My parents came to visit us here in Ecuador, arriving on Sept 22, with plans to stay for 3 weeks. We were more excited than words can say that they were here to see the beautiful work that’s going on. We feel like they are part of our work, having raised us in a godly home and taught us the ways of the Lord.
Unfortunately, only one week into their visit, on Tuesday, Sept. 30, we received the sad news that my mom’s mother (my grandmother Susie) had passed away. She was 85 years old. And her wishes were for my family to sing all the music and for me to speak, as well, at her funeral. So, Charles and I made the decision to go back to the U.S. with my parents and spend this time of mourning together with them.
Where we live in Ecuador is a 2 day travel back to the United States. However, we had to notify all of our churches that we would be gone for almost 2 weeks. Talin and Puyupungo are both an hours drive away, each in the opposite direction, so it took all day just to let everyone know. Our people cried with us in our loss, and expressed how deeply they would miss us. The feelings were mutual.
On Wednesday, we bussed the 6 hours to the capitol of Quito. On Thursday, we flew out at 6am to the U.S., arriving in Nashville that night. On Friday, we drove the 10 hours to Louisiana to attend my grandmother’s wake that night, and her funeral the next day. We stayed an extra week with my parents, offering love and comfort to my mom during this time.
We did not visit any churches or supporters during our short stay in the U.S., and we do apologize for that. God wanted us to be with our family for this difficult time.
Because of our trip to the States, though, we got behind in our newsletter and photos. But we have now returned to beautiful Ecuador once again, and our people received us with great rejoicing! So, we will have things ‘back on track’ very soon.
We are also excited to announce that our sister, Ann, has come back with us, and she will be living here, helping in the ministry, for one year. We thank everyone for your prayers for us and my mom, and mostly for your love for the Ecuadorians. We cannot do this work without you! God bless you all!
