August 13, 2004

Dear Famly, Friends, and Colleagues in Mission,

Greetings from not-so-sunny central Florida! As I sit here at the computer writing this I’m looking out the window at the cloudy weather caused by Hurricane Charley’s approach to Florida. Harry is driving down to Miami to fly to Lima, Peru, this evening. He is finally on his way after more than eight months of being out of the classroom. And yes, he is more than ready. He is very excited about being back in the classroom teaching theology courses, doing what God has called him to do. And he is quite good at it! I am writing to inform you and to ask that you all pray for a safe journey for him. Also, pray for both of us as we spend the coming weeks apart from each other, which is never easy for us.

Harry will begin teaching next week at the Universidad Biblica Latinoamericana’s extension in Lima, known as “UBL-Lima recinto.” He’ll also be trying to get settled down there, looking for a place for us to live, buying some items, and everything that goes along with starting over in a new place. We are grateful for the support that has already been expressed by the director of the UBL program in Lima and in Costa Rica, by Hunter and Ruth Farrell, PC(USA) mission co-workers already in Peru, and by all of you—our family, friends, supporting churches, and colleagues in mission. We are both excited about the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead of us. We still have moments of feeling sad about how things turned out in Guatemala, but they are fewer now, being replaced by moments of anticipation and excitement about Peru. We miss the close friends that we left behind there, (that won’t change—friends are friends forever) though we hope to continue to stay in touch via email. However, we are trusting God in everything, knowing that He won’t let us down and that He has a plan for us in Peru and in His world. Please pray for Harry as he begins this work without me by his side, and for me as I miss being by his side at he begins his work at UBL-Lima.

Thank you all for the love, support, and prayers that you have continued to show us over these past difficult months, especially in relation to my mother’s declining health. I made the decision to stay behind here in Florida for a few weeks more due to my mom’s health. She is in late-stage Alzheimer’s, under Vitas care (a hospice program) but continues to have her good days and her not-so-good days. She continues to handle the situation with a real sense of grace and a sense of God’s presence with her. We often draw strength from her! I am so grateful for these months of being with her, though at times it has been sad and not easy. When I leave for Peru, I will carry with me in my heart every smile, laugh, wink, and tear that we have shared over these months.

Harry said bye to Mama yesterday, which was sad for them and for me. I heard him telling her, though, to remember that “wherever he is, God is there, and wherever she is, God is there.” How true! He also had a chance to tell her that he loves her and that she is a wonderful mother to her children and a mother-in-law that he has grown quite fond of over the past 22 years. Actually, I believe they have both become closer to each other over these months and that has been special for me. We were blessed that she was very alert yesterday and able to enjoy hearing Harry’s sweet words to her. Please pray for Mama and all of our family as we continue this journey together. Pray for her husband, John, as he, too, accompanies her through these days. We really do cherish your prayers for us and for our family, and we are lifted up by them. Thank you!

Shalom,

Debbie

The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 133