Hello, Friends and loved ones, thanks for stopping by our little corner of the web. Again, we REALLY appreciate your prayers and are thankful for your friendship.

This past Friday was the beginning of the conference here at the church that we have belonged to for the last 15 years. Except for a few illnesses, the conference was great. Let me start off by saying that on Thursday, Alan woke up and whispered to me, "I am losing my voice; I can hardly talk!" Jokingly, I said, "OOOHH, it's going to be a great day!!!" Then he reminded me: "I have to preach this weekend." And reality set in. (There's no way he can preach like this!) Since Thursday, he has had a serious sore throat. He drank tea, took Motrin continuously, etc. But still, his throat became more and more painful. On Saturday evening, Mrs. Eagles became very ill, and just couldn't keep anything down. Then on Sunday morning, Austin came down with it. About an hour later, Emily decided to join them all. There was another family in the church whose 2 children also had the same thing on Sunday. Thankfully, for Em and Austin, so far, it looks like it has taken its course, and they are on the mend. We keep praying for Alan, Mrs. Eagles, and the other 2 children. I was able to get Alan in to see a dr. today. I thought he maybe had strep throat. This clinic is neat because it is an after hours clinic where 15-20 doctors including our family dr. participate in taking turns covering each other after regular office hours and on the weekend. So, it is possible to see our own dr. at some point. So I called the clinic at 5:45, and she said tell him to come right in. So he was in and out within 10 minutes. Apparently there is a really nasty virus going around that includes either a cough, fever, and sore throat, or that same virus will affect people with nausea and vomiting. This dr. said that Alan's virus somehow "stuck" in his throat and caused his tonsils and the back of his tongue to swell. (I am sure preaching 4 messages did nothing to help his condition) So as far as the soreness of the throat went, that couldn't be helped, but he did prescribe him a one-dose steroid that would bring the swelling down. Alan took it at the drugstore per the pharmacist and waited around for about 15 minutes to see if there would be any reaction. Since there wasn't any, he left. After about 30 minutes, he really noticed a difference. On Friday and Saturday, Bethany was complaining of her right side hurting. After checking with Alan, he confirmed that it was in the exact area where her appendix is. (His appendix burst when he was 10, so I figure he knows what he is talking about). However, other than some pain in that area when she coughs or laughs, she has no more symptoms. So I am keeping a really close eye on her. Brendin has a sinus infection (I think) and is feeling miserable, and I am fighting a cold (I hope it is just a cold!). Do you think that maybe Satan didn't want this conference to happen??

I say all that to say this: Despite everything that went on behind the scenes, the LORD is good! The conference went well, and while attendance was down on Friday night, it picked up on Saturday and Sunday. The LORD touched lives and worked on hearts. The altar was used at every service, and at one service, it was FULL!! Besides us, the Nick and Susan Ruby family (missionaries to El Salvador) was there. We have enjoyed being in 3 conferences with them. They have always been a blessing to us, and we appreciate their ministry. The conference started off with a late lunch with the Eagles, Rubys, Jimenez (assistant pastor) family, and us. It was delicious! They grilled chicken breast, had salad, and rice. For dessert, there was mixed berries with whipped cream. Then on Saturday night, after the service, we celebrated Brendin's birthday with the teens and the Rubys. On Sunday, we were supposed to have lunch with the Eagles family, but because most everyone was feeling rotten, Pastor Eagles ordered Wendy's for everyone, and we went our separate ways. At 2:00, there is a Spanish service that takes place at the church, and there were 38 people present!! What a blessing! We were so thrilled for Pastor Garcia and his family!

Please pray for Kitchener Baptist Church's Missions Conference beginning this Thursday. We are really excited to be in their conference. We know Pastor Clayton and his family personally and they have a GREAT heart for missions. Prayerfully, everyone will be better; but if not, we have already learned that the LORD will have HIS way!!

Have a wonderful day,

Psalm 113:1,2

Love,

Ida