A reminder

It's early (6:30)  and I can't sleep (been up 2 hours already!). Life still hasn't worked out all its problems yet, and I guess that I still have a ways to go, but oh well, it's a good morning to communicate!

We are still receiving so much encouragement and support, for which we are still very thankful, but we are realizing that people are moving on. Others are out there who are also in great need, and one can only give so much for so long to so many. I read recently about a family who was in a car crash, and only the wife survived. Her husband and young daughter were killed instantly when their van crossed into the path of a semi.They were missionaries on furlough. We pray for this woman, and the extended family, as we also keep praying for the family of the girls that were killed in January. There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't think of and pray for the loss this family has endured. At our family reunion I learned that this same family lost 2 other siblings, cousins to these girls, also in an accident. This is incomprehensible to me, and my heart grieves and aches for this whole family, and for the many others that experience tragic loss in this way. I can only imagine their pain. We pray that God will continue to uphold them, comfort them, and surround them with people to carry them in the days and years ahead.

Sunday at church friends of ours were there to witness the baptism that morning. These friends from way back are a great couple, and the husband, Marty is truly a special guy. Marty has spent the past 18 years in a wheelchair also as the result of an accident.  He  has such a great attitude, laugh and the coolest tattoo you've ever seen! As we talked, again my thoughts went to the question, not "Why, Lord?", but "Why not, Lord?" Why was I spared? Why were we all spared? For what purpose was I allowed to learn to walk again? What is it that I am now meant to do? I wonder and pray that as I seek to adapt in this 'new normal', if I will ever be able to understand what I am to learn, or if I will find my 'new purpose'. It was a very good reminder to not slip back into complacency, or just go along with the routine of physio and other therapy, healing the physical but forgetting the spiritual. I'm so glad that my Lord and Saviour doesn't set projects aside!

Judy

New Family Photo

Hey everyone! Just thought I would share our new family photo with you! Not a formal shot, but then again, that's just not us. So here we are, thankful and happy! Hope you are, too!

Holiday Update

Wow this took a lot longer than I thought it would, sorry! Seems I'm busy all the time, but getting very little done. But I've noted that people are still checking in on the blog site here, so I figured I'd better do this!

Our holiday began like many of our holidays have, with the car piled full, Tim Hortons in hand, and a prayer for safety as always. I must confess that this time I had a bit more apprehension than previously, as we were traveling again with Ben and Aaron in the front of his Jetta, and me in the back. Very similar to our last trip, and traveling the same road! But a word of prayer and some positive self-talk, and the anxiety left. I read, slept and relaxed all the way to Jasper! We didn't find the accident site, and that's okay. We now feel like we can leave that behind us and move on!

We spent the first night with friends in Cochrane, and enjoyed the time greatly. The next day we headed out to Taber, where we met up with the first batch of Wiebe's at Ben's brother's place. After a super dinner, we drove the rest of the way to his sister's farm just outside of Vauxhall. Many were already there, with many more to come. The weekend was packed with fun, food and fellowship, as well as much celebration, prayer and rejoicing. One special highlight was the presentation of a quilt that was made for me by Ben's sister Gertrude and others. On the quilt are 20 blocks, stitched by family members with words of encouragement and love! What a special surprise!! It is a treasure that will be displayed with pride! I was very overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and care again, what a blessing!

During the weekend we had two big storms, the first of which gave us quite the scare. It was a wind storm unlike anything I'd ever seen before, and hit like a brick wall on Saturday night. All 120 of us packed into the basement of the home, with stuff flying everywhere outside. We thank God that no one was seriously injured, as not too far away a woman was killed as a result of the same storm. A few of the tents were destroyed, but nothing more. The next night there was an amazing lightning storm, with wind and hail that damaged crops and homes in nearby areas, but again the damage to us was minimal. In spite of it all, we had a blessed time together, and are already planning the next reunion in 4 years!

We continued from there to Calgary for a couple of days, seeing more friends and family, and spending some time relaxing and shopping as well. Wednesday we traveled to Edmonton. This was a time for healing as well, as we went to the hospital where I spent 6 weeks after the accident. We didn't get to see all the staff that we had hoped to, but those we did meet were amazed that I was walking and finished my rehab. It was difficult to go into the ICU area, of which I have very little memory, but it was good to put that time into perspective, and actually see what it was like. We also shared time with friends who had been there for us during that time, and it was so great to be able to thank them in person! Another purpose in Edmonton was to find Aaron a place to live in the fall when he returns there for school. We were able to help him secure a room in a house with 2 other young men, which was really exciting for him. He can hardly wait to get there! We came home with no further incidents, which was welcome! All in all, it was a super time, and we thank everyone for their prayers that covered us over the many miles.

One other thing that I will share here - due to the encouragement of many people, I have started compiling my thoughts regarding the past 6 months into a format that may someday actually be a book! It's not an easy process, and I have no clue how to go about actually doing this, but it has to start somewhere, and so during our trip I pecked away on my laptop. It was a good way to pass the time and keep me distracted and not thinking about what-if's or what-could-be's. So who knows how long it could take, but at least I've started! I'm open to any suggestions or ideas...just let me know what you would like included!! I'd appreciate any help!

Day to day life here continues without much incident, other than that we finally bought another vehicle! I'm looking forward to being able to drive again after I do my driver's rehab in September. At least now we have something for me to drive! I'm learning to schedule my time carefully, and not take on too much at once. Physio continues for Ben and me, and I hope to soon add in water therapy at the pool. I have a new occupational therapist in town, and he seems very helpful and supportive.

Anyway, life goes on, and we are thankful for that! I'm still committed to posting as often as new developments occur, so keep this page bookmarked! We thank God daily for all of you, and now are looking for ways that we can pass on the gifts of support and encouragement that we have been given. Keep serving Him, for He alone is worthy!! Praise, glory and honour to our Lord, Jesus Christ, who gives us the strength to live each day for Him alone.

Judy

Home Again!

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts as we traveled to Alberta and back. The trip was exciting and wonderful, but it is so good to be home! I wanted to just check in and let you all know that I will be posting a summary of our trip later this weekend, but for now I thought I should let you know that we didn't find the accident site, and that is okay. We stopped at the side of the road on the way home today after we realized that we had gone past any possibility of finding the site, and had a word of prayer. It was a final piece of this part of the journey. But we know there is more to come! So check back in a few days and I will update you as to the rest of the trip...it had some incredible moments!

Judy