??? Nona!

On the day I made my last entry, my step-Dad (J) had a stroke and life changed.  We were in Phoenix with Popa's Dad; who was recovering from a 5 unit blood transfusion and having 1 1/2 litres of fluid drained from his lungs - his wife was recovering from a 6 veterbrae fusion.  Needless to say we left them in capable hands and headed toward Oregon.  We left at 4 am on July 7 from Bull Head City Arizona to Vegas on to Reno, Susanville, and Mt. Shasta before crossing into the state of Oregon.  I must say the ride from Susanville was freezing, temperatures in the 30's without our leather gear and we were on the Harley.  We made it home safely and having been parent-watching in cooperation with my sister ever since.  The stroke left (J) with a paralyzed left arm and my mother with the problem of even recalling he has cancer that has spread to his brain and lungs.  I have since learned that my Dad's wife (N) has breast cancer and will face surgery this week.  Popa spent 4 days last week in Idaho seeing his mother who is very frail following several strokes.  Our parents have been relatively healthy up until this summer.  Popa and I are home on a 3 month furlough which is quickly vanishing, I had planned to spend the time with my girls and the grandchildren.  I must however submit to the God and HIS divine plan. HE says HIS thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and his ways above finding out, so I bow my life to HIS will.  It is not easy this dying to self, especially if your beloved momma has dementia and has angry outbursts, but it is necessary.  Our hearts are in Sri Lanka and the new 5 year visa is such an awesome provision of God that we know HE has plans that will unfold in HIS timing.  My prayer is that HE, the God of all mercy, be merciful to all.... (J), my momma, (N) my dad, Popa's Dad and wife, & Popa's Mom and husband.   The absolute good news is that all are ready for heaven.  We have that assurance and know God will never allow us to be tried beyond that which we are able to bear.  Pray for this Nona, that she would continue to willfully submit to God and HIS ways and that she would find her confidence and rest in HIM!  More from the parent watching Nona later!

Traveling Nona

Well we have now been state-side for one month, I cannot believe how quickly time is passing. We drove our motorcycle down to Southern California and then across to Arizona. Our pastor friends from Sri Lanka met us in Central California and preached at a couple of different churches (two in Central California and then two today in Southern California). We are currently enroute to have lunch with Craig's Dad tomorrow. His health is failing and it is best for him and Grandma Mary if we just come for the day; so that is our plan. We will go from there to see Craig's Mom in Boise and then head home for a few precious weeks with our beloved grandchildren and their parents. My aunt is coming for a few days from Houston, Texas and that will be a special treat. I will spend a few days with her and my Mom in Portland, Oregon. I will fly to Califonia mid August to celebrate my Dad's 80th birthday. We have been shopping along the way for the things we will take with us back to Sri Lanka. One of the biggest rewards of coming to the Los Angeles area was that we were able to apply for our five year multiple entry visa to Sri Lanka and were given the visa in a very timely manner. (Like less than thirty minutes) God is always faithful and we are ever in awe of HIS provision in our lives. It is so amazing to simply follow HIM and have HIM direct our paths. I am sure I will post a few more thoughts before returning to Sri Lanka. Enjoy your summer and please take time to enjoy your families...they are precious! I am always aware of how much God wants to enjoy HIS relationship with each one us. We are precious in HIS sight. Don't forget HIS eyes are ever upon you. The Nona with time racing by.