Simon and Garfunkel ain’t got nothin’ on me

“Fools”, said I, “You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you”
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed
In the wells of silence
- Paul Simon

There are times in our lives where words are just better left unsaid. I wish that I had always understood that - it would have kept me out of a few scrapes here and there. On the other hand, if I had understood that, well, it is quite possible that I would not be sitting at this desk typing this today. And yet here I am - at the mercy of God’s providence.

There haven’t been a whole lot of words flowing from me lately. I know why that is and you do not. Some of you have expressed your concerns for me and my family - and our well-being, and those concerns (and the prayers that go with them) are greatly appreciated. I thought I’d update you on things going on in my life - just a brief update mind you - so that if I don’t have the opportunity to talk with you - your concerns for us can be mitigated a bit.

First, my mom will be having her last scheduled chemotherapy treatment next Thursday. She is very tired physically and mentally, but she is doing as well as can be expected. My aunt has stepped up to the plate and has been going to her treatments with her for the past five months - so I have not had to go back to Dublin for those purposes. Mom is looking forward to the chemo being over with and getting her hair and taste buds back. I am very grateful that she is doing as well as she is - and that this sickness has presented many opportunities for me, Kathy and even John Michael to share the gospel with her.

Second, the non-sale of the house. That is indeed frustrating (especially cleaning it so that it can be shown) - but it is part of life and a part of the economy that we have right now. God is in control of the sale of the house - and when He is ready for it to close - it will. Of that, I am confident. So keep praying for us in this regard, and know that we trust in God to make this happen in His time.

Third, our adoption of Alvaro from Casa is proceeding better than we could have imagined. I cannot speak for all the families that are adopting from Casa - but we are blessed by this opportunity and looking forward with great excitement to the day that he comes home to his family in the States. We are pros at the adoption thing, and except for a few moments during the first week of November, things have been proceeding swimmingly.

Finally, my business. You may know that all of our staff was gone by August 1st and that we needed to replace them all. Well, God has brought two great employees our way - and things have returned back to normal - which is busy - but very manageable. God has provided and continues to provide for us as a family - by blessing our CPA firm. We are very thankful for His provision in these ways.

That’s the update in a nutshell. So if I seem quiet - please know that it is because I have something on my heart and mind - that I know that God will see me through. In that I trust.

Late at night I wonder why sometimes I wonder why
Sometimes I’m so tired I don’t even try
When everything around me fails, I hold on to the promise
There is a reason.

-Caedmon’s Call