From Cuernavaca to Cambridge, via Austin TX and Chicago

We left Mexico City on January 17^th and made our way to Canada via a previously arranged visit with Krista and Sarah in Austin Texas. Sarah was there with the African Children’s Choir and Krista was on the beginning leg of her journey to Australia for 6 months with her husband, Jonathan. After a couple of great days with our girls, we flew to Chicago where Daniel and Grace were keeping our Jeep. It was so good to reconnect with them and to spend two nights in their home with Bunch, their little Westie.  

From Chicago we drove to Windsor where I preached at Heritage Park Alliance Church.  I preached a message on the Bumpy Roads of Life where I shared a little of my experience three years ago with burnout and depression. It was so cool that throughout the weekend we met people who were looking for someone with whom they could share their struggle with depression, someone who could understand. Permission was granted for people to come forward and unveil their fears and struggles. It was a very powerful weekend. Kim and I were invited to a New To HPAC luncheon after the 11 am service.  A couple was standing around the perimeter of the café after the service and we invited them to join us at an empty table. After lunch and pleasant conversation, the woman said that it was her husband’s first time out to HPAC and that he was going through what I had experienced. He opened up and we could share hope and mutual things with them.  The following night they both attended a Love and Respect marriage evening at the church. The man was 48 when his burnout experience happened. I was 48 as well.  I think that is pretty common.  Love to hear from anyone about their experience moving into midlife and running out of energy. 

We had a great weekend with Garth and Patty Leno, the senior pastor and his wife at HPAC.  We felt a real connection with the body there in Windsor. Thanks to Garth , Patty and so many for making us feel so welcome.  HPAC has just had its property purchased by the Ontario  Government and is planning a move to a brand new state of the art facility.  The plans look awesome! 

Last Sunday we visited West Highland Baptist Church in Hamilton. I did an interim ministry there , finishing 15 months ago.  It was so good to get back. John Mahaffey, their senior pastor, preached a powerful message.  The music was awesome and we were greatly enriched to have worshipped with our friends at WHBC.  Sunday night John called and asked me to preach there this Sunday and so, with Great Joy, we will be back at WHBC this Sunday. The following weekend I am speaking at a youth service at the church I grew up in, Temple Baptist, Cambridge.  I will dye my hair and try to be cool for my nieces and nephew.  Again, a great honor.  The following weekend we hope to be in Chatham and then back to HPAC for more fellowship. 

Mom Lidstone is coming along well in hospital, exceeding expectations for her recovery. She is doing rehab at the moment with the fracture and wounds healing well. We anticipate she will be discharged from the hospital on the 19^th of February.  We are moving her bedroom things into the dining room and she will have nursing assistance for a while.  We are praying for a good long term care room for Dad.  Right now I am his roommate and personal valet. He is so good, so easy to be with,  and I consider it a tremendous honor to get him prepared for each day and put to bed each night. He loves Peter Sellers and so we have been howling together watching old Pink Panther movies and “The Party”.  Two mornings ago, I was sleeping in the bed next to his with the covers over my head.  Dad was awake and didn’t know what time it was and wondered who was sleeping in the bed next to his. So, I felt someone giving me gentle nudges and when I pulled the covers down, there was Dad looking at me, eager to get going for the day.  How can you be mad?  “Dad, it is early”   “OK Son, I just didn’t know who was sleeping in the bed. I’m going back to bed!”  We laugh a lot and have great moments of sharing. While he is so easy to care for, his needs are becoming more “hands on” and it has come to the point where Mom cannot do that.  She will have all she can do to care for herself now. Your prayers are appreciated in finding the best care for Dad. We love him so much!  He has handled Alzheimer’s with incredible grace.  Thank God that Dad continues to be very happy and to be his old self. If there is any mercy in this disease, we are grateful that he has not become hostile or violent. 

Kim and I are hoping to return to Mexico for a couple of months in March. Our goal is as much fluency as is possible.  We had the joy of meeting Spanish speakers in Windsor all weekend.  They are so thrilled that we are learning Spanish and will continue ministering in Mexico.  Some want us to call on relatives on our next trip. 

We are blown away by the provision of God for us. Thank you to all who pray and all who give and partner with us.  We are without adequate language to say, “thank you”. 

All for now.