when the unexpected happens…

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“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”      Psalm 91:1

Everything was going smoothly according to the plans WE had made! We arrived safely from Mindanao to the Seminar on the island of Luzon!

 

Trip to the Seminar: Road Construction Malaybalay to Cagayan De Oro
 Hours of Road Construction from NTM Guest Home Mindanao to the ship for the Seminar.
After the road trip, we took the 2GO ferry to Manila.
After the road trip, we took “2GO” to Manila: a 2-day trip for the Seminar.

The NTMAA Seminar went well!  And the new system is up and running at the NTM Mindanao Guest Home.  We deeply appreciated your prayers on our behalf for safety!  We could feel your prayers as the Lord protected us and also, changed our plans into His plans during May through July.

 

John Oliver from NTM Florida HQ, taught the Seminar. Joe Morris oversees Darryl & Becky. Erik Peterson helps Linda Hall.
John Oliver from NTM Florida Home Office, taught the Seminar and helps Helen Johanson.  Joe Morris oversees Darryl & Becky. Erik Peterson helps Linda Hall. 

After the Seminar, while we were preparing for the upcoming meetings here in the Philippines,  and while we were waiting for  the arrival of Stephen and Ginger’s family who we had not seen for 8 months, we checked emails.  Guess what!

The LORD, again, changed OUR PLANS into HIS PLANS!

Yes, we received an email from our son, David, in the States saying that Darryl’s mom, Mae (97), was in the hospital with a “mini-stroke”.  Darryl looked at me, sadly with his big brown eyes, and said, “I want to see my mom!” The next night, we were on Philippine Airlines heading for Oregon.

We had 10 precious days with Mae.  During those days, Darryl and I were able to enjoy meals together, read Scripture together, take her shopping for new shoes, and even play the Family card games together. On our final Sunday morning, we were able to have breakfast together and then, take Mae to Bear Creek Community Church.

Darryl, Mae, Joy, Becky, and David have breakfast together before going to church.
Darryl, Mae, Joy, Becky, and David have breakfast together before going to church.

Also, our times with David, Donna, Caleb and Hannah were special! Paul (our son) and Patty,  Preston (our grandson) and his wife, Amanda, and Joy (our daughter) were able to travel down from Northern Oregon to see us on the weekends.    Precious memories of our hikes together and mealtimes still linger in our hearts!

Front Row (L-R): Mae, Becky, Caleb. Back Row (L-R): Patty, Paul, Joy, Darryl, Donna, Hannah, David
Front Row (L-R): Mae, Becky, Caleb. Back Row (L-R): Patty, Paul, Joy, Darryl, Donna, Hannah, David  
Caleb, our grandson, and Darryl play chess together.
Caleb, our grandson, and Darryl play chess together.
Joy, Becky, and Hannah on our hike to Grizzly Bear Park.
Joy, Becky, and Hannah on our hike to Grizzly Bear Park.
Paul and Caleb play Chess together. Patty and Hannah cheer them on.
Paul and Caleb play Chess together. Patty and Hannah cheer them on.

David & Donna drove us back down to the airport  where we flew back to the Philippines and spent 2 nights with Stephen and Ginger’s family!  Another precious memory before heading out on our 50th Wedding Anniversary Trip!

Before Sunday Church, Ginger, Rebekah, Luke, and Stephen pick out their breakfast breads in Manila.
Before Sunday Church, Ginger, Rebekah, Luke, and Stephen pick out their breakfast breads in the Philippines.

Now that we are back at the NTM Mindanao Guest Home, we would like prayer for Mae. We were saddened to hear that after we left the States, she went “down hill”. A few weeks ago, she had another “mini-stroke”. She is having memory lapses and not remembering many things… even relatives. She is no longer able to stay in her retirement home.  David and Donna have moved her into Northridge Assistant Living.  Please pray for her adjustment to leaving her friends and that she would find new friends.  We were very thankful that we were able to visit Mae when we did while she was still cognizant of us.  We would very much appreciate your prayers for Mae and for David and Donna’s family who are caring for her in our absence.

Mae at Northridge
Mae at Northridge Assistant Living Residence.

 

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