Marty Update

I just thought I'd give everyone an update on Marty. As some of you know I took Marty to the emergency room last night. Now that, in itself, is some BIG task! He has been sick for the past few days and even though he felt better yesterday morning, by afternoon it hit him again. The doctors decided that he had had an infection in his body and it settled in his leg due to his diabetes. They gave him antibiotics and pain killers through an IV and did some blood work and cultures to see if he had any bacteria or infection in his bloodstream. The initial blood work showed that his white blood count was fine so they agreed to let him go home with oral antibiotics. We won't know the results of the cultures for a few days. I went this morning and got the medicine. God blessed us with a miracle when I got them and I almost cried right there in Walmart! I stopped by our doctor's office on my way home and just got a call from her nurse and the doctor wants to see him . . . today. So we will be getting ready in a little while and I will be taking him in to see our doctor. I am really glad because I like her to know exactly what's going on with Marty. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as I know you already have. We are so blessed to have an abundance of Christian brothers and sisters that love us. I'll keep you updated as to how Marty is doing. Love you all.

Feeling Detached

Have you ever been a part of something, but still feel completely detached from it? Kind of like no matter what you do you can't make a difference and it really just doesn't matter? I've been there in a few areas in my life lately. This morning God did something. He brought me back. I came in feeling one way and left feeling totally different. Circumstances haven't changed, but I have. God has such a good way of doing that. I went up to the alter to talk to God about a few things and He sent someone to me and gave her just the right words to say. Thank you Lord that you know what we need even when we don't. Help me to hold tight to you and never let go. I love you Jesus!

Marty's first plane ride!!!!!!

Marty in front of the Arc De Triomphe

The Girls!

Beth and Amy

Sue, under the Eiffel Tower

Remy and Amy C

sorry

I don't know why I ended up with two of each picture. Oh well. Enjoy!!!!!!

I will be posting more pictures of our trip later. There are so many, it's hard to just share a few.

Our first look at Tour Eiffel

YUMMY!!!!!

Dominique and Yann Cooking Dinner

Marty and Yann outside our apartment

Changed Forever

Have you ever met someone and spent time with them and then all of the sudden you have found that they have changed your life? Well, multiply that by 13! Those French kids have invaded my heart (as well as their families) and I am blessed. They have made such an impact on my family. They have become a part of it. Now we not only have our youth group kids who we consider "our kids", but we have a whole other group of "our kids" that are half way around the world. Each one of them is special in his or her own way. They have great personalities and are great to be around. I have to say their parents are awesome people too. They didn't know us at all, but yet they opened their homes and treated us as a part of their families. There are no words to describe what these people (some of whom we couldn't really even speak to) have meant to us. They shared with us and loved us. They hurt when we hurt. When you spend two weeks straight with people, not everything is always rosey. When Marty got his pocket picked on the train, they genuinely hurt with us and wanted to do everything they could to help. And the feelings were mutual. They had their ups and downs too and we felt for them and wanted to be there for them. God is so good like that. He knits the hearts of His people together and creates bonds that will last at lifetime. These people are engrained in our hearts. We will never forget them or stop loving them. We are ready for another trip!!!!! (even Marty!)