In fits and starts...
This last week I was looking up an idiom for the kids' school. The idiom was "in fits and starts." The meaning of this phrase is "something happening by starting then abruptly stopping only to start again but without any real progress." THAT is how this newsletter update has been for MONTHS.
Oh there has been plenty going on...lots of work and loads of progress with Bykota House. However, the trouble was "updating" everyone on the work and progress had to go through my fingers onto a keyboard to type it all up. And these are the fingers of a woman who is a mess.
Hmmm...not what I expected to write. But I think I will go with honesty and complete transparency in this newsletter because after all, we are blessed that our partners and supporters are also our family and friends. I don't think you will judge me poorly by admitting that I am a mess.
Family
Since returning from the States where we buried our son, all of us have been trying to find our new normal. I believe that I am speaking for the entire family when I say that none of us have been successful. The grief that we are walking through with Steven's loss is with us every moment of every hour of every day...and yet, our lives go on and work continues. This is a minute-by-minute struggle on most days.
Also, I have tried before but have found words to be so inadequate. Still I will try again to say THANK YOU, ALL for your loving care of our family as we are walking through this valley. The outpouring of support and love completely took away what little breath we had remaining. It was quite literally the arms of the Father carrying us through one of our greatest trials we have yet to endure.
Bykota House
Since this last summer, we have not had any additions to the Bykota House family but we have had some changes. One of our first Bykota House children, Savorne, has stepped out of Bykota House and into a vocational training program of his choosing. We are excited for him to see the start of his adult path and thankful to watch from a distance as his adult life begins.
We have also had one young child, Timothy, reunited with his Cambodian adoptive family. Previously the family had fallen upon very hard times but they have remained in close contact with Timothy. He is now back at home with his family and enrolled in school as well as attending his local Christian church. Praise the Lord for reunification.
In October we suffered a tragic blow to our Bykota House family when our night guard, Dtha, suffered a heart attack on our courtyard. He was taken directly to medical care but he went peacefully to meet his Lord Jesus two days later. He was more than a night guard. He was also a Cambodian grandfather figure who loved the Lord Jesus Christ and modeled that for the children of Bykota House. He showed them that relationship with Jesus is not the "foreigner's way" but the One Way to reconciliation with the Father. His sandals will not be easily filled.
Coming Soon
We will be sharing soon with pictures and excitement a new addition to the work of IOA/Bykota House. Watch our website and Bykota House Facebook page for the unveiling of "The Greenhouse", a place of love and nurturing, of growth and blossoming, of loving care and attention for a VERY special group of Bykota House Kids.
Future Plans
As most of you realize, 2015 is our family's scheduled time for our next furlough. We are in great need of this time of rest and home assignment. There is much to be done and much to be lifted to the Father.
- We desire and pray that our three youngest, Stephan Judah, Sarah Rose, and Leah, be allowed to accompany us to the States. We are in the final stages of those arrangements now. As most of you know, SJ and Leah have medical issues that require further review and examinations outside of Cambodia because it is not possible here at this time. Please pray for these final approvals for travel for the three youngest Benz children.
- We have a partnering organization that is working on the medical sponsorships for the children's medical care while in the United States. The timing of our home assignment and their ages are very appropriate for their needed care. Please pray for these medical sponsorships and the specialists needed to quickly discern what is needed for their care.
- We are presently making the arrangements for the continuation of duties here in Cambodia while Mark and I leave for furlough. So far the arrangements are all going smoothly. Please pray that these arrangements are God-led and blessed for a smooth transition and smooth sailing while we are gone.
- As with every visit to the United States, housing, transportation, opportunities to share...well, there are a great many pieces to the puzzle. Please agree with us on the perfect timing for our trip and that all our needs will be met all along the way.
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