Filled with Joy and Peace

Change is never easy, however, it is something that Merrill and I are being called to do. The last six months have brought a rather startling change to our lives. Due to a long standing eye condition, a normally minor problem, has caused a big long term problem.

In December, we pursued a surgical procedure that we thought would give Merrill some relief from eye lashes grazing his cornea much of the time. The procedure has corrected that problem, but an unexpected result was another abrasion to the cornea, which has caused loss of sight with a very slow and unsteady regaining of sight. Due to this nearly blinding situation, we have decided that at this time we will return to the U.S. The doctors have proposed treatment that includes surgical procedures that will restore vision to Merrill. We feel that this is something we must pursue. At the present time, Merrill can read some things on the computer when he has enlarged the font to 200%. Other than that, he listens to audio books and radio on the internet. He has a very good memory, and that helps me to keep up to date on the book work that we need to do here in the library, as well as paying our bills. However, it is very limiting and most days, he doesn't feel comfortable even trying to walk outside the apartment alone.

We will return to the Quad Cities on March 23. We will travel to Cincinnati, OH for an appointment at the Cincinnati Eye Clinic on March 29. At the present time, we plan to rent a house or apartment in the Quad Cities as our house in Donahue will not be available. There is a question of perhaps relocating to Cincinnati since that is where Merrill will be getting treatment on his eyes, but at this time we are uncertain.

The Budapest Christian Library will continue with Beth and Rusty Ridgeway. We ask you to join us in praying for God's work here to be successful through them. There is a shortfall in funding for the library due to us leaving and that would be another prayer concern. We know that God has a plan and He is in control of the situation.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 Though our hearts are heavy at leaving Budapest, we are "filled with joy and peace" because we know that this is God's plan.