Since our last post, God has been hard at work demonstrating His love and mercy upon Mom and Dad. Facing the diagnosis that time was short, plans quickly started to fall into place to make some dreams come true. On March 1st of this year, Mom and Dad will celebrate their 49th Anniversary. A big dream of theirs for the past several years was that on their 50th, that all of their children and grandchildren would celebrate with them in Hawaii. Given the circumstances, this just had to happen one way or the other.
On February 3rd, all 15 of us arrived in Kona on the big island. We spent 5 nights and 6 days in paradise as a family creating precious memories. Though there were many wonderful experiences, the top few far surpassed any "tourist" attraction, as they had eternal value.
On Sunday morning, we attended Living Stones Church for service. We were seated in the outdoor section next to the ocean, and worshipped our Living God with His beautiful creation surrounding us. We were blessed to take communion together as a family and meet some islanders that prayed with us after the service, as though we were a part of their own church family. It was a tremendous blessing.
Monday morning, we attended a worship service at YWAM (Youth With A Mission), University of the Nations in Kona. Nearly a thousand young people worshipping together and raising their voices in praise. Again, we had a wonderful time of prayer together as a family. We were able to see the campus and hear about much of the work that goes on there. What a blessing this place is in a dark world.
That evening we returned to YWAM for a Prayer/Worship service. The room that we met in was packed with nearly 200 young people who sang, prayed, sang, prayed, sang (you get the idea). Two and a half hours passed in no time, as we could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the place just as real as anything else in the room. A number of the young people and their leaders came over and began to pray for Mom and Dad. Soon, there was a large number of people gathered around in prayer that was palpable. The Lord's hand was in that room and on Mom and Dad, along with the rest of the family. A special "thank you" to our friends Craig Kline and Greg & JoLynn Murphy for taking time to make special preparations for us to visit YWAM, and be among God's people away from home.
All too soon, we had to return home to balmy western Washington. Mom and Dad following a few days later. They had to return 3 days early as Mom was struggling to breath and her machine to provide oxygen was not working correctly. Since returning, we have continued to meet one obstacle after another. Doctor's visits have been full of news we did not want to hear, a visit to the ER followed by the decision to initiate hospice care to best care for mom.
We have entered a new place of uncharted waters for our family, but still trust and wait upon the Lord.
We have been so blessed over the past four years of strife to have each of you supporting our family in prayer and sharing your love with Mom and Dad. We ask you to continue to pray fervently on their behalf, and we will try to do a better job of communicating to you through this blog.
With the outpouring of love that Mom and Dad are experiencing, we have had a great number of visitors over the past few days. Mom loves to see each of you when she can, the sheer volume of people coming to visit is vast. She has asked that anyone who wants to see her has access. We respectfully ask that if you come to visit, that you keep your visits short, as talking is very taxing for Mom and she doesn't want to miss anything so she winds up exhausted and fighting for air. I hope that you will understand that you are welcome and that your visits are appreciated greatly, but someone has to be the bad guy on her behalf to protect her, and I drew the short straw. We love you, we appreciate you, we ask for your continued covering through prayer, and hope to keep you better informed as we move forward in the days ahead.
In our weakness, His strength is perfected.
Troy
7 comments:
Good Morning my sweet friend,
Such wonderful pictures. So glad your trip, and time together, was such a blessing. I love you so.
My cold is nearly gone, and I will soon be able to come see you soon. I know you'll appreciate that I kept it to myself. :-)
Love and Blessings....Hugs!
Cindy R.
Praying unceasingly for you, Ladeva and family. We love you all very much... Hope to see you soon!
Amy Spencer and family
I am praying and loving you all so very much! God has so blessed me with Diva's friendship. Watching the hardships you are all going through and your unfoundering love of God and each other. Your caring for the multitudes of those who love you.....it all is a beautiful example of faith and love in our Lord. Dale and I know that God has you cradled in his strong arms and blesses you each hour each minute each day. Your forever friend Linda H
Ladeva, my friend and sister in Christ, I just want to reinforce that you are loved and prayed for. I read Troy's post and cried but know that all things are in God's hands. I am so very happy that you, Warren and your family had a great time in Hawaii and were blessed by so many people. God is good no matter what we are facing and HE ALONE will give strength to you and your family...love you much,
Love to you sweet family...beautiful "happy" family pictures!!! Ladeva, you look so loved and lovely...my prayers are with all of you, just know how much we care and adore you.
Love, Phil and Charlotte
Many prayers for all of you as you walk through these difficult times. May you know God's Grace and Mercy as you continue to trust Him. We love you and hurt for you. Sandy
Ladeva and family, I had not gone to your blogspot for a long while and then Karen Johnson e-mailed me and I open it and saw the two beautiful pictures and message from Troy. So glad you had that trip with your dear family!!
What keeps coming to mind, Ladeva, is the trips we made together in our senior year of visiting your dear Mother and the beautiful smile she always had for you - I know you share the same with your dear family and others.
I am also thankful that you have Hospice - it is something we didn't know with our Mothers in the 60's. They are so kind and helpful to all.
My deep love, prayers and care go to all. Margie C
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