Deanna with some of the children of Huancabamba, Peru


Our lives have been a bit of a whirlwind since our return to the states. Deanna's father passed away on August 4th. We made a trip to Kentucky for services and time with family. We had not all been together with her family in way to long. It was a great time of fellowship and catching up.

That may sound a bit insensitive. It really isn't meant to be. Her father was a minister throughout his adult life. 15 years ago, he crashed into a concrete abutment while making hospital visits. He had fallen asleep behind the wheel.

The family lost him that day. He has been present physically since, but the brain damage that occurred that day, claimed his ability to communicate and function. He has been bed ridden for the last 5 or more years, and Deanna's mom has been formidable in her care of him.

Both of their prayers had been that he would pass in his sleep. While the timing was not of their choosing, the Lord did call him home somewhere between midnight Friday, and 7 am Saturday.

This brought to a close, the difficult grieving over a 15 year journey. It brought a raw, sharp conclusion to any idea that the Lord may miraculously heal him, this side of heaven.

However, family and friends were afforded the privilege of celebrating His 81 years of serving and following Jesus.

He had full military honors at his burial. I found that incredibly moving. It stirred a place and a tenderness in me that I had not visited before. It was incredible.

Our time with family was such and encouragement to Deanna's mom.

For the last 15 years, her life has been about her husbands care. Though she was not ready for him to go home, she needs the rest. She looks forward to being able to serve the Lord through the local body, and she will surely encourage and inspire others through her amazing baking talents, and her heart for Jesus.

I am very blessed to have married into this family. Though the storms of life have brought about hardship along the way, they continue to seek and to serve Him.



Deanna began her new school year, yesterday.

That became bittersweet seven years ago. The first day back elicits many difficult memories.

Sometimes I am not as sensitive to this anniversary as I need to be.

Deanna is an amazing music teacher, and blesses the lives of young elementary students with her love for Jesus and for them. She loves collecting their unsolicited hugs. She won't have students until Thursday. When they return, a fresh sense of purpose will wash over her.

We each need that from time to time. He provides the same, when we are seeking Him.

I have missed being here...

brent