On July 7, we flew out of Kinshasa to Brussels, Belgium. I came on to the states, while Paul took the bullet train to London. He went to visit a good friend who is seriously ill. His second day there, he stood at their mantle looking at a family picture. He turned around and walked into the corner of their glass coffee table causing a deep wound to open up in the shin area of his left leg. It was serious enough that he ended up in the ER twice. The second time, he had minor surgery.

Paul came on home and providentially, on July 15 he had an appointment with his foot/ankle doctor. When the doctor saw the depth of the wound he was alarm. He said it was a limb threatening injury! Thus began twice weekly visits for a month then the last 6 weeks he has seen the doctor weekly. Paul was to stay off of his foot and elevate his legs as much as possible though he does go to church and out to eat. Artificial skin grafts were begun since insurance refused real skin grafts. The wound is healing nicely. After next week, Paul will probably only see the doctor once or twice before we return to Congo.

On July 16, I decided to help Paul out by putting gas in his car. I put the hose in the car but could not get the pump to work so I went to the window to ask for help. As I return to the car, unwisely, I decided to step over the hose. I did, my foot caught, and I went sprawling breaking both my right wrist and left shoulder! Thus I begun a journey of not being able to care for myself. I could not feed myself, nor brush my teeth nor could I do many other things that require 2 hands and 2 arms. I was in the hospital for 4 days then in a rehab center for 2 1/2 weeks. After 3 weeks, I saw my Ortho doctor, he replaced my above elbow cast with a wrist/arm brace, allowing me to be able to feed myself and brush my teeth. I have learned to be thankful for the small tasks I can do.

Paul has stepped up to the plate and has been most helpful. I have home health 
care and PT and OT. Our church friends have provided meals and sent restaurant gift cards plus many other cards for which we are most thankful.  

​The recovery time for me is not known at this time. I had left lessons and schedules for the Children’s Ministry through the first week of Jan. and as of two weeks ago the four teachers begun the classes. It is reassuring to know that this ministry is continuing in my absence. Paul’s water well drilling team has drilled five or so successful wells during his absence. Currently, we are waiting on new well supplies to be shipped from South Africa. 

We appreciate those of you who give financially that enable the ministry to continue. Many of our donors are senior citizens. We have lost several this past year due to them being promoted to Glory. We would appreciate it if some of 
you would consider becoming a monthly, quarterly or annual donor. We appreciate one time gifts as well. We appreciate your prayers as well.