We returned to the U.S. from our field of service in November of 2011 just before Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful holiday season after being away for 4 years. In January 2012, we prepared and left for a 3 month trip from South Carolina to California and back to reconnect with supporters and family. In April, we returned to South Carolina and had a 4-month time of home assignment.
In August 2012 we began our ministries at NTBI, Waukesha. Lawrence on the maintenance team and Jodie in an office ministry. We served there 3 years and during that time both Sarah and Seth graduated high school and Sarah began and completed Bible school at NTBI, Waukesha. Sarah is currently interning at NTBI, Waukesha in the childcare department and working with the dean of students. Seth began Bible school at NTBI, Waukesha in Fall 2015.
Because our children were settled and into adulthood, we planned to return overseas in June of 2015. We had our tickets purchased and the date of our return was June 29th. However, because Lawrence had not been feeling well for some time, he went to the doctor in early June and on the day we were supposed to leave, we found out he had a cancerous tumor. Needless to say, we did not go. Instead, we prepared for Lawrence to have surgery for the tumor to be removed. The surgery was on July 17th and the doctors reported that all the cancer was removed and there was no evidence of cancer anywhere else in his body. After a couple of months of healing, we did return overseas on September 8th. We were planning on returning to the U.S. in November for Lawrence’s 6 month cancer check up in December and in time for the holidays. Because of extreme air pollution where we were living and a persistent cough that Jodie had, we decided to return in October, a month earlier than planned.
This brings us to now. Sarah got engaged to Josh Kerstetter over the Thanksgiving break. Our whole family was able to travel to Missouri to be with his family for the holiday and we were privileged to be there when he asked her to marry him. Josh is an MK from Brazil. His family served there for 20 years. We are thrilled for Sarah and Josh and are happy to be adding a son to our family.
Lawrence had his 6 month cancer check in early December and he is all clear of any cancer.
When we return overseas, we will be going to a different island than where we lived for 4 years. Lawrence has been asked to fly in a different area that has need of a Kodiak pilot. He gladly accepted the request and in January, he will be doing 3 weeks of mechanic training pertaining to the Kodiak, then Lord willing, we will head back in early February.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.