Early One Morning

Hi all,

I spent over an hour 2 different days on Verizon’s toll free # at the hotel phone and FINALLY I have email–I think.

Rex, it was great to talk to you even tho I know you are so busy and must be very tired. How I thank God for your prayers and for others who are praying.

Jonathan it was great talking to you- even briefly–what timing, huh! Thank the Lord. (To the rest of you, J. just stepped out of a meeting the exact moment I called).

Sherilyn, Allan, Brittian and Jessie, please check your home phone answering machines-I left you and the boys a message. Sorry I didn’t get to talk to you. I bought a Jordanian global phone card for about $10 and I still have a few minutes left. I think.

Brittian the reception from your phone was not good on my end so I hope it was much better on yours. If not, just want you to know I’m thinking of you and am doing TERRIFIC–don’t know when I’ve felt better.

I’m on the 3rd floor of the hotel with no elevator so am getting good exercise. There’s no air conditioning either so I leave the patio door open to keep from roasting. I do have a portable fan for which I’m very thankful.

We’ve been able to eat some of their food and their lamb is incredibly delicious. It doesn’t taste anything like the lamb we get in the U.S. Our (Egyptian) team member told us it’s not only the way they prepare it, it’s what they feed the sheep.

It is sooooo dry here that dust covers everything-even in the room.

I don’t think I’ve seen any grass, it’s all rocky soil and more often than not, mostly rock.

The people are wonderful. They are full of amazement that we came and so very thankful.

It was fascinating today riding the church bus from the retreat center back to the hotel, seeing huge multi-million dollar, marble stone homes on the hillside then in the valley below, a very long tent with a shepherd outside, in his turban and flowing robes, watching over his flock of sheep.

On the way to the retreat we saw another shepherd walking with his staff, leading a large flock of sheep.

Every moment here is fantastic but it WILL be super to get back home.

I love each of you SO much and thank the Lord for blessing my life with you. I’m praying that God keeps you in His wonderful care.

Mom/LaWanda