I am thankful for Timothy (here with Capitan in the park down the street from our house in Trujillo).
A little over a year ago, he and Toby joined me on a trip to northern Peru for the installation of a good friend as Pastor of a small rural church. Somewhere along the way, he came down with a serious stomach infection. The 7-hour bus trip home included a very worried dad, and a little guy with a growing fever, in a whole lot of pain. That night, after reaching home in Trujillo, he and Melissa spent the night in the bathroom, and by the next afternoon, we decided to take him to the hospital, where he was admitted with severe dehydration from 24 hours of diarrhea.
The next 30 days were a journey of fear, discouragement, concern, and so many other emotions. As we left the hospital 3 days after checking in, we thought we were out of the woods. It turned out that, for the next few weeks, we would be in and out of the doctor's care, visiting the lab for blood and stool tests often, and spending so many more hours in the bathroom together. He was eventually diagnosed with so many illnesses, a crazy cocktail that devastated his little 6 year old body. And eventually, he got better, with all thanks to God.
Today, I am thankful for Timothy. I am thankful that throughout this journey in Peru, he was a trooper. He traveled often with me, even after that scary health event in Oct 2013. He loved the people we visited, and they loved him. He loved the stewed goat in Vichayal, and hanging out with Otoniel in San Antonio. He liked riding the "combi's" in Lima rather than taking a taxi.
I am thankful for Toby (pictured here on our Trujillo second-story deck)
Toby was a constant source of joy during our journeys in Peru. Of course, his blonde hair and blue eyes were a hit as well! It was common, when walking down the street, for people to reach out and tussle his hair and comment on his eyes. He usually didn't mind.
One of my favorite trips with Toby was early this year. We were invited to the anniversary of the church in Sullana, and in January, that region lives up to its name as the "land of eternal heat"! We spent several days with our friends in that city. We spent several nights in the hot rooms at our friend Neptali's hotel. We went birthday shopping for Pastor Antonio at the local grocery store, where the attendants worked hard to figure out excuses to get close to Toby! But he took it all in stride, and was my constant companion. Today, I am thankful for Toby.
I am thankful for Mikaela (pictured here at her 13th birthday party last year)
Mikaela really grew up in Peru. We ended up driving down to Los Angeles to fly to Peru on her birthday in December 2011. She was so very giving, and continued with that heart through our years there. She began to develop some serious stomach pains shortly after arrival, and continues with some of this even today. Last year we finally determined she was pretty significantly gluten-intolerant, meaning that so many typical Peruvian dishes were off her menu.
Despite these health challenges, Mikaela so often participated, and blessed those around her. She wanted to join Melissa at the Women's Retreat at church in Trujillo earlier this year, and traveled with her for a similar event last year to Sullana in the north. She was at home conversing with older women, and playing with friends as well.
I remember well her joining me on a trip to Lima to find a car in summer 2012. We quickly found we were out of our element, after trekking up and down multiple neighborhoods in search of something we could afford and would meet our needs. We actually never found a car there, but Mikaela was with me the whole time! I was so very thankful that I did not have to face this challenge alone. Today, I am thankful for Mikaela.
And finally, I am thankful for Melissa, my beautiful and patient wife. (pictured here on our getaway to Arequipa last December)
Melissa truly joined me on this journey. There were so many challenges for this mom and wife that had such a different life experience from mine. I grew up on the mission field, but this was new for her. But she adapted so well! Through the challenges of figuring out schooling for the kids, setting up a home in a place like Piura, adjusting to constant requests to do ministry, and seeking balance.
I am thankful for my wife, for the many conversations where she was my support, through the hard times, and the one to celebrate with in the wins. Today, I am thankful for my wife, Melissa.
I am blessed, and once again, thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.
Lowell
Thanksgiving 2014
