home sweet home

I am finally home after being away since November, though only for a short
time. My staff said I have more gray hair!

Well, it has been a while since I've updated you on my dad's progress and my
meanderings across the country. First my dad. He continues to defy the
doctors expectations...he has been officially off the ventilator for two
weeks and just spent the last two days breathing through his nose, with some
oxygen. The main problem is the secretions from the inflammation in his
lungs but each day we are seeing progress. They are looking toward
releasing him within the month of February to begin major rehab. He has
lost most of his muscle mass, so he will need to learn to walk etc...the
most important part of his recovery will be his ability to begin eating
again. Unfortunately, the original reason for landing him in the hospital
has still not been resolved...gall stones lodged in the bile duct that
became infected. There are many obstacles yet to be faced, but God has been
with us each step of the way. Truly life is precious and very brief.

I also just returned from Michigan where my wife and I were treated royally
by the gracious leaders of the Mid-Winter Home Educator's Conference. This
conference must have been bathed in prayer for months in advance because it
was like experiencing a revival. God is so good...so many lives where
restored and redeemed. It is now off to Florida this Friday for a two day
conference in Fort Myers and then back to care for my dad, giving my wife
and mom a much needed break. Staying in the hospital is so draining,
especially in the midst of so many emergent care issues that surface, too
numerous to count. I am just thankful that the Lord is allowing me to
maintain my speaking schedule as my dad continues to progress. Please
continue to pray for Him and the Lord's perfect will.

Oh, before I forget, I may be meeting with two potential supporters while in
Florida; one whom supports approximately 200 missionaries around the world.
I would love to see Lamplighter books in each of their homes. The other who
is interested in seeing us develop our dramatic audio for radio. Many
possibilities...with God, nothing is impossible!
Grace to you all,
Mark