Sunday Sally and I begin our flights (5) to reach Detroit. It was not on our 'radar' of plans to do this but because of changes in the health of our parents, and our responsibility to honor our parents, we felt it was wise and prudent to make this trip.
This past week Sally's mom (Gloria) was hospitalized after experiencing a stroke. She is currently in rehab and doing well. We thank God it was not a massive debilitating one, but a stroke is a stroke. In fact, in the medical field, we call them 'brain attacks' as it is like a heart attack in that there is tissue damage and it is serious. We are so thankful for the excellent care she has gotten and that she is doing better.
Last month my dad (Leo) had hip replacement surgery. After some complications post-operative, he is doing remarkably well in rehab and hopefully will be coming home soon. Home now for mom and dad is their apartment in Charlotte, Michigan. They moved there this year as they were closer to my sister and brother-n-law who are their main support system as well as closer to their doctors. Dad has been in and out of rehab the past couple of years. Mom is doing well, but hey, she isn't a young puppy anymore (Sorry mom). Both of them have regular doctors appointments and need help with things.
So this is our time to physically be there and help them. We know it will also provide some 'relief' to family members that are the primary helpers of our parents. We are so thankful for them! When we stepped out in faith 16 years ago to serve in medical missions in Africa we knew that it would mean leaving many things and persons behind. Being 8,000+ miles away from our family has been one of the continuing 'challenges' of our journey in following Jesus Christ. We aren't there to help out when there are small problems or big ones. It is not easy, but we still believe that God has a plan for us to continue to serve in His kingdom work here in Kigoma, Tanzania. (I treated 182 patients in out patient department this week, not counting daily hospital rounds)
Obviously, in addition to helping with our parents we will get to see family again, especially our kids!!! Yeah for Adam, Megan, and Kelly! Sally hasn't seen Adam since May 2010 (I got to see him in July 2010.) Haven't seen Megan since summer of 2010. Kelly since August of this year. Needless to say we are excited and our kids are too. It will be a crazy schedule but we know that this is the right time to do this.
We would ask that you remember us in your prayers. International travel is long; jet lag is no fun at all (we are 8 hours earlier than EDT); not excited for cold weather; will need wisdom on how to divide our time; and good health. Mostly we want to be there to serve our parents with love and compassion as they have cared for us as all these years. They are amazing people and we love Mom Jessup and Mom and Dad Pepper so much!
Finally in closing, in this Christmas season, we are so thankful for the support system we have as 'Watumwe' (Kiswahili for 'sent ones' or 'slaves.' We love being 'slaves' for Jesus!). Our sending agency (IMB Connect) has a wonderful way of supporting us. Southern Baptist Churches all over the USA voluntarily send funds to support all of us 'Watumwe.' This month will mark the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering where we see the majority of our support come from Southern Baptist churches all over America. Next years IMB budget is $324 million. It is huge. The majority of it will come from this special offering. We continue to be amazed by the sacrificial giving. May you be blessed.
Merry Christmas!
Larry and Sally
