"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho ... it's off to Damascus we go!


A year ago the January excitement was snow, but not this year!



My house in January 2008 when we actually got snow!

So, Lord willing, tomorrow morning I will leave my familiar world and fly far from home. Yep, me ... the one who has never been west of Tennessee. I will face my fears and chase a huge lion called LEAVING HOME!!! I love home! My family all lives nearby. (Yes, I'm one of those types.) But I really love my Arab friends, too. And I believe God wants us to go to Damascus even if it's just to be an encouragement to someone there.

So we will board the plane and head to Chicago. Then it's off to Istanbul where we have a 12-hour layover before leaving that city at 11:30 PM Thursday and arriving at Damascus at 1:25 on Friday morning. Please pray for our safety and that we will show love and kindness to everyone we meet. And for me, that includes Andrew. I can be irritable sometimes. I know it's hard for you to believe, but trust me on this one. ;-)

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. You all have been a blessing from the Lord!



I wanted to add a praise to the Lord for taking care of Michael on Sunday afternoon. He was hitting the glass door when it shattered and cut the heel of his hand and his wrist pretty badly. He was bleeding a lot, and his blood pressure got pretty low. I just want to thank God for sparing my precious little nephew's life. I really love Michael so much and look forward to seeing him grow up to serve the Lord. Cute tidbit: he sang "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord" for the physician's assistant and her helper as they stitched him. (We suggested this so he'd stay awake which is what they wanted from him.) That's his favorite song. Here is a picture of him singing it when we were visiting my grandparents back in November 2008.




I'll try to check in from Damascus, but if I don't, hopefully, I'll "see" y'all in a couple of weeks!


4 comments:

Niki said...

Ooh, a 12-hour layover in Istanbul. Do you think y'all will see a little of that city while you're there?

I know you're probably already gone and won't get to this right away.

Paula said...

Lord,

Please send your mighty warrior angels to place a hedge of protection around Susanne and Andrew and may they guard their every step. Equip them and give them the words and actions to do what they have set out to do. May they be a testimony to your love and grace. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

((hugs)) I will be thinking of you while you're away. Keep us updated as much as possible.

Your Sister in Christ,
Paula

P said...

Damascus? That sounds like an awesome trip! Tell us about it when you get back!

Bridget said...

I am so excited for you!!! I can't wait to hear about it.