Family Updates

Alex

July 21  Alex got into a car accident on his way to church while crossing Stoneridge Road. He ran into a woman making a left turn on a red light, setting off both airbags in our Camry, but very little damage to the other car and no harm to the woman and her passenger. Alex came away with an eye swollen shut (his glasses lens was pushed into his right eye), and lots of scrapes on his face and neck from the airbag. Alex has been seen by an Internist and Ophthalmologist and he is just fine; his cuts and scrapes healed quickly. Our 1995 Camry is a total loss, but praise God, the insurance work is going well!

Alex's Mission Trip

August 4 - 15  [For his and his group's protection, I can't mention the country he is visiting. Even though they have "legalized" Christian gatherings, not all "religious" activities are condoned by the government.]

Aug 8   We have already heard from Alex a few times. He is tired from the flights getting there (18+ hours), where he only slept about 2 hours, but he is VERY excited to be there. They begin their Evangelism training for church leaders Thursday, and continue through Saturday. I had been a bit worried about how much of the local food he would be able to eat, but apparently that hasn't been a problem at all. The food, he tells us, is great!

Aug 9  Alex has called every day to let us know how things are going. They are all doing well, and staying healthy. They are now staying with the pastor of a large urban church, and will help out during the morning worship services.

Aug 11 The big new from Alex today was that he was given the task of operating the metal detector for the church on Sunday. This is not a usual thing for the church, but because of the church's proximity to large gatherings occurring, the government felt it was wise to take extra security precautions at this time. Because of the location of the home in which Alex's group is staying, they all have to carry security clearance papers allowing them into the area. He should have some very interesting stories to tell when he gets home!!

They are able to do some sight-seeing, but I don't know much about the schedule for this week. Alex sent a couple of cell phone pictures of things he saw, to let us know where he was. They were all very excited that they had a chance to see a sporting event while they were out and about. They hope to see more events during the week. They had a little rain, but Alex said that the weather has been great, and everything is so beautiful. I can tell that he is really loving this country.

Aug 12  Alex sent a text message last night to tell us he saw some great sights yesterday.

Alex returns to the US on Friday, August 15. His flight arrives in San Francisco around noon---we can't wait!!!

Dan, Sue & Grace

We are all doing just fine. Dan's mom is very sick with Pneumonia right now, and was just recently diagnosed with a small cancerous bump on her eyelid. She needs to recover from the pneumonia before she can have the bump removed.

The four of us went to see my mother in Sacramento before Alex left, and had a wonderful time visiting. She is doing very well on a new arthritis medication. Praise God!

Grace, Dan and I are all busily preparing to throw a party for Dan's mom to celebrate her 80th birthday. We will have it here at our house later this month.