Tom- Florida

Hi. I (Tom) just got back from Florida. This is the first time I've been able to see my parents in 3 years, since leaving for Mali. I spent a week helping them move into a new place. They are in a trailer park, and are enjoying the close relations with neighbors. I met so many who Mom & Dad have gotten to know...
Mom is working her evangelism machine... :D
Go mom....

I also had the opportunity to share in their Sunday School class. They were very gracious to allow me to share. And they, like so many of you have been praying for Lisa and were eager for news.

Lisa is recovering well. The after-effects of her surgery are almost passed.
So then the next step will be the activation Dec 17th. So Lisa should have two ears for Christmas. God is so good...

Hilary continues to do well in Dakar. School is going great for her. Studies, too. :D

Ben & Caleb are adjusting well to school here in Haslett. I'm particularly proud of Ben. He's doing a great job...

Thanks for praying for us. It does mean a lot...

Tom & Lisa

Lisa's 2nd Ear surgery

Hi. Lisa had her 2nd cochlear implant surgery Nov 12th. She was operated on in the morning, her surgery being scheduled for 10:30. She was released and they (She and Mom Holsteen) were back home mid afternoon. Lisa seems to have a bit more pain with this one than the last one, but we trust that it will heal like it is supposed to, and all will eventually go well.

Lisa is scheduled for Dec 17th for activation, which means she could have 2 ears for Christmas.
Is that how the song goes? "All I want for Christmas is my own two ears?" Maybe not, but it fits this setting.

As you may know, Lisa has been making a remarkable recovery in hearing. She does very well on a face to face conversation... She was able to watch tv last week without subtitles... and she is able to do some telephone, but not every voice is easy for her to hear.

We really want to thank Valerie for coming all the way back from Florida to help Lisa on her surgery. (We recieved a call last Wed saying can you be ready in a week for surgery. I was already scheduled to come down to Florida to help my parents move. My flight was the same morning as Lisa's surgery. So Val drove up here, and I flew down there... :D)

It has been good hanging with my parents. Its the first time we've been together in 3 years.
So it is nice... I'll put some pics of my time down here on the next post.
But here are pics of Lisa post surgery...