As many of you know, on March 31st, Bill found out that an eye problem he had was actually a detached retina. After a couple of consultations, prayer and counsel, we decided that the best course of action was for him to fly back down to Florida to have the reattachment surgery. Bill is not a Canadian nor a permanent resident of Canada and didn't qualify for OHIP (Ontario's health care) like the kids and I do. Knowing there is a great eye care facility near our home town in Florida, as well as being offered a place to recuperate (dear friends from church) helped make the decision easier
The part of that decision that was most difficult, was knowing that our family would be apart for about 3 months. I know many families who have been separated before, including Bill's brother in the army, who served for a year in South Korea, leaving behind a wife and 2 daughters. But we had not had to do it, and it seemed like a daunting prospect. But again, with counsel from trusted people as well as prayer, we decided that I (Debby) would stay in Canada while the kids finished out the school year, and Bill would go to Florida for surgery and after-care.
Shortly after he left, the rest of us were faced with many challenges without him. The week after he left we all started to get the flu, with me getting a lung infection, and Eli fluid in the ears. No throwing up though, for which I was SUPER grateful. Many told us they were praying for us, and different people brought us meals and goodies. What love we felt from our NTM (New Tribes Mission) community.
The other thing that was at times hard was the seemingly never-ending winter. For this Floridian family, it was a bit much to take at times.
But during all this, our family felt God's presence in a very real way. As we gathered daily for our family prayer time, we were strengthened by the Holy Spirit. We enjoyed the comfort He provided through His word, and grew closer as a family, despite being separated from Bill. Our faith has grown, and because of that, how can we not be thankful for the times of hardship? It means God is continuing to work on us, molding us into the image of His Son, Jesus.
