July Update

Where are the weeks going? No complaints from me, as the faster they go, the better!!

Update on kidney stones...the doctors did blast one set of stones and Dan was able to pass all the "bits and pieces" with no problem! Thank the Lord!! They didn't do anything with the other side, but he'll see the doc again in a month and they will determine if any other action is needed. In the meantime, he's a happy camper!

His duties continue to stretch him in new directions and he recently told me that this has been the most difficult work he has done - mostly due to working outside of his strengths and/or training (sounds like mission work!) But, he also realizes that this will be a growing time and one that he also expects God to use in all areas of his life. He recently began to meet with others in his unit for prayer and Bible Study and he is so encouraged with the group!

I just received an email today with the following:

One of the chiefs organized a trip to the dunes...so we headed out in a couple of Toyota land cruisers and surfed the dunes a bit. Once we go to the campsite, we had time to ride a camel - one humper - and then had a bbq dinner" This was really the first outing that Dan has had since he's been gone. I'm so glad there are opportunities for him to do something besides work!

I am currently in Arkansas babysitting Meredith's 2 little ones - Connor, age 4 and Audrey, age 2. My friend, Alice Carmichael, is here with me for the week. Today was our first full day with out Mommy & Daddy and both kids did awesome! We are exhausted, but they were great. Connor made my day by saying, "Mimi, it's fun to have you here!" Although, he would normally say that during a visit, I really didn't expect that because it is much different for Mommy Daddy to not be here, but Meredith prepared them well.

We really appreciate so many who tell us they are praying for us - we definitely are not enjoying being apart, but also know that God is very near!