Family Letter by Debra

Dear ladies,

We have gone from winter straight to mid-summer. Our temperatures have been abnormally high for this time of year; as a matter of fact, they have been too high for any time of the year in this part of the Czech Republic. Rescue workers have been handing out bottles of water to commuters who have found themselves stuck in traffic jams on the highway due to the road construction. Many people are getting very dehydrated, specially children and the elderly. We are praying for those affected by the heat causing physical thirst, but for their spiritual thirst we continue to pray that we may reach them with the water that will quench their thirst forever.

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:13-14

We are continuing our character studies in Sunday school. We have shared the importance of character in life. The children (our Sunday school is adults and children together) have enjoyed the lessons, especially one of the lessons on responsibility that used the otter as our example. We have studied loyalty, courage and now we are talking about determination. On Sunday, our lesson used Stephen as our example, but no one liked the idea of being stoned. Jeff continues to teach on the Christian life, how relying on the Holy Spirit is so important. Psalms 1 reminds us of how we should walk and that we should be like a tree planted by the rivers of water; that we would bring forth fruit, not wither, and be prosperous.

We continually receive showers of blessings from our grandchildren, Lydia, Lilibeth, Eliana, and Elijah. The photos that are posted on-line make us laugh, and sometimes cry, but mostly they make us realize how quick time is passing. Our grandchildren are not babies anymore. Lydia is growing into a beautiful young lady, who loves to read, be creative, help around the house, and is quite inquisitive about the world around her. Lilibeth, now seven years old, is the sweetest little girl, who has the softest heart and loves school. She recently received an award from her school for her exemplary behaviour. Then there is Elaina (5), who just graduated from kindergarten. Her video of the graduation was priceless. What joy and curiosity she demonstrates. Elijah (3) outnumbered by the girls in his household, decided that he loves preschool, learning letters, writing his name, and sharing with other boys who enjoy moving vehicles as much as he does.

Streams of laughter, tears, and wisdom are sent our way via James's weekly phone call. He has matured into such a young man, demonstrating boldness, confidence, and the ability to take initiative. He is doing great in school; just finished his third semester. He is working this summer on campus in the Computer Center and at a local pizza restaurant that is keeping him very busy, but not so busy that he is unable to share a good story about his week's adventures.

Fears are water under the bridge for David. His urinary system tests had good results and he did a great job on the SAT. David scored above average which enables him to apply to the same college in Missouri that James attends. David is growing too fast, and his humour will surely be missed around here, but praise the Lord he has one more year with us before graduation.

Today, our weather is somewhat different. We have been having thunderstorms, which have helped with the heat, but this morning it was so cool that we needed a light jacket. Okay, does this mean summer came and went? Only time will tell. We will most likely get a few more days of hot temperatures, but we are headed to our rainy, drizzly season soon.

Emotion floods my soul when I write a letter of this nature. Time seems to be moving like a river, sometimes slowly, and sometimes fast. Neither one of these periods of time bother me, it's the raging river of time that leaves me no choice-Only trust Him, the one who controls the rivers of water.

Love and prayers,

Debra