2008

June 2008


I spent this weekend as part of a house building team in an economically poor neighborhood of Tijuana. What a wonderful experience to help these people and get to know the families as they worked along side our teams of volunteers. Hannah struggles with my absence; this is the only time of year I am away from the girls for a couple of nights. My parents and friends shuttled the girls around allowing me to spend the three days in Mexico. The girls and I did this similar trip in the Spring, so they support what I am doing but we all miss each other, even for a few days as we help our neighbors.

The other major struggle is my time spent away from Kathie. My parents went by the hospital, checking on her, sometimes my Mom brings flowers she has grown to liven up the room. I always eagerly anticipate my return to Kathie. In years past, as I would return from these trips, she would greet me with a big smile and her index finger on my chest as I tried to hug her, “shower first, then a hug,” was her response. Maddie just puckers for a kiss, making sure she is far enough away that the dust doesn’t settle on her. This time, as I stood at Kathie’s bedside, I raised up the bed and gave her a big hug telling her how much I love her as I kissed her.

This morning, Hannah was honorably discharged from the school safety patrol and dismissed her squad. Officer Carter let her entire school know that each elementary school has a Captain, and out of the 90 Captains in San Diego, Hannah was asked to interview at Police Headquarters before a panel of officers, she finished fourth in the process and attained the rank of Major. After our accident, as third grade started, she could barely stay in class. Today I watched her give the command, “squad attention… dismissed!” Pictured below is the squad all responding, “Ma’m, yes ma’m!” At that moment, I could picture Kathie’s expression.


As I live this life before God... I see glimpses of Him working out His plan in our lives.

Hope,
Dave

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