August 23, 2011

  • Lizzy and Isaac

    So most of you will never believe this... of all the people not to get Malaria, it was Lizzy and Isaac.  Everyone else got it, and with awesome grace we have all healed.  Everything is normal again.  The kids are crazy.  I am crazy.  Azeda is crazy.  Lizzy is putting up with it!

    Quite a few people have showed concern for the illness that we have had.  Thankfully, with immediate treatment, Malaria can be 100% cured with oral medications.  There is a lot of research and articles about Malaria on the web.  Some offer honest information, others promote their mission to eradicate it by limiting the information offered to make it sound like the worst disease in the world.  Do not misunderstand me, I know it is harmful.  But we have been blessed with the resources to fight it.  We are aware of our children's welfare to combat it.  So we should be in a good position to walk away from this experience with memories and nothing else when it comes to Malaria.

    The time has come again!  We are nearing the point where our visitor passes will expire.  It seems like just yesterday when I was complaining about my experiences at the immigration office.  And now we are due to deal with the mess again.  However, this time we are a little better off.  The application has been received, processed and has been submitted to the board for approval.  So we are very close.  But our options are limited as we go from here.  From talking to other people who have been through this ordeal, other missionaries (white people), they have ALL had the same issue.  And it seems that they all wind up going to Kenya for a day to get another pass on their passports.  Sadly, it is the lesser of a few evils.  But hey... we may get to see Kenya!  Well, at least the border...

    It is funny how hard the devil fights against our efforts.  I have been so proud at how quickly we have been able to turn around the paperwork needed to recruit for HANDS teams to come here.  As I went today to scan in the many documents, after walking for a half hour one way, the scanner that I usually use was broken.  The devil sucks!  Why can't he just make things easier?  It is funny... the "battle" of good and evil here on earth is just like that of Megamind (the movie).  The bad always loses, while good always prevails.  I will not give up on the document scanning.  In fact, we will not give up on the work permit.  Why does he think he stands a chance?  Onward and forward...

    We are a little bit excited here.  Liz has gotten a dose of normalcy.  She has found a bible study that is similar to the one she is used to.  She has found a play group that she can attend to give the kids some interaction with children who also speak English.  We have visited another church that resembles one that we would otherwise be semi-used to.  So at this point, though we are quite busy with everything else, we can find a little balance to make things a little easier.  Praise God! 

    So for now, keep praying for us.  Pray for strength.  Pray for wisdom.  Pray for encouragement.  Pray that we are safe from all that may harm us.

    On a last note... Isabel is nearing that point where cognitive awareness is immediate.  She is starting to attempt to repeat what we are saying.  Today, as we were calling for our friend Desire, Isabel blurts out "Desire!"  She is sooo smart.  But like Isaac, with that intelligence comes stubbornness, mischief, and pure entertainment!

    Chad Neeley

    Construction Coordinator - WWCS Uganda/USA