This n' That

Life seems to just keep moving along and a lot of things have happened since my last post. On Tues., Feb. 19, I went with a group of ladies from our mission to our annual ladies prayer retreat. It's held in a beautiful camp setting northwest of Thunder Bay because of it being central for our eastern staff to come meet us about half way. This year the numbers were down, but God was definitely among us as gathered there. I need to say a huge Thanks to my friend, Elise, for coming to stay with Silver while I was gone those 3 days. Merle was traveling as well, so we were grateful that this worked out.
When I returned on Thurs. the 21st, Elise told me that she'd gone with S. to court and then helped her load up her belongings to move back home with her sister on the reserve. I was prepared for that to happen as she'd talked like it might. On Friday she called to tell me that she'd gotten registered to go to school in there in March. Of course there are many feelings that go along with it all, but for now I'm at peace with it.

Merle and Dave arrived home early this morning and tonight will be the first time Merle and I get to eat supper alone/together for quite some time. Nice!

A good part of my day (and 10 others) was spent at the LHNM office helping with a large mailing.

Later tonight we expect Kendall and Karen Hochstedler to arrive and spend the next 3 days in the area. He has a job interview at the hospital and they're checking out possibilities for moving here sometime.

Baby Shower for Jenni and Hannah; Jan. 16, '08

Mexican Fiesta

On Valentines Day our church put on their annual sweetheart banquet. This years theme was a Mexican Fiesta; the committee did a great job on decorating and the enchiladas, refried beans, rice, etc., were delicious. S. and I helped K.H. cook part of the day and also helped dish up the food for the youth to serve. Below you'll see L.W., the "Mexican" emcee, and also the Shanks and friends!

"Remember Me" (...thanks Steve Bell)

Why is it that whenever my husband leaves town, "things happen?" I think I know the answer, so I won't go there right now. With S. it seems to be even more pronounced and it gives me tons of concern, not just with her responses and reactions, but with mine as well. Anyway, last night before bedtime we had a bit of a "scuffle" and I went to bed with a throbbing feeling in my head and a pounding heart for awhile. The Lord helped me sleep just fine, but I wasn't up very long this morning before I poured out my heart to Him, crying out for mercy and grace to keep walking. After telling Him I just couldn't keep on going, I asked Him for help and encouragement and then put on Steve Bell's "Beyond A Shadow" cd while I drank my coffee and ate my toast. Well, I don't know when it took me so long to eat one slice of homemade toast; I had to keep choking back my tears as song after song ministered to me. The one verse of Remember Me that really caught me the most was:

"Show me your favor yahweh
Let it never be said that I've trusted in vain
It is your reputation that makes me outrageously brave
Hold out your mercy to me
Go ahead and correct me for the sake of your name
It's not much of a thread but my hoping is keeping me sane
..Again and again...

And it's that hope that I want to really hold out to S. and others around me.
God did answer my prayer then by having Ida M. call me and it brought me so much encouragement. She's known this family from contact in years past. Thanks, Ida. May all praise be God's; He is so faithful.

And thanks to my dear K., who is "babysitting" tonight so I can have a night off and be ready to work a 12 hour shift tomorrow.

I really appreciate all your encouraging feed back and prayers, etc. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

My week-end

This past Friday (31 Jan), I had to go to Dryden for the day with work related stuff. So, when I returned at 4:00, I looked to see if S's coat was hanging up, but it wasn't. After taking off my boots, coat, etc., I came back out into the hall and nearly stumbled over her shoes. It caught me by surprise and I said, jokingly (and quite loudly), who's shoes are these? Then I remembered that she may be asleep so I went upstairs to look if she was in her room. She had the door opened and was sound asleep, fully dressed! I wasn't prepared for the emotions it caused in me. Maybe a little like the father had when his prodigal son returned? Unfortunately, I didn't see her or talk to her for about the next 24 hours, as she had to sleep off all the toxins in her body again. She told me that when she sniffs gas, drinks alcohol, etc. (usually a combination), she eats very little or nothing and so, Sat. p.m. when I knocked on her door it didn't take her long to get downstairs and eat a meal. She was shaking slightly from the lack of nutrition.
The upside of all of it is that when her father brought her back, he had to go to M.'s office for something, and M invited him in for a chat. Now that is nothing short of a miracle as far as I'm concerned. And a good chat it was. He is thrilled that his daughter has a safe place to be; he doesn't like to have her in the community because of her tendency to fall back into old habits, etc. He said that he "knows" about living in a Menno. home because he did that at one point in his life. (Ida Martin's oldest brother!) I'm sure this is different, but we got the picture: Trust. Hopefully, now that the men have talked, we will have that point of contact for future reference. And, I must say, God is working in my heart, reminding me again and again that I've only ever heard S's side of the story and never the adults in her life. Also, this has started me on a more regular path of prayer for her Dad and family.
We had the Teen Challenge group from Winnipeg share in church yesterday, followed by a huge potluck. There was one young man along with them that comes from the same community as S., and they talked together afterward. I was just thrilled that she agreed to come listen, even though it makes her uncomfortable to be around a large group like that. God is at work and it's exciting to see it unfold.
I just feel so blessed with all of your encouraging comments. Thanks!
Oh, and yesterday morning we got to talk to our Madagascar family members (even L., which has hardly ever happened before--thanks, L., for your nice song!) And then, we chatted online, with the newly engaged RACHEL. Congratulations, young lady (oh, and to you too, Dave!) M. and I are happy for you both!