Sunday to Sunday

Last Sunday, John and I sensed a wonderful victory in our spirits.  We rejoiced greatly throughout the day, lingering into Monday. Tuesday, doubts and fears assailed us from every side. We were miserable part of the day until we took authority in prayer.  Wednesday, the Word encouraged us from different angles and we lifted our heads and hearts in praise.  The rest of the week, we continued to prepare for our journey and to trust fully in the Lord.  This Sunday, we receive a phone call that gave us two answers to prayer.  1) A young American man had rented a 4 bedroom house in the village nearby the base and now he is moving out.  He had already rented a room to the national dentist and her husband that work on the missions base and the other rooms to two students that stay 2-3 nights out of the week.  So, we have a house available that already has other renters to help pay rent!   Because the renters are nationals, they will help us learn the language and understand the way of life quicker.  2) A Kansas farmer wishes to ride down with us.  In talking to him, he insisted on paying the fuel cost going down as his church has been setting aside an amount for his going.  Wow!  That is a huge blessing...we don't have to haul a trailer and because of our nice large vehicle, we can take a traveler and his gear too!  To God be the glory.  What next?  Keep watching and reading!

Tuperware to go!

Joyce's mother/sister-in-law had a benefit tuperware party for her.  Before we went to India, Joyce had sold virtually all her tuperware and it had been her most heartfelt loss.  Eula wanted to bless her with a bunch of new tuperware and especially some to put in the new trailer going to Mexico. This lightweight product will carry easy and keep out the many bugs and moisture of the beach area we will live in.  Friends and family came to the party and those who couldn't come sent in monies with gracious notes to help purchase the list of needs.  That list was met and more besides.  She is truly benefited and blessed...both by the tuperware she loves and by the family and friends that show their love to her.  Thank you everyone!

Clouse Christmas dinner in January

Christmas isn't over till the Clouses get together.  We had a great gathering of family from near and far with additional relatives and friends present to help us enjoy a great time.  It was really interesting to see the large group of young people present, many who had brought girlfriends with them.  Hm!  Many of our young people are male.  That made for a really big group of us.  There was tons of good food, photo shootings, friendly banter, fellowship, and exchange of nonsensical gifts.  We met in the local senior citizen building so when it was almost 10pm, there was a quick shuffle of everyone present to get everything cleaned up-FAST.  What a blessing to have a loving, godly, family that works together, prays together, stays together.