Why Does Bad News Often Attach Itself to Good News?

I flew to Albany, NY this week to baptize my niece. It is a wonderful opportunity for her as well as for me. She can tell all her friends that she is committing her life to Jesus, regardless of where He may take her; regardless of what it may cost her. For me, it is a privilege just to be asked. It will be a joyful day, filled with hope and the promise of a bright future.

Why, I ask myself must I endure such sad news at the same time? I just learned that my mom most liklely has cancer. We are waiting for the oncologist's confirmation, but the radiologists report was pretty convincing.

My mom was told just yesterday but seems to have some difficulty in processing what she had been told by her family doctor, who interpreted the radiologists report.

I am thankful that God orchestrated the timingto have me be here in Albany when this all came down. I was able to go to the doctor with her when she was told. It made me feel better, but I am unsure what it means to her yet.

Please pray for her.

Thanks.

Trent

"It's the Hardest Thing I Have Ever Had to Do"

Our time at BFA came to a grand conclusion last week when David graduated with honors. Needless to say we are very proud of him, as we are with our other two sons.

After graduation, the senior class took a boat cruise up and down the Rhine River. Then, they bounced between several homes where there were refreshments. After that much of the class just hung out in Kandern, the small city in which BFA is located.

As we had a 7:00 flight the next morning, David was one of the first to leave. As we rode in the car together he uttered these words, "This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do." Basically, David, like many other MK's before him, had to say goodbye to friends that he has known for 12 years. It is NOT easy.

I know that there are many more friendships and relationships out there waiting for him to develop, but that does not mitigate the pain of having to say goodbye to current friends. My heart instantly went out to him. Knowing that there was nothing I could say, I kept silent, praying for his pain to ease.

It is always harder on mom and dad when your children go through hardships of any kind. Well, maybe not harder, but equally as hard. David is not moping or feeling sorry for himself. But he recognized the preciousness of that moment. He will never again see many of those frineds ever again. It was hard.

I wonder...do we recognize the preciousness of our relationships? Just a thought.

Trent

The CRASH of 06

No, I am not referring to an airplane or car crash. Nor am I referring to the stock market crash, though my retirement funds are draining away faster than I can get a stopper in the tub!

I am referring to the great computer crash of June 2006. In the same week, the mission office laptop and my personal laptop both crashed. For different reasons, but painful nonetheless.

I find myself in need of replacing my laptop once again. This one lasted five years, about as much as one can expect, I suppose. Nevertheless, it is time to make hard choices. What do we really NEED verses what do we WANT. Ai-ya. Pray with us to make wise choices in the coming weeks.

Computers! Can't really afford to be without one.

More later.

Trent

Final Weekend in the Balkans

The moment has finally arrived; our last weekend in the Balkans. The Kosovo and Macedonia teams threw us a great send-off bbq. We had a great bitter-sweet time together. Saying goodbye is never easy, regardless of how many times you have to say it. It was a day that I both enjoyed and endured. Not knowing when I will see some of these dear people again is not a pleasant thought. But, I also know that this the right time for us to leave.

Sunday I will deliver my final message at the Skopje Evangelical Church, our partner church's mother church. I have preached many times there and have always received a gracious welcome. It will be hard to leave this adopted church home too. Please pray for good closure.

We head to Germany where our youngest son, David, graduates from the Black Forest Academy on Friday. Then on to Toccoa to spend some time with Sharon's dad and step mom.

Pray for good flights.

More next week.

Trent