VBS attendance today – 213!
The Hatchels do not have a phone or internet yet, but Jennie was able to send an email saying the unpacking is going well. Today was unpacking day number two! I’m sure there will be more unpacking, organizing, and decorating days. Pray for the family as they make the adjustments to living in a new home.
Jimmy and Retia Dukes and Family
< God, trouble, and you. >
The video of Dad teaching is uploaded. Thanks, Jenna. She filmed that morning two Sundays ago when Dad taught for the first time since the accident, and she got the video uploaded to my YouTube channel. She had to break it down into five pieces since it was 44 minutes long. You can see all five segments on my blog (click here). The title of Dad’s message – “God, trouble, and you.” Enjoy.
After I updated Caring Bridge yesterday morning, Dad took Jen and the kids and me to the zoo for a few hours. He and Erik bought the year pass when they took Erik’s kids about two weeks ago. It was the same price as the daily admission for Erik, Erin, Dad, and the four kids (since they went to the Aquarium, as well, the next day). The kids loved. I think Dad loved it even more. A change of pace and a chance to be with four of his grandkids.
The kids and Jen headed back to the apartment afterward, and Dad and I went to be with Mom for a while. She was doing well. During therapy yesterday, they stood her up and supported her twice. She stood in that position, supported, for 2 and 1/2 minutes each time. PRETTY AWESOME!!!
T
Dad had another rehab session this morning. It went well. Then, he got a treat. Two guys from First Baptist Marrero took us to Drago’s. Thanks to Emmitt Fox and Ronnie (the pastor) and First Baptist Marrero for how you all have prayed for and supported our family while we have been so close by. Dad was interim pastor there at one time. They sure have loved on our family.
We are about to head back over to see Mom. We are going to bring her some mashed sweet potatoes from Copelands. She has been cleared to eat soft stuff. Please pray she will eat more and more. She needs the strength.
And speaking of strength, please pray for her rehab daily. She is progressing very slowly, but it is progress nonetheless. We are thankful. She is speaking well now with the passy muir valve. It is great to “talk” with her.
Hope you enjoy Dad’s sermon. Hope you get the chance to watch it. Thanks for how you continue to show us God’s love in the midst of all the trouble of the last nine weeks. You have been such blessings to us.
Erik and I both have expressed how tough this has all been. And it has. The hardest thing we have ever walked through. I can’t imagine having walked through it without the encouragement of all of you. We are grateful for you and for the amazing miracle that Mom and Dad are. We see God in the midst of our troubles everyday. And that is so beautiful. His nearness.
Thank You, Lord, for coming near.
-jason
The Prayer Link 