The Very Hard Truth

We have to admit that it has been a hard few months. If you haven't heard by now, we are back in Indiana because, frankly, everything we have gone through has been difficult on our family. We are back after only four months; now that is a hard pill to swallow. However, since telling people we were returning for a short time, everyone has been amazing to our family and for that, we have so much to be thankful for. 

We are thankful for our family who hears the worst part of our stories, they worry tirelessly for us and never cease in their prayers. They answer the phone when we call them swollen and broken out in rashes, connected to IVs and crying. They have had to let us go, serve a mission God has called us to and still support us even though it is absolutely difficult for them. Thank you.

We are thankful for those of you supporting us in various essential ways. Just like our family, you worry about us and believe in the work God is doing. Your belief and trust in us means more than you'll ever know. The emails, texts and cards sustained us in some of the hardest times. Thank you.

We are thankful for the amazing relationships we have formed in our short time in Haiti.  Fellow teachers, neighbors, friends and staff. You have taken care of us when we were sick, you have taken us in your homes.  You have watched our children, cooked for us, prayed for us, set flowers on our table when we were gone, built sheds and connected our home to electricity when we were in the hospital, lent a listening ear when I needed to vent. You have been friends to us, you have welcomed  me into your classroom and I fell in love with 22 little kids who had to see another missionary leave. The love that you showed us in a short time will bond us for life. Thank you.

Since returning to Indiana, we have felt so loved and so served. Our church, the body of Christ, has given us a a place to stay, have fed us, have given the kids clothes, have hugged us and have made us feel so loved. The teachers at Sharon Elementary have not only welcomed Abigail and Keenen into the classroom, but have also offered clothes and books to help them get going again. Our friends have given us their home, pushed our family to keep fighting, to keep going, no matter what. I have never seen the body of Christ so active in our lives. Thank you. 

We want you to know that, although we are going through a difficult chapter in our lives, your love, prayers and support keep us going. We are so thankful for you! We are not finished. At this time, we are uncertain of the next steps and with that, I'm sure you have a lot of questions. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us and we will tell you everything we know. We will be honest and open with you and will try to keep you as informed as possible as the story unfolds. Thank you!