustaining them today, all day.
I wanted to mention a few other prayer requests,
Jake and Ashton's grandfather has been hospitalized since last week. He is in a more stable condition, but they have found cancer in his lymph system and have started chemo. This was very unexpected by the family. Please be praying for Mr Glenn to be healed and for the family as they are making medical decisions.
About Mr H2O-
Many of you have asked what we found out in Ohio. Well, the doctor there recommended that Chip have the surgery through the back of his neck that would open up the space for his spinal column. Basically this involves sawing through 7 or 8 vertabrae, inserting a piece of bone to hold them open and screwing that in place. It is a very invasive surgery with an extended recovery time. This should relieve him of some of his symptoms, although there is a possiblity that surgery through the front of his neck would be needed later to correct the bulging disks. The greater issue is the lack of space for his spinal cord. (One plus to doing the surgery through the back of his neck is that he would not lose movement like he would with the surgery through the front.) We are sending his medical records to a doctor in St Louis that the Ohio doctor strongly recommended do the surgery. Afer we find out if his prognosis is the same we will make an appointment with him. We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers for healing and peace. Thank you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)