Honestly...

Life here continues to be a battle to keep our minds from thinking about the losses in our life- loss of close friendships here; 2 kids at boarding school; our airplane shipping off and more. We know that Jesus is enough... it is difficult to not be overwhelmed. For those of you who are people of prayer, we ask for your intercession.

I had a good meeting with a local pastor this morning who oversees primary medical care through a large church in the city of Libreville. He was also very encouraging and told me that he stood ready to help us. After our discussion, he and I were ready to do some "homework" on behalf of the aviation program. We are so privileged to work with the precious people of Gabon.

Alace has been working with the clinic at the large church in the city. The staff there makes sure that laughter and joking is a big part of what they do as they bless people. She is really enjoying it. They are very patient with us. She had made a decision to give 2 mornings each week to work there, however, she's having so much fun that she's been going every morning! This has been healing for her.

Youth group & adult Bible study- We are re-launching this in mid-October. Pray for the international, English-speaking faith community here. We would love to see this group grow.

Airplane shipment- the airplane is still at the port in Libreville. It is due to leave on or around the 20th of September. I've been told that all is in order. There are still some bills to be paid, but none that will hold up the shipment. Please pray for the aircraft to be expedited on its' way to the US.

Flying to Bongolo! We will be in the air to Bongolo very soon! Next Wednesday (22nd) appears to be the 1st flight since our emergency landing last March! What a blessing that the Lord has opened the door with a fill-in airplane. Please also pray for the company whose airplane we are using- they are making some decisions about their aviation program that will directly affect our program (for better or worse) at a meeting in October.

DOCTOR'S & NURSES STRIKE! The majority of doctors and nurses in Gabon are back on strike. As a result of this almost-yearly strike, the Bongolo Hospital overflows and resources run thin. Just this week we responded for emergency needs for supplies needed for the eye clinic, pediatrics, and more. Without our airplane, delivery of these critically needed medicines becomes very difficult. Please pray for solutions to be found quickly.

ELECTRIC BILL QUADRUPLES! Electricity prices are starting to skyrocket in Libreville. We were sure that when we got the latest bill, there was some mistake. It is 4 times the amount that we had been paying during the 1st half of the year. Please be praying as we approach the electric company to dispute the bill and suggest a malfunctioning meter at our house.

Our two oldest children, Joe and Megan, are really thriving at the Rain Forest Int'l school in Cameroon! Megan has made the senior girls soccer team and both Joe and Megan are in the running club. Continue to pray as they make the transition from home schooling to a classroom setting.

VISA ISSUES: Alace, Sam and I will travel to visit Joe and Meg in Cameroon during their upcoming break at the start of October. We plan to stay there 7 days, however, that visit may be cut short due to visa problems regarding a trip we will take to Kenya on the heels of that trip. Please pray that we don't have to cut our trip to visit Joe and Meg short to resolve these issues.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement during these times. We take the prophet, Isaiah's word's to heart that... "They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up on wings as eagles".