Is the time passing quickly because of my age? It seems each week just flies by and I don't get as much accomplished as I planned. Just keeping up the regular work and taking care of ourselves seems to be a full-time job at this age.
We have stayed well except for the usual aging woes, dealing with sleep problems and aches and pains of back aches and fatigue. My check up this week indicated that I am in "good shape for the shape I'm in" Everything on my blood test was in the normal range. COVID (Delta Variant) is surging in Georgia again so we have not been traveling. We only went to visit one congregation outside of Atlanta this month.
Our work continues to go well but not yet at a normal pace. Several of our girls have been baptized as they continue to be taught by the ministers (who are their house parents) in each safe house.
COVID has been bad in the Asian countries and they have been shutdown. The borders of Laos have been closed since April, I believe. Nepal has been shutdown twice so far this year. The girls are struggling with the schooling but so far only two have gotten sick.
We are still providing food for the poor Christians in these countries as they cannot work to earn enough to buy their daily food. Several have been baptized as a result of our food program as the Christians share their food with neighbors.
The Philippines still have restrictions regarding travel off the island. Casa has 23 children and a busy summer of activities but everyone has been in good health.
Four of the older children were baptized two weeks ago which brings it to a total of 9 conversions so far.
A new full-time minister has been hired so the community will be receiving the gospel when he is able to easily go about teaching.
Ron plans to return to Thailand the last of October, the Lord willing. There will be many restrictions if he is even allowed to go to Thailand but he is preparing to have the proper paperwork to permit him to travel there. Since the virus is still very bad in Asia, I will not go on this trip. I have an autoimmune disease that puts me at a higher risk with COVID. Ron will try to get a booster before he goes and we pray he will not get sick.
I will post more often to this blog when he leaves so I can provide an update about him and his trip. We plan to chat each morning and evening to keep from worrying about each other. There is a 12 hour difference in the time.
Thanks to everyone for the wonderful support for our work, the many prayers that remember us and those we care for in Asia. May God bless each of you as you continue to have interest in our work. It is a team effort to save the lives and souls of those in need. Thank you!
