Last year marked sad and happy changes in our lives. I cried with Laura over the phone when she discovered her baby – my first grandchild – would be born with a cleft palate. With research and a CP team, they were ready and worked daily, preparing James mouth for surgery. His flawed lip and bright eyes still offered a beautiful smile. After surgery, his new smile brightened his face even more. Medical technology is amazing. The surgeon did a fantastic job.
 
Last year we had to put our nine-year-old bulldog to sleep. It was hard. You get so attached. I just knew he read my mind.
 
God miraculously blessed the building of our new church with labor and material donations. Then the Lord sent a buyer for our old building. He waited until heat and air and bathrooms were installed. We are scheduled to close out in January. We can worship there until it is finished.
 
A dear family at church – my Sunday school teacher – moved back to Joplin where their relatives live. We miss you Blaine and Janice. The Lord sent us the Binkleys. They are a blessing.
 
Penny and Don got to visit us before returning overseas.