Weeks ago when I took Lauren and Whitney back to Indiana, the question on their hearts was what about September 26th. Are you going to come here so we can be together? Are we going to come back to Tulsa? Are you coming the next weekend to celebrate BJ's birthday?

Those questions weighed heavy on each of us. They were questions we needed to answer, but had no idea how. Deanna is in a new job, for that matter, so am I. How could we take off of work to go to Indiana? It would have to be a quick tiring trip. Yeah, but it would be worth it!

We agreed to pray about it, and see what we could work out.

The thought of being separated on these dates was a very difficult one. Just as we have little clue what to do on these days, we had less clue how to do it apart. How cruel it would be to have to be alone on this first anniversary.

Family and friends began to ask this same question. It was ever on each of our minds. It loomed over us like the approaching squawl (sp?) line of a fierce thunderstorm.

Perhaps we are poor planners because we did not immediately decide. Perhaps we should have made our plans long before I took the girls back to college. When it comes to spending the money it would take, it was clear that it was necessary, but the question was, could we really afford to make that happen at that time? There were so many things to take into consideration.

As we contemplated and prayed, it should come as no surprise that the Lord was making provision in such a unique and unbelievable way. I confess though, that I was not prepared for how His provision would come.

College students are notoriously poor. It is that way for obvious reasons. They need every penny to cover the investment for their future. Their money (or that of their parents) needs to cover the outlandish fees for books, class time, lodging and food. Having extra for "fun" is a luxury. It is true of my daughters and it is true of most students in school.

A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from one of my "adopted" daughters. Her name is Kim. She was a suite-mate of Lauren's last year. She was with us in the hospital on September 26th, 2005, along with Abby and Megan (Lauren's other roommates). They were there to bring prayer cover, comfort and tears at 3:00 AM that morning. I will never forget them for this kindness!

Kim, who graduated from IWU and has begun working there, had a question. She wanted to know if we would allow Lauren's friends and acquaintances to contribute a little money each to fly not just Lauren, but both Lauren and Whitney to Tulsa. We were overwhelmed!

I did not believe they would have enough for both, so I quickly told her we would make up whatever difference there was, no matter what it was.

I did not hear from her for quite some time.

When I finally heard back, I once again struggled to believe what had occurred. Kim matter-of-factly indicated that people believed so much in this "investment" that they had had no trouble raising the necessary funds to cover both tickets.

How could this be? They don't even know Whitney!

I Praise my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for His amazing blessings. Time after time he has bestowed upon us that which we do not deserve!

Kim, IWU staff, students and friends, thank you so very much for how you have reached out and touched our hearts. We are so humbled but thankful for how you have blessed us! I just cannot offer enough praise and thanks for such incredible hearts that would give from your poverty, that we might have this time together.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dad


I must update you on another daughter named Lauren. I shared her testimony with you earlier this week. She called me last night to report more exciting news. She wanted me to know that she had gone forward at her student service out of obedience to the Lord...she is getting baptized! She met Joel and Jen, student pastor and wife, from FBC Snellville, and she feels drawn to the Lord in this obedient step. This girl gets it! She is preparing her testimony as she will be sharing it with those students (and I have a suspicion, anyone who will listen) soon. Please continue to pray for her as she seeks the Lord with all of her heart. The enemy will not be pleased and will fight against her. WE MUST cover her with prayer! Her testimony will bring many to Christ!