Family Update

Welcome to September.  I’m still here.  Nothing much has changed.  I still have some occasional nausea, but nothing more.  Yesterday, Martha and Philip traveled with me to Paris, Texas, where I was priviledged to share a message with the good folks of Leesville Baptist Church.  I keep in contact with a few of my Filipino friends who have access to the internet.  Otherwise, I’m reading some good books and continue to tinker with a few family projects.  This may be a good opportunity to update you on my youngins.

At least twice a week I go to David and Andrea’s house to play with Christy and Amy.  Christy just turned 3 and is becoming quite talkative.  Amy is the most smiling baby I’ve ever seen.  Quite pleasant and easy to watch.  David continues as the lead programmer for the Department of Justice’s database of missing persons - www.namus.gov, working mostly at home.  Andrea is doing all the things a good mother does, plus helping David lead a weekly Bible study.  Their church recently chose David and Andrea as their Deacons of Missions.

After 3 months of receiving unemployment benefits, Sara returns to work today.  When the pandemic started, Neiman Marcus was one of the first major companies to declare bankruptcy.  But they are making a determined effort to rebound.  So, for now, Sara is back at work using her artistic skills to make all those magazine and internet models and items look better than they really do.  She continues to enjoy her own little house that she shares with Martha and Philip.

Philip continues to work from home doing graphic art work for our International Mission Board, focusing on illustrating training modules.  Martha has become quite the chef, creating nutritious and delicious meals for her, Philip, and Sara, eyeing a possible website for her culinary creations.  Once the pandemic lifts, Philip may resume his search for additional employment and a place to live, at which time Martha may also look for a suitable job.

Jonathan continues his work at Raytheon Technologies www.rtx.com doing nearly all his work from home.  For several months now, Jonathan has enjoyed the company of Bob, a gentle, affectionate, domesticated, cat.  Jonathan, and Bob, live in an apartment on the north side of Dallas, but is considering a move closer to family.  At least one family member tries to visit Jonathan, and Bob, each week.

Hannah and Daniel just moved into a new rental house.  They’ve been busy painting and fixing it up to their liking.  Their work as Texas Park Rangers saw some adjustments due to the pandemic, but both their parks continue to focus on serving the public.  Before the pandemic, this video was made of the farm that Hannah manages.  You can see her beginning at 1:55. 

A year ago, Hannah, Daniel, and I were about to take off to Switzerland for 2 weeks of glorious days hiking through the majestic Alps.  It’s amazing what a difference a year can make.  But despite the uncertainties of our time, we can rest in the certainty of God’s presence and sovereignty.  Thank you to those of you who pray for me and my family.  May God’s grace and joy sustain you in the days ahead.