Bring Us A Lemur

Published on myspace on Wed., June 27, 2007

Alex called us from Antannarevo, Madagascar last Saturday morning (June 16th) to let us know that he had arrived safely. He was in Madagascar for 10 days on a short term missions trip. When the kids had their turn on the phone with "Dad" they asked him to bring home a lemur. Actually true to inborn sin nature they could not agree on one type of lemur that he should bring home. Adalynne wanted a mouse lemur. She thought such a teeny tiny pet would be adorable. And, Joseph wanted a brown lemur. Unfortunately, Alex felt that our cat, Dora the Explorer, was enough family pet for this family.
Anyway, I did not advertise that Alex was going to be gone (other than changning my music) b/c of internet kooks. I know I am feeling older too!
He had a great trip. In the mornings he did some teaching for a pastors training seminar. 9 years ago there were only 30 Assembly of God churches and today there are around 400. The pastors are hard working guys and all of them are church planters. The average Malagassi makes between $20-$30 for the whole month. Pastors fall into this average and they can only to afford to eat about 1 meal/day. It was very humbling to receive gifts from them. We will cherish them. And, we will remember how blessed we are as we sit down to our 3 meals/day +snacks! Lord, help us be content with what we have.
In the evenings the team did evangelistic services. The people would drive around town with speakers on top of a truck announcing that everyone should come to the town square. They had singers and dance teams. Then afterward Alex and other team members took turns sharing the Gospel. Once there was a great flood. And, the whole earth including the people were destroyed. Only those who were inside of the ark were saved. The Bible says that when Jesus returns it will be like the time of Noah. Right now the door to the ark is open. And, only those who have come into the ark of safety through trusting in Jesus will be saved. Come in before the door is shut! There were many first time responses during the services. May the Lord provide lasting fruit.
Alex is working through his jet lag now. It takes a little while to get out of your system. Madagascar is 8 hours ahead of us here in the central time zone. He is doing well though. He thinks the adjustment is easier than when we adjusted from Sudan b/c he has a will to sleep and adjust. And coming home from Sudan our kids didn't have that will.
The kids and I had a great time together. My mom and her husband, Ron, came out. The kids call them Nana and Pappy. They live in Pennsylvania and we don't get to see them lots so it was really special and helpful. We went fishing, swimming, read many books, had picnics, caught up on laundry and many household projects. They are go-getters! It was a lot of fun.
One event out of the ordinary took place prior to Mom's arrival. Elie fell at Pamida (our little local Walmart want to be). She split her head open. There was so much blood! Luckily I crashed a mini motorcylce many years ago and almost ripped my nose off. So, I knew that "HEADS BLEED A LOT!" I chanted that over and over as I ran to get paper towels from the bathroom. We had to go to the ER and have her head glued. It was traumatic for her and me. I was pale and shakey. But, we made it through with the help of a really nice lady from our town that I had never met before. Why is it that this one event got so much time when most of the week was light and uneventful?
Anyway, I neglected myspace this past week and now you know why. Hats off to any single moms out there! God bless you. I would love to catch up with you all when you have a chance.
Alex did bring home some great video of a few lemurs you can view them under my videos when you have a minute. Love to you all!