Celebrating Life with Thankful Hearts

There are times in our lives when we all have to pause, even as life races by, to thank Jesus for Himself and His gracious love, provision, and protection. This last weekend has been one of those times. Thursday afternoon of last week we were hit by a Rift Valley Railway locomotive. The details are frustrating, confusing, and African but needless to say a large train struck the front driver side of the car and spun us off the tracks and quite some ways. Our list of thankfulness to Jesus continues to grow each time we play back through the scenario. The car deflected off the train instead of something worse. There were no immediate bystanders so we did not strike any Ugandans. Inspite of the steering being locked, the vehicle followed a small pathway across a rather ugly drainage ditch which would have add a whole other set of possibilities if we had fallen in. Almost immediately, there was a couple from Ireland who came running over to help us. They not only verified we were relatively ok but they secured the vehicle, all our valuables, and arranged for us to take their taxi to the International Hospital. Our very close friends, John and Erica Rinehimer met us at the hospital and were like Jesus through the whole experience. Erica stayed to gracious care for us while John went back to work out logistics, a tow truck, and insurance. There are no words for such expressions of love through such friends in circumstances like that. Our entire ER experience including stitches, X-rays, and meds cost about $27; only in Africa. Friday was a challenging day of working out paperwork and jumping through legal hoops but Jesus helped us jump and we got the bulk of that out of the way. Sunday was our four year anniversary and somehow it has a different feel than previous celebrations. We are just so thankful to wake up to each and another day of loving Jesus, each other, and the people Jesus brings into our lives. We thank you so much for your prayers and concern. How grateful we are to Jesus and we pray as you launch into your new year that you sense His Presence in very near ways. Celebrating life in 2007 – Billy & Joanna

(We included a picture from Christmas Eve just so you'd know we are alright)