For sure, it has been one of those weeks. We have been affected by sickness and sorrow. It hasn’t been easy! Over the weekend we learned that our friends’ baby (a couple from our Lanzarote church) has died after waiting all 11 months of his life for a new heart which never came. Then on Wednesday we received word that our Spanish neighbor Natalia (the one Carrie visited with nearly every day when we lived in Spain) has died unexpectedly. This comes as a huge shock since as far as anyone knew, she was healthy as can be!
These deaths, coupled with the fact that Carrie has been sick for over a week now (an illness which coincided with her beginning language school 4 days a week in an intensive Dutch course) has meant that our plate has been quite full this week physically and emotionally. Michael has had to spend many more hours a day caring for Andrew which makes sermon writing more challenging. And Carrie has had to go to class despite her illness because the regional government (which graciously pays for the classes) requires attendance, and if you miss too many classes, not only do you fall terribly behind, but you are also fined by the government. (A doctor’s excuse is acceptable, but that would require having a doctor, which so far, we don’t!)
Despite these challenges, God has been faithful. Carrie is enjoying her language studies and will so even more once she is feeling better. On Friday, a friend came over to clean our house, care for Andrew, and prepare enough meals to last us all weekend so that Carrie could spend the day in bed resting. We are so grateful!
This week please keep us in your prayers so that Carrie may continue to recover and Michael and Andrew would stay healthy. Please also keep in your prayers Natalia’s family as they continue to mourn their loss. Although Carrie had shared Jesus with Natalia, she doesn’t know if she chose to make a commitment to him or not, making her death twice as painful. Also remember the family in Lanzarote who lost their 11-month-old son. They have been strong though this entire process. Pray that they will continue to be strong in the weeks and months ahead.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. We appreciate you!
Blessings,
Michael, Carrie (Caty) and Andrew
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