It has been an eventful time since I last communicated with you!  The most recent and significant event has been Hurricane Sandy that came by last week.  It was broadcast to be one of the worst storms since the 1930’s as it approached.  Sandy arrived on Monday with hardly any damage in this area.  It did, however knock out our electricity.  Early in October we had received an invitation from our church to move into the unoccupied pastor’s home (the manse).  We had delayed moving because of two trips Corey and Katie had already planned to visit donors and churches in October.  After Sandy hit we heard there was electricity at the Manse so we carried over some perishable food to put in the refrigerator.  While there, we met one of the church leaders checking on the church.  He quickly organized a moving crew and in 5 hours, we were moved to the manse!  This is a much larger house, and warmer.  We are grateful for this wonderful provision.  While the original house was in a lovely setting, there were some significant needed repairs that the owner can now make without tenants to constrain the progress.  I am typing in my new office arranged for my work with SIM.

I came through my cataract surgery well, and am typing with no glasses.  I do have a prescription for glasses, but they will be mostly for night driving or when my eyes are tired.  My next appointment is in three months!  Thank you for all your prayers that helped me through the whole process.  I still occasionally catch myself reaching for my glasses, either to put them on or take them off, but am really thankful for my new eyes!

Corey and Katie’s first trip was west to meet with a number of friends and supporters in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Iowa.  The girls went with them for that two-week trip and I remained at home.  One of my long-time friends came for a 4-day visit while the family was gone and we had lots of fun picking apples and driving around to see the lovely colored fall leaves.

In less than a week after their return, Corey and Katie again left for a 9-day trip to a church having a week long mission conference with special emphasis on the Wolof people.  The girls stayed with me for that time and we had a busy round of school, completion of a big school project for Emma, final party for Emma’s soccer team, and AWANA for all three girls.  We were also busy with construction of costumes for Halloween.  Emma is Princess Leia and Wheaton is R2D2 (both from Star Wars) and Molly is a gum ball machine.  All very cute and all lots of work!  Corey and Katie rushed home on Monday and arrived safely before Sandy hit.

With so much going on, I have had little time or ability to work for SIM lately, so I feel sadly behind.  I am reminded that there is no one else to attend to these projects, so am encouraged that the progress that I have made would not have occurred if I were not here to do it.  I am very blessed to be able to serve SIM in this capacity.  Things should settle down now so I can get back to this work.

In regards to my support level, there is some good news.  I have received promises which bring my support level to 45%.  I am thankful for this increase, but still need 55% or $1435 (5235 Dh) per month.  Please prayerfully lift this need to the Father.  For further information or to donate click here.

 

Prayers

• Praise for the many things we have accomplished: Cataract surgery, safe journeys; safety through Sandy; and successful move to the manse
• The couple who were possibly moving to Kaffrine in Senegal have decided NOT to minister there but elsewhere.  Pray for workers to come join the Kaffrine team.
• Steve Smith, our Kaffrine team mate suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is traveling to the USA for medical appointments in November.  Pray for God to work through these appointments and tests to bring Steve healing and relief from pain.
• Pray for continued additions to my support to bring it up to 100%.