2010 has come in with a flurry of activities that have kept us on the run. The first week found Duane and Craig in the US at our home church (Destiny) for a missionary conference. They, along with Ryan and Katie, met lots of new friends and were refreshed. They returned home with a renewed vision and energy. Thank you Destiny Church!



The day after Duane and Craig returned, I left to go home for a few days to be with my Uncle Tom (who was like my grandfather) as he went home to be with the Lord. He was 94 and his death was peaceful. My family is small, my parents have both died, so it was good to be with my 2 sisters...even under the difficult circumstances. And to spend a few days with our grandson was wonderful!



As I returned to Guatemala, I was accompanied by our friend Bob Gay and later in the day by Pastor Phil and Kent Henry. Our pastor comes each year to encourage us and this year was no exception. Kent ministered especially to our children in times of sweet worship. It was wonderful and just what we needed to start the New Year off right.



Clinics have been busy but easier with the help of Hannah who has been here since Christmas. She passed her Physician Assistant Boards in December and is waiting for all of her license paperwork to be completed before she starts working at M.D. Anderson as part of a surgical oncology team. We are very proud of her accomplishment and grateful to the Lord for keeping her during that long and difficult process.



This year will hold many changes here with the birth of our two grandchildren in February. Katie Shaw (Aaron's wife) will give birth to Catherine Anna and Katie Ann (Ryan's wife) will have a baby boy - whom they have not yet named. And the best news is that Ryan and Katie will be joining us here in Guatemala in April for a 6 month visit which will hopefully extend to a permanent move. How good is God who has blessed us with the privilege of watching our grandchildren grow up near us! It is an answer to many years of prayer for me and I am so very grateful. We see this coming year as one of change in which we see the Lord expanding our "tent pegs" in many ways and we are excited as we wait upon Him. For we know that "those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31. And that is our prayer for you in this new year...that as you wait upon Him, that your strength would be renewed to persevere in that to which He has called you.