Yesterday one of Eric’s teammates Kent spent the day up in Kessenuma – and one of their visits was a church with a kindergarten ministry.  They had shared that tomorrow (Saturday) they will be going ahead with the graduation that had been planned, but wished that they could give every family a meaningful gift (meaningful being defined by the times) – a personal hygiene kit that had been supplied by Samaritan’s Purse (four toothbrushes, tissue packs – that kind of thing).

Kessenuma is one of the towns that was largely wiped out by the tsunami.  Today Eric and Kent and another friend Roger drove back up the coast – about 2 1/2 hours – and took more supplies to that church.  Eric counted out 90 (the number requested), and then threw in another box just in case.  The pastor was so thrilled – and said he realized they actually need 94. Phew.  Eric said they spent a long time just talking with the pastor and listening to his heart.  There are still four church members there who are missing.   They also took up a bunch of boots, as tomorrow some of the members want to begin the painstaking task of digging through the rubble to search for their belongings….

Hygiene kits and unattractive high boots aren’t the kinds of gifts that would have brought a cheer a few weeks ago.  But now they are just the thing that bring smiles and thanks.

CNN came through with breaking news today- there are now over 10,000 confirmed dead;  and 17,000 still missing.  This will take the death toll up close to 30,000.  Each one of those a precious life that no longer is – it breaks my heart.

Tomorrow is our daughter Annie’s annual dance recital.  We are all very sad that Eric can’t be there to cheer and be a proud father, but we thankful that he is able to serve at this time.  And thankful that Auntie Hannah will be with us to serve and to cheer.  (Pray for her – she has a sore throat and is achey tonight!).

My sister Beth sent us Psalm 93 tonight:

¹ The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
² Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.

³ The seas have lifted up, LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
⁴ Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.

⁵ Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.