Great Thanksgiving..........but prayer request too.

HI everyone, Well, we had a great trip back to Michigan to see our family. We did end up in a garage with an alternator going out on us. But once again God was right there directing...... We had stopped in Walcott, Iowa for gas - that has been a usual stop for YEARS. Anyway, when Gary started the car again - it made a horrible whining noise. So we went over to the truck service area (This is Iowa's biggest truck stop)......but they, of course, only worked on trucks. But they wrote down a phone number and directed us one mile away. We drove in - the owner came out - took a listen and a look -- and said "we'll be with you in a minute". And so once again we were blessed in our breakdown!!!!

We had our Thanksgiving dinner on Friday evening in Holly and Dennis' totally remodeled barn. My mom said it was perfect......lots of room...good lighting....warm furnace.....and no steps for her in the wheelchair. Mom really looked good and enjoyed herself.

On Sunday morning we gave an update to our Overisel Reformed church family and then at about 12:00 noon we headed back for South Dakota.....and had a good trip --- no delays!!!

However,..........and here is the prayer request. On Monday evening my sister Linda called to say that they had taken my mom to the hospital. I don't remember if I put anything on this "blog" about my mom's one leg and the "wounds" she has (sores that came from excess water and then splits in her skin as the water leached out)......but I think I did. Anyway - now it is her other leg ---- red and sore to the touch. The doctors are hopeful that they got to it in time and that antibiotics will protect her from getting the open sores like she still has on the other leg.

So if you could lift up my mother in prayer --- we would appreciate it!!

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On another note....... We have had a long and good conversation with Rick in Thailand....the floods are receding and he has moved from the little island - back to the University (he is not in his apartment yet).....but staying on campus. He said he couldn't work any longer without internet. He has really appreciated the "extended vacation" (school was delayed due to the flooding) because he has had more time to prepare for his classes which will begin (I think) on December 19 or there about.

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Oh YEAH!!!!! We came back with the good ole' usual Michigan cold - so we are both sniffling and blowing and vicking and all that disgusting stuff. Wish we could figure that one out!!!! It's a never fail thing.........

Take care and more later.............
Gary and Barb

Prayer Request

If you haven't heard -- most of Thailand is suffering from severe flooding. It has finally reached the Bangkok area. Rick is in a small town just outside of Bangkok. We had been hearing from him on a regular basis -- telling us about his flood "adventures". But the last time we heard --- his water was dirty looking and he had some diarreha (sp??) problems.....and then we didn't hear from him again. There was some concern on my part. But today we got an email from him -- he has moved to a place where student monks live. Everything around them is waist deep with water -- but they are on "sort of an island". He arrived there by boat. It's good to hear that he is being taken care of......an answer to our prayers. So if you would --- keep our son Rick in your prayers - he is on the exact opposite side of the world from us here. If you didn't know ----- he is teaching at the Mahidol University - Comparative Religions and more.

Thanks!!!! Barb and Gary

Wrong video ---- so will try again.

When I put all the photos in the blog --- I thought I had the video I wanted to Toby.....but it was the wrong one. So enjoy this one.

Barb

Some photos

I promised a few photos so here they are.....not in any kind of order -- just as I thought of them... :)

This was taken during Toby's first REAL hunt with strangers. Three days worth and he did just fantastic!!!












This is the bantie chicken house --- right next to Toby's dog house. Yes it is a house inside of a house. But when the wind howls --- we wanted our doggie to be nice and warm. We really wonder how the chickens will do come 20 below!!!






The south side of our Grandpa's house took a beating from the hail storms. Gary would work for a short time in the mornings while it was cool. It didn't take long and the job was done. Now is that a good looking scaffolding or what?!?!?











These are some happy hunters. Ken and Ross Nagelkirk and Keith and Lee Lubbers. They stayed with us for about 5 days....and a fun time was had by all...including us.










These chickens (banties) were a gift from some friendly hunters who come all the way from Alabama --- they come and hunt with our neighbor Dan Tinant. We have gotten 4 eggs from them already so we think they have accepted their new home.....which they share (the building) with Toby.








During the roofing of church --- I think you heard --- we had a rain storm on the bare boards.....
These panels were rusted through before the rain and now with the new paint coming Gary searched the internet for quite some time.....and was successful. He found a perfect match.....and with the help from me and Dan Tinant - they are installed.



This is the home of our chickens --- meat chickens. The cats have totally lost interest in them --- just a bunch of big ugly birds that smell rather bad....... We are down to 5 now -- butchered 5 yesterday and have them in the freezer. We both love a good chicken dinner - so we are looking forward to it.






Below is a video of Toby retrieving a bird. Gary was a ways away (you can hear him telling Dan to get the bird from Toby).......


Well I think that about does it for now. Hope you enjoy them. We had about an inch of snow this morning -- but right now it has mostly disappeared and is a beautiful sunny afternoon.
Take Care!!!
Gary and Barb