It was a long drive to California, but we made it in one piece! With one three hour exception, I did all the driving. Not sure why, as I’m not a big fan of being behind the wheel. We arrived at my grandpa’s cabin ahead of schedule. The area is breath-taking. There were a couple of things that I hadn’t accounted for, however…

I packed with a Southern California trip in mind. I neglected to add in the 8,000+ feet of elevation that have a slight cooling effect on temperature. It’s a wee bit chilly! The other thing I neglected to consider was the availability of cellular coverage and wireless up on the mountain. I have discovered that there is none at all. I’m taking this as a good thing. I brought some Hebrew to drill as well as some reading for my thesis. I’ll be making the most of the situation. That said, if any of you are needing to contact me, you will be unable to do so. I encourage you to contact Lisa, and she can get word to me via my grandfather’s land line.

The image attached to this posting is what I discovered awaiting me once my phone was able to acquire a data signal. When I drove up the mountain yesterday, I had nothing there to read or respond to – now…Wow. Y’all must really love me! I have a limited amount of time down here as I need to get back up to grandpa, but I will respond to as many messages as possible. Thanks for your understanding!

Concerning Grandpa – I would appreciate your prayers. He is not doing well. He hasn’t eaten in nearly a week and is drinking very little. We are encouraging him to eat, but he is being stubborn at this point. He is spending most of his time sleeping. When he is awake he is alert and lucid, but desires to return to sleep right away.

Concerning finances – A bit of trouble. This trip is costing us two weeks of lost income. I just discovered that due to poor communication, our account has hit the negative. Thanks to the joy of bank fees, an additional $125 of money was lost. Please pray for provision and opportunity during this time! I wasn’t expecting that to happen as we were in decent shape when I left, but I hadn’t communicated our financial state to Lisa and she assumed some funds were available for groceries and other necessities. FYI, I hate money. I hate the love for it that corrupts, and I hate the lack of it that inhibits. Lisa and I have been debt free for nearly four nears now, and that has been marvelous. It’s things like this that make me seriously question my commitment to finishing this program and just find a “real job” as the four jobs I’m juggling right now obviously don’t cut it. But I don’t think it would be God honoring for me to flush the 100 hours of grad school I’ve already completed down the toilet. God didn’t call us here for me to return to Human Resources…

Thanks for your prayers – for my grandpa, for my family, and for my attitude and calling.

God is faithful – even when it appears He’s not! (The problem is with my perception, not His character)

I turned in my last final exam yesterday afternoon. Another semester is now in the books! Probably the toughest one thus far in some respects, but crazy good at the same time. This morning I have been watching people head out to their cars with their graduation gowns and hoods… Someday…

The trip to California to care for and spend time with my grandfather has come together. It’s amazing, really. There were two “sure things” to get me to California by air. But for one reason or another, they fell through! I was discouraged at first. But then I heard from my father. We haven’t had much contact lately, and now we will be spending extended periods of time together in the car as we drive to California! I’m looking forward to the conversation and the time in the car.

I was expecting dad a few hours ago, but I imagine he got tired and grabbed a hotel. I hope to see him soon – then the journey will be under way!

I appreciate your continued prayers as I head out to see my grandfather. I’ll do my best to keep you posted from the road.

One other fun note – If you’ll notice to the right, there is now a Google voice button on the website. If you click on that button and follow the instructions, it will connect you to me. Not sure if I like being that reachable, but we’ll give it a shot.

Quick update and prayer requests.

My grandfather on my father’s side has had a series of recent health problems. From an email I received today, it sounds as though he is in rapid decline. Although my aunt is there at the moment to help care for him, she is unable to do so and desperately needs help.

I will be taking my last final tomorrow. I am making arrangements to fly out to California to help my aunt and to be with grandpa while I still can.

Please pray – specifically for the following:

• That I will be able to fly to CA and back. (Anyone have frequent flier miles they are willing to offer?)
• That I will be able to serve my family and be a blessing during this difficult time.
• That grandpa will have lucid moments so that I can have meaningful conversation with him, show him pictures of his great-grandkids, etc.
• That needs will be met! In order to do this, I will be taking time off from work both at church and on campus. Through God’s grace we have enough money to pay rent for May, but we have a handful of bills as well as a summer tuition payment that needs to be made ASAP. My time away from work will hurt. God is faithful, and I believe my priorities are straight.

Thank you for your prayers, and I’ll keep you all updated!