Trials

Our first two weeks have been full of adjustments. We are both settling in, but we have had a few trials in this short period of time. We've been adjusting to different foods, a new language and how our time is spent. Joel was sick a good part of last week and I gained a bladder infection. It's a good thing we brought cold medicine and antibiotics with us! Who knew we'd be using them so early.

But, those are only small things. The real trials are much more intense and weigh on our hearts and minds heavily. Friday, September 14, we recieved an email telling us that a good friend of ours, Justin Bobson, was killed in a car accident. The situation is very sad. Justin worked for Joel for 9 years and actually took over Joel's job when we came to Peru. He also was our housesitter, he helped us move 3 times and he was Joel's golfing partner and our friend. This news hit us hard and we are both struggling with disbelief, anger, confusion and sadness. It is difficult to deal with this when we are away from the community we shared with Justin. Please pray for his family, friends and for Joel and I as we all grieve. Below is a picture of Joel and Justin a week before we left for Peru.

Also, the founders of the orphanage (David and Vickie Miller) shared their own painful news this week. Vickie found she has kidney cancer that has already metastatized in her brain and other areas of her body. It is possible she will undergo surgery this week, although we do not have all the details. Her request is that we pray and that her family and friends would feel God's joy, peace and hope in the midst of the sorrow and suffering. The workers at the albergue are full of grief at this news. Our eyes are filled with tears and our hearts are heavy. Please pray for the Miller family and all of the workers at the orphanage.

God is our hope, our strength and our comfort in times of trials.