Before the Morning By Josh Wilson

Went for a walk yesterday morning and heard this song on the radio.  I'd never listened to the words before, until yesterday.  It spoke to me.  I'm not sure if there's a "real" official music video to it that I couldn't locate, but I'll post what I found.  Also, here's a link to the story behind the song.  I'm including the lyrics as well. 

Before the Morning

Do you wonder why you have to

Feel the things that hurt you

If there’s a God who loves you where is He now

Maybe there are things you can’t see

And all those things are happening

To bring a better ending

Someday somehow you’ll see you’ll see

Would you dare would you dare to believe

That you still have a reason to sing

Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling

It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming

So hold on you gotta wait for the light

Press on and just fight the good fight

Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling

It’s just the dark before the morning

My friend you know how this all ends

You know where you’re going

You just don’t know how you’ll get there

So say a prayer

And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God

But life is not a snapshot

It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture

Once you feel the weight of glory

All your pain will fade to memory

It’s just the hurt before the healing

Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling

It’s just the dark before the morning

My Mom

Sometimes life can be more painful than we ever dreamed it could be.  The following is an update on my sweet mom, who was diagnosed with cancer (Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma) this past August.  (Read here for my original blog post.)

Mom finished her round of chemo at the end of December and had been on the road to recovery.  Her January PET scan showed no visible signs of cancer, but we knew we would have to wait for a second PET scan in March to know for sure if there was anything that just hadn't presented yet.  We were hopeful, though, as the oncologist said there was only a 20-25% chance that the cancer would resurface...We hoped she was finally in the clear...

Last week we noticed that she'd had some slight confusion, and this past weekend she ended up in the ER where an MRI was done and showed that the cancer (presumably the same Lymphoma) had spread to her brain.  She had a large amount of swelling around the tumor which had put her at great risk for a seizure.  We are thankful they caught it in time.  Radiation was started yesterday and the oncologist is confident that we should be able to get it completely.  The bad news, though, is that because the cancer spread to her brain (which is not usually typical of Lymphoma), this means it is probably in her blood and will now very likely show up someplace else.  So unless God decides to do a miracle (which He could!), this will not be end of it.  That's scary, to say the least.

I've cried an ocean's worth of tears this weekend.  I am afraid of losing my mom.  She means the world to me, and is so so precious in the lives of my children as well.  Despite my fear I am also completely convinced that God is trustworthy in all of this.  He can be trusted with my mom's life, and also for whatever He is allowing or has planned.  As I pray for healing, I am standing on the promise that He is always up to good for those He loves...her good, my good, etc.  That may not look the way we think it should, however.  Healing may not come in the way we would most desire.  He holds us tenderly in His hands, nonetheless.  He is not distant, but intimately involved in each detail.  And somehow, His grace is enough for today.  Glory be to His Name!

With Hope,

Kara Jo

You can also go to her Caring Bridge site for updates.  (Go to Caringbridge.org, and  login under Judi Knutson, probably without the space in between her first and last name.)

1st Day

1st day of 1st grade for miss Emily Gracia, and 1st day of 3rd grade for Abba-do. Before the bus picked them up, the 3 of us prayed together over their school year. Afterward I looked at Abby and she had tears in her eyes. "That was just touching," she told me with sincerity. And then she offered up a spontaneous prayer of her own. Oh, my heart. Love those girls.

Praying that God gives them a good year--of good friends, good teachers, and good learning. Praying His protection over them over all that they are exposed to and need to filter through. And praying above all that they grow in their relationship with Him, and share His love and truth with those around them. Lord, may they influence more than they are influenced.

Joy and Pain

It's strange how you can have joy, and yet your heart can be heavy at the same time...but that's how I feel. My heart hurts for my sweet mom who has been dealing with daily pain, and often nausea from the cancer her body is fighting. I just want her to feel better and be able to enjoy life with us again. And yet, as we wait and pray and long for healing, I am also overcome with a joy and peace that only come from God. I am so convinced that He is good, despite how circumstances look. And I know in the depths of my being that He can be trusted with whatever He is up to.

Yesterday my sister, Bria, and I set up a CaringBridge website for my mom. If you are praying for her, I know she'd be encouraged if you stopped by the site to tell her so.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judiknutson

Pray For My Sweet Mom!

This past week my sweet mom, Judi, was told that the cancer she'd beat over 10 years ago had returned. The week prior, we had spent our annual week up at a cabin in Bemidji with my family. My mom had been in such terrible pain that she couldn't do anything all week except try to sleep. She had a terrible muscle pain/bulge in her back that she'd been dealing with for a month or two. She'd been to her family doctor, a physical therapist, and a chiropractor. It didn't occur to any of them to check for a recurrence of the cancer.

We had to wait 3 excruciating days for her to meet with the oncologist, go over the CAT-scan and to know if they suspected the same type of cancer, as well as how advanced it might be. We got good news! The oncologist said he's 95% sure it's the same type of cancer as before--a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, one they call a "good kind." He said once again that it's very treatable. He started her on Prednisone right away on Friday to begin reducing the size of the tumor pressing on her back muscle and thus ease the pain. (She also has it in several other places). The oncologist didn't feel a biopsy was necessary, and is just starting her on chemo right away on Monday. She'll have it M-F this next week and then rests for 3 weeks. Repeat. This cycle should continue for 6 months, and hopefully no more after that.

Please pray for healing for my mom. For the tumors to shrink to nothing. Also pray for her spirits to be encouraged as she fights this disease. Above all, pray that God would be honored and glorified. Pray that we would trust Him as His ways are not like ours. He sees the big picture and we have such limited vision.

It is normal to feel scared (as, to be honest, I have been and still am) when someone you love faces cancer. But I want to trust in my God--my God Who is big, my God Who is good in all He does, even when what He does is not what or how I would choose.

Our family at White Pines Resort in Bemidji, MN, one week ago.

Grateful

This is what I woke up to on Mother's Day. Breakfast in bed. No matter that I leaned over and spilled my own juice all over the bed.


Wade also gave me the 4th and last charm for my Mother's charm necklace.

I've mentioned this before...but I was thinking back to about 10 years ago...to the days when Wade and I were going through infertility treatments. Our hearts were longing for a baby (and honestly, very few people really seemed to understand what that ache felt like...)

Jumping ahead to today...My heart is grateful. Overflowing even. Thank You, Lord.

"For this child I prayed...and the Lord heard my cry." 1 Samuel 1:27

It's a What?!

Yesterday the Crim girls were over for lunch. A discussion ensued about the gender of our baby who's due in February. Everyone cast their vote: Karin--girl, Kara Jo--boy, and Nathan--"I think it's a goldfish!"

This reminds me of when Jen was pregnant with Karin. They weren't finding out the gender, but Jay was praying hard for a sister. After she was born and he discovered it was a girl, he wondered out loud "What if I prayed for a baby kangaroo?!"

P.S. Yesterday marked 30 weeks for me!

Moments

This past weekend was one of those that makes you wonder "What was I thinking--trying to parent 3 children with another on the way? I stink as a mom, I don't know how to do this right. I'm surely messing my kids up."

Nothing out of the ordinary really. It was a Saturday. Wade was up at the farm and the kids and I were home for some much needed down time. But they bickered and bugged. Nathan whined and wailed. I fought back tears as I struggled with patience and the need for wisdom in parenting. I did keep myself from yelling at the top of my lungs and/or saying things that would really wound their spirits (unfortunately I have done both before, more times than I can count)--so small victories I guess. Anyway, the kids weren't horrible, but they were driving me crazy. I knew it and they knew it. I just feel crummy after days like that.

Last night there was a bit of a bright spot, though. As I tucked the girls into bed, we took some extra time to chat. (We should do that more often--but I'm always in a hurry to get them to bed it seems.) Abby shared a prayer of hers that God had answered.

"Mom, I got to talk to two of my classmates today about how Christmas is really about Jesus coming...and Easter is really about Him dying on the cross for us. My classmates had never heard that before and were so surprised to find out that Christmas and Easter aren't just about presents and candy! And Mom, I had just prayed the night before that God would give me an opportunity to share His love in a way where I wouldn't be embarrassed. And He did!"

This time I fought back tears of gratitude.

The kids and I talk a lot about looking for chances to share God's love & to speak His truth in love. When I was growing up, my dad used to say to me every morning before I left for school "Be nice to people." I have adapted that with my own kids and they often hear me say "Love people with God's truth" as they are walking out the door to catch the bus.

Whether God is using me & my utterly imperfect self to shape my kids, or whether He's growing them in spite of me, (hopefully both) I am thankful that some of the right stuff is getting through somehow. :) Thanks Lord.

My Calling

(Note: photo is not of the actual delivery in mention.)

Many of you read Facebook, so you already know that I've gotten to attend a couple of births as a doula. But I haven't posted anything about it on my blog, nor have I mentioned the amazing birth I got to be a doula for this past week.

As I've mentioned before, I am on staff at Woodwinds (hospital) now as part of the volunteer doula program. It's one of the only hospitals in the country to offer a doula to any mom in labor who desires one, free of charge. Right now there are about 35 of us on staff, and we each take approximately one 24 hour shift a month to be on call. Well, I've had 2 days where I've been on call, but hadn't been called in for a birth yet. (The one birth I had attended was for a private client, and was a very very quick labor!) I had been excited & ready to put my skills into practice while everything's fresh in my mind, especially since I know that once my baby arrives in a few months, I will probably need to take a good 4 months or so off from being a doula. I wanted some experience under my belt, and the chance to build my confidence in this field before I need to take a break for a while.

Anyway, I had just been praying about all of this, knowing that God has clearly led me to this point. He has opened door after door, and confirmed repeatedly that He has suited me for this role and brought me to this place of readiness. So I placed it in His hands. I told Him I would trust Him to provide a birth in His time, even if it wasn't my time.

And lo and behold I got a call last Tuesday from my supervisor; they needed a second doula that day (more than one mother was requesting one) and it worked out for me to come in. Thank You, Lord!

Upon my arrival, the nurse briefed me on the couple's birth stats (cm dilated, when water had broken, etc.) and also gave me a bit of their background. Said both the husband and wife were medical professionals themselves at another hospital--highly educated and very knowledgeable medically. (The husband is even a doctor himself.) For a minute I was tempted to be intimidated, as I am fairly new, but thought to myself "Well, they are asking for a doula. I know I have something to offer, and I am capable of doing a good job for them as a doula." And that was that. It turned out that they were the most wonderful couple. I was with them for 14 hours--over the span of 3 nurse shift changes, and they were so grateful that someone would stay with them throughout their entire labor. They also expressed that they didn't think the birth would have gone nearly as smoothly had they not had a doula. The husband, even though he had actually performed some deliveries himself in med school years ago, still didn't feel like he knew a lot about labor itself, or how to support his wife through it. I loved working with them as a team, helping the mother cope with contractions, and with pushing. I truly felt honored to be a part of their birth experience. And this just confirmed to me once again that God has designed me to do this--and to do it well.

What joy it brings to use your gifts to serve God, and to bless others.

Do the Next Right Thing

See my previous post. "The next right thing"...as I prayed and asked God what that was, His answer was clear: be in My Word. Feast on that which gives life.

1) Yesterday Wade and I took some time together to pray and read the day's passage from our One Year Bible. This is something we used to do with some regularity when Wade used to get home from work at 4:30. But for months his schedule was such that he didn't get home until 6:00 PM--supper time. That meant "our" time to connect and pray for a few minutes went by the wayside. Now his schedule changed back again & we're going to try to make this time together a priority.

2) We decided to start doing family devotions with the kids during supper. (Last year we had tried doing them at bedtime, but bedtime routine already seemed to take so long that devotions felt like just one more thing to fit in and we ended up rushing through it almost begrudgingly. Plus, we didn't like the kids' devotional we were using.) So today, I went to the store and got a better devotional for the kids and we used it tonight already. We also have a neighbor girl who comes over a lot, and hasn't had much exposure to the Bible. She was excited to stay for supper and be in on family devotions. She wants to come to AWANA clubs with the kids this year, too. (AWANA is a club at our church for kids that helps them learn God's Word in a fun way.)

I know...these steps are nothing novel or earth shattering. In fact, they are the kinds of things that--as a young newlywed--I assumed would be givens in our, and any, godly household. Easier said than done. Anyway, it feels good to be taking steps in the right direction.

What ways has your family found to bring God's Word into your home?

It's Official!

"The most important part of the doula is not her training, but her heart and gentle spirit."
~Experienced Doula Trainer

It's official...I'm a doula! I had my interview yesterday at Woodwinds and later that day was asked to come aboard the doula team there! We are each on call for one day per month, for a 24 hour shift. Every laboring mother who comes to Woodwinds is offered the option of having a doula, free of charge. Then, whoever is on call comes in to support that mother in labor. (Patients can also contract with & arrange their own doulas privately--usually for pay, I believe. But that is separate from this volunteer program.) Many of the volunteer doulas also take on private clients, for pay, but that isn't something I'm looking at yet--at least not until I am fully certified.

I have my orientation next week, and I start Friday October 3rd with patients.

I am way behind in my blogging. I had written a post last week--that I never got around to publishing--about how wonderful my doula workshop was 2 weekends ago. I soaked up every minute, truly feeling like everything we covered was so helpful--and so fascinating, too. We covered everything from comfort measures, laboring positions, listening skills, and how to truly support a mother in pursuing the kind of birth she desires (whether fully medicated, or completely natural, or even cesarean) as well as all the ethical considerations to be mindful of when supporting a mother without being an irritant to the medical staff, etc. We also watched a number of amazing videos covering the history of birth in this country as well as other cultures.

The whole weekend just fueled my passion and excitement for serving God in this way, as a doula. I can't believe how much He has put this on my heart--helping women to have a positive, beautiful birth experience.

Woodwinds is also working on a program to have doulas with grief training be on call for women who come to the ER because they are having a miscarriage. This is something I have a heart for as well.

Oh, this is now a bit anti-climactic, but I might have my first private client/birth lined up, too. Another doula from my workshop who is pregnant & due in October. In fact, she and I are talking about being each other's doulas. It was a God thing that she and I connected, and uncanny how much we have in common.

Nathan's Prayers

Nathan wanted to pray at supper tonight. His prayer went something like this...

"Dear Jesus, thank You for Mommy...and Daddy...and Abby...and Em-a-wee, and Mommy...and Daddy...and Bear (Teddy Bear)...and Baby (had help from big sisters here) and our food (help from Daddy)...and my toys...and my gun (Mark Felton's huge toy machine gun)...and our drinks...and our forks...and our plates...and Abby...and Em-a-wee..."

After everyone kept peeking up from their bowed heads, I think Daddy finally thanked Nathan & cut him off.

It's always good to have much to be thankful for, though, isn't it?

Really God?!

"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

So throughout this process of pursuing doula training, I keep giving this dream to God. Keep placing it on the alter, praying for His wisdom, and taking one step at a time.

I keep encountering obstacles that make me think "maybe this isn't the right timing...maybe He wants me to put this dream on hold again, especially with the baby coming..." but each time I pray & offer it back to Him, He seems to remove the obstacle completely. It's been fun to watch Him work, and to see His confirmation time and time again that this is in His wonderful plan for me. Honestly, it brings such joy to pursue gifts you know you can use to serve Him.

Here's some of what God's done:

1) Money. I needed $300 to attend my main doula training workshop this weekend. We've had a lot of extra expenses lately, and I thought there was no way I could come up the money, and that even if I could, it wouldn't be wise to spend it on this workshop right now. I prayed and asked God to provide if He wanted me to attend, knowing this might close the door decidedly for the time being.

His answer: Literally, within an hour of when I prayed, I had the money. I first pooled some cash I'd set aside in envelopes, like birthday money, fun money, some money I'd earned by taking a survey, etc. (This is money that we don't allow to be used for bills and such.) That put me over the $200 mark. I excitedly called Wade, and he then told me to cash in a bucket of coins we'd been saving. I hoped for maybe $20-40...but got $96!!! I not only had enough for the workshop, but also most of what I needed to buy my certification packet as well. Wow God!

2) Who would watch my kids on Saturday (Wade works) during the training, as I need to leave by 6:15 AM!

His answer: I was running out of options when my friend Jodi graciously offered, without being asked, to either take my kids overnight the night before, or to come and stay over at our house herself so she'd be here in the morning when I left. She could then watch them until noon, and then my sister-in-law, Ginger, said she could come & watch them from noon on.

3) What about handling the physical demands of being a doula while I'm pregnant? Was that realistic--or wise? (For example, sometimes doulas need to physically support or massage women for long periods while they're in labor.)

His answer: I talked to my midwife about it, who said it's perfectly fine to attend births as a doula while pregnant myself, and that I should simply know and express my limits. That was also when she said she wants to help me get the experience I'll need right at Stillwater hospital, even while I'm yet pregnant.

4) This was perhaps the biggest one--how in the world would it work to be on call as a doula when I've got small children to take care of myself? Births can take a long time, and who could I ask--without being an imposition--to watch my kids in that scenario?

His answer: I happened to talk with the coordinator of the volunteer doula program at Woodwinds, who said each doula volunteers for one 24 hour shift a month where she is on call--AND SHE GETS TO PICK THE DAY! I could pick days where Wade is home! AND, she said after I've attended my workshop this weekend, she wants to set up an interview and put me on the schedule right away! No way!

Travel Prayer Request from E&V

Received an emailed prayer request this morning from Ed & Vonda regarding travel: (Note their journey/flight time total is approximately 30 hours.)

OK, it's 8:00 pm and we're checking out of the B&B and getting our ride to the airport. We are getting to the airport very early for good measure - plane leaves at 1250 am. The trip is over and now we just have to get home!

You are receiving this late morning your time; please pray for our trip home today.

Big love,
E&V&E&S

(#7) Check Out Ed's Blog!

Check out Ed's blog (Swirlingeddy) for his perspective as a brand new dad! I can't keep the tears from coming! Praises to God!!!

Now that Ed & Vonda have better email/computer access, you may not be hearing anything more from me. Keep checking Ed's blog. I will post anything else that comes by email if it isn't on E or V's blog.

(#6) "We're In Delhi!"

(Yes, the 3:30 AM time stamp is correct...my Nathan awoke screaming a little while ago. From there I was wide awake and so I had to see if there was word from India. And alas! An email written by Vonda received at 11:20 PM our time last night. Incidentally, E&V saw all of our blog comments, and noted that they are 10.5, not 12, hours ahead of us. Vonda has been sick, but other than that, it sounds like things are going beautifully. I'm crying tears of joy! Thank You God for good beginnings! Again, feel free to leave them comments here):


Hello, dear ones!
Sorry for the communication gap these past couple days. Our dear hosts at SKB were conducting a conference on adoption, and hosting their son's family at the same time we were there. They were so sweet to make time to answer all our questions and accommodate us - but there was no access to email there as we had expected.

I woke 'early' this morning, our first morning with our precious Eva Prathibha. (Early is relative as we have all slept about 10 hours after a really full day of travel yesterday). Eva is curled into her Papa's chest, her beautiful, small brown fingers laced over his arm. In the morning half-light, their profiles look similar, beautiful brown eyes under sleepy lids...

There is no question she is ours - it was obvious in the first 5 minutes. Within 30 seconds of our meeting, she moved from crying softly to finding shelter in her daddy. Since then, she has bonded closely to both of us, showing healthy wariness of strangers and clinging to us in crowded places. Our daughter is incredibly strong and courageous. Not only has she embraced us as her 'Mummi' and 'Papa', but she went through an entire day of travel yesterday (difficult travel) with calm and good humor. She is truly amazing.

On the ride down the (thoroughly lush and beautiful) mountains from SKB into Cochin, she got sick 3 or 4 times with the harsh motions. Barely a wimper though - just clung to us and let us comfort her. KJ - this was the 'puke bags accessible' part of the itinerary... :-) We were prepared with a back-up outfit and bags, wipes, etc. The 'mommy purse' has come in very, very handy...

Now she has woken and sits here on my lap patiently as I finish the email, and we wait for breakfast. After breakfast, we'll delight in her first bath (no bath tub, but great shower - she's not used to taking baths anyway). We are so thankful to have a day of rest before embarking on the embassy adventure tomorrow morning.


We are no longer apprehensive about travel or plane rides or waiting in airports - we have braved these things together and are finding we are a wonderful team. The Lord's protection has been with us every moment, and His peace is obviously surrounding us. His preparation has gone ahead of us - getting us ready for one another. There is no question this is from Him and it's in His strength that we are accomplishing this.

I have been sick for a couple of days now (since the 2:00 AM the night after we met Eva). But God is giving me the strength and energy I need for every moment - fully leaning on him as my body strength intermittently empties. If the sickness continues, we will be able to see a doctor here.

The B&B we're at now is above and beyond what we'd expected - it's everything we need. SO thankful. We will have a day of baths and play and naps and learning about one another.

So much more to tell... we have better internet access here so will try to do better with keeping in touch. Thanks for your continued prayers... please keep it up! We will be home soon. Our family is forever changed...

(#5) No News Yet

To me it feels like the minutes and hours are just ticking by. Slower than molasses. I can't remember the last time I was this anxious to hear word of something! Like Jen mentioned, I, too, feel like I'm in the waiting room--anxiously anticipating the cries of a newborn baby. Yet this new life is all the way across the world.

We've heard nothing from Ed & Vonda since I last posted. I am praying that they made it just fine to Eva's orphanage after the transportation strike. (Albeit a day late.) And I'm hoping that the reason for no news is just that they've either been too busy, or just haven't had easy access to email in this city. Maybe both. Either way, I think we should keep praying. The enemy has fought hard against them through this entire process. But we are on the winning side! God will be faithful to see this to completion.

According to the itinerary (note: for them it's already Saturday evening right now) today they were supposed to have had Eva's dedication ceremony, and later have taken the short flight back to Delhi. Vonda notes, they'd also be on a hunt & mission to destroy any lice or scabies they may have discovered. They're so prepared!

Keep praying for God's peace to reign. And for Eva to have a sense of calmness--not rushed frenzy, as all these changes and big events are taking place.

(#4) Meeting Eva Delayed By One Day :(

Received this email from Ed this morning: (Feel free to leave comments to Ed & Vonda here, as they do have access to the blogs & I'm sure would appreciate encouraging words!)

Hi, again, everyone!

Today has taken a couple unexpected turns, but we are fine and happy to have been at Cherai during the transportation strike (and ban on road usage). The people here have been extraordinarily kind to us. Also, Sarah's presence and 'calm' have been such a blessing to us throughout the day.

The strike ended at 6:00 PM tonight (Thursday, July 3rd) and we understand the SKB driver is on his way to pick us up. Please pray for safety on the roads as we understood it would not have been safe to travel during the strike, and we will be traveling so soon after it. We are thankful for the expectation of being able to move ahead - our meeting Prathibha has been delayed a day, but hopefully, we will be there to meet her when she awakes tomorrow morning.

We are being taught by every opportunity to wait and trust His timing, rather than our plan. He is faithful to watch over us in every moment of clarity or uncertainty - we are abiding in His peace.

Love to all of you. The next time you hear from us, we will likely have met our daughter... :-)

(#3) An email from Ed & Vonda

I just received this in my inbox, from Ed & Vonda:


Hello, everyone!

Just wanted to touch base with dear friends and family at least once while we're here at Cherai. We're just finishing up the perfect day in anticipation that tomorrow (when we meet Eva Prathibha!) will somehow surpass even this.

As you all know, it's monsoon season. Yet, all our flights were EXACTLY on time, or even arriving early, throughout our journey here. When we landed in Mumbai (and took off) it was raining VERY heavily. Yet no delays. Today, there was an article in the Kerala paper showing people walking on a Mumbai road in water up to their waists, stating that Mumbai is having problems due to flooding, (starting the night we arrived) and that many offices had been closed. Yet we had zero delays. We are so thankful for your prayers!

Today, we lounged in hammocks, had the most amazing Indian food (and service) ever, took a tour of the beautiful Kerala 'backwaters' via boat, and Sarah and I enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime (so far) massage experience that we can elaborate more on later. :-) No rain - beautiful blue, sunny skies all today (again, during monsoon season). Amazing.

We can't wait to meet Eva tomorrow - our level of anticipation is brimming tonight. Over dinner, we reflected with Sarah on the process, in gratitude for God's presence with us through every step. We are full in so many ways tonight, refreshed, and we close this - our last night as 'almost parents' - in hope, gratitude and readiness for what lies ahead.

Please continue to pray as tomorrow starts a new chapter of this trip - and of the Rankin family. Also, please pray for transportation as there is a transportation strike here through tomorrow evening and, though we have a private driver, we are praying roads will not be closed or blocked for our journey into the mountains to SKB.

You all are a blessing and an encouragement! Feel free to write - we will be able to check our emails from SKB. Love you all!

-Ed and V-

(#2) More Communication from Ed & Vonda in India

Here's a little update/message from Ed via Jen's blog:

I'm (Ed) going to try to put updates on my blog (Swirlingedddy)too; we'll see how that goes.

India is awesome!!!

I'm glad Vonda was able to send that email off; hopefully you will forward to everyone. The trip was really smooth, just really long. Reeeeeally long. After Amsterdam, we entered a bizarre Twilight Zone time warp. Sometime after I had been sleeping on the plane from Amsterdam to Mumbai I woke up and for a few minutes didn't know if the time on my watch was am or pm. After a little thought, I decided it was am. Later, I realized I was wrong! Disconcerting. Then we were up all night in the Mumbai airport because it felt like it should be day, then we crashed we we got to the resort in (near) Cochin.

To continue with Vonda's update, dinner was amazing last night here at the resort. We slept all night, and our internal clocks are pretty much back to normal. We had breakfast here, and went for a serene non-motor boat ride around the backwaters here at the resort. The resort is beautiful and tropical, and we are greatly enjoying taking in the sights, smells, tastes, people, culture, language, money, etc. here. It has been very relaxing, and has included time spent in hammocks reading.

Vonda and Sarah are getting massages right now before lunch, and I am taking some time to do emails, facebook, and blogs. We are filled with anticipation and apprehesion about tomorrow. Prayers appreciated!

And also a little note from Vonda too, again, via comment on Jen's blog:

I just got the most AMAZING massage. Hmmm...

Headed back to the bungalow for more R&R. Too lazy to log Ed out and me in...

After much deliberation, I think I will attempt to say the following phrases to Eva Prathibha in Malayalam tomorrow:

Hello, Prathibha.
I am your mother.
This is your father.
We are a family...

Love to you all! P.S. I was commenting to Ed and Sarah this morning that a palm tree paradise overlooking Kerala backwaters from a tree-house perch, and lounging in hammocks pretty much beats being in a hospital with contractions... :-)

-Vonda-