I will Wait...

Anyone would freak out if their little brother went to the emergency room, right? I mean, come on... I can't be the only one.
We were in the car, on the way back from the grocery store... Hold on. Rewind.
Grocerystoreicecreamsodastrawberriesapplesbrightsunsunglassescardrivingbriargateymcabasketballcourtplaying
shootingrunninglaughingtryingtobreathgoodshotwaterpausingplayingmoreOUCHgrabballshotrunningtryingto
catchbreathforgame....
Ack, wait. Go back.
OUCH.
There, that's where we want to be. At the ouch. That's when Micah hit his head.
Let me mention, before I continue, that Micah hit his head seven years ago. Not the kinda 'bump your head on the way out of the car' or 'knock it while sitting up quickly in a bunk bed'. No. The kind that when a five year old hits the back of his head on the concrete and eventually can't talk or see kinda hit. So we took him to the emergency room and he got a CAT scan. How fun. I was told he was close to dying. Scary, right? I wonder if I didn't fully understand the seriousness of the situation that day, because I was no where near bawling my eyes out because I was scared. Like I was today.
Micah hits his head playing basketball (if you haven't already figured that out), he bonked heads with another player. So with his history, here we are now, at the exact same place, and he gets another concussion!!! How ironic that we were talking about what had happened before on that curb, just before we went in to play.
His head was hurting directly afterwords, his whole head, not just the part that got hit. But then he was back in, playing again. Running around, he was fine! Hadn't complained again. We stopped at the grocery store to get a few things, and he was fine then too. But when we got back in the car, he started complaining that his fingers were tingling and he couldn't use them properly. Ok, I was thinking, was it something he picked up at the water fountain? Could it be the Motrin he just took to ease the pain in his head? *ding ding, I shoulda known it was coming*... Well, I sorta did anyway.
After he complained about his arm not working right, I told mom that it must have been the bonk on the head. We got home and I went out and played with the dogs while Micah tried to get dad to let him play computer. (He didn't). I came back in and Micah was slurring his words. I just thought it was because he was crying, he used to slur his words while he was crying all the time when he was little. Shoulda known. Well, I sat down to get on Facebook, and Micah was still crying and talking. Soon, he could only say small words, like 'I'll' 'go', but couldn't 'find' the right word to say. It was like he had forgotten all his vocabulary. That's the first thing that scared me. Then he said 'where's my w-w-watsh?' .........It was on his wrist.......... my mom pointed to it and told him it was right there! He said, 'no, I'll go get it.' He was still slurring his words. My parents were being very patient with him, they thought if he would sit down and rest, he would be alright. They thought it would pass. Well, by then I was really scared. I didn't like it that my little brother was talking like someone with speech problems... I don't know if that's the right word to say, but something like that. When he got up, he walked like, ten steps, tripped on nothing and fell HARD. It was almost like he couldn't catch him self. I couldn't take it anymore. Afraid I would burst into tears right then and there, I jumped up and walked quickly out of the room. My parents didn't see me, they were trying to help Micah up. Well, I did burst into tears. I don't think I've cried like that for a long, long time. I don't remember exactly what I was thinking, but I just saw Micah fall over and over again in my mind. It didn't really help that there was a thin wall between me and everything that was going on in there. I could hear everything, the confusion in Micah's voice, the patience but worry in my mom's... I was shaking by then. I almost felt I couldn't walk myself.
Huge racking sobs where heaving out of me by then, and good old Bill, one of the dogs here, came over and started licking my leg. He knew that something was wrong. Soon, I got up and walked over to a bench at the side of the house where the sun was shining. Bill followed me, saw where I was heading, and laid down to watch me from a distance. I told Jesus that I wished He was here, sitting beside me in person. I told Him I wished He could hold me in physical arms. I was so scared, I was shaking even though I was warm. I needed His peace! I cried out to him to give it to me! He came, slowly it felt, and comforted me. I called Bill and he came over. I took comfort in petting him, as well as sitting in the sunshine. I think I felt I needed physical touch, because my emotions were in shambles. The only thing I remember clearly, was that I was telling myself that I was not going to let go of my faith through this small trouble. I still trusted Jesus, even though He wasn't there in the physical reality.
It started to get colder out, the sun was going down. I heard Micah screaming and crying and the tears started flowing again. It hurt me to hear that. I don't mind the crying if it's a scrape or a cut, it bothers me if he's screaming when he's got a splinter dug out, but it stung me to hear his frustration that he couldn't communicate with us. He was hurting. I heard my dad whistle and call 'here girl!' at first I thought he was calling the dog. I didn't want to go, didn't want to have to deal with the pain again, because I knew that seeing Micah close up in the condition he was in would make me hurt again. When my dad yelled Kara! in that tone when I know I'm in trouble, I felt a nudge in my soul. If they were looking for me and wanted to take Micah to the hospital, they wouldn't go until they found me, which meant Micah might get worse. I pulled myself off the bench and walked shakily around the corner of the house. My mom came running towards me and told me in that tone where I've done something wrong and she knows it "you can't just go hiding somewhere like that!" I started sobbing again and said "I'm SCARED, I'm scared I'm scared..." They asked if I was going to the hospital with them or not, I just shook my head and walked inside, shaking again. I sent various emails and posted on facebook some of what had happened. People prayed, family friends... Thanks you so much friends! Thank you so much Jesus for answering! Since I don't have a phone, I grabbed a blanket and sat on the couch, listening to music. I prayed one worded prayers and tried to find God in the situation. I knew everything would be fine, but I didn't want my brother to not be able to speak right... Somehow I knew he wouldn't die, but there was always the possibility. I thought I was done crying. Oh no.
Right before I went to take a shower, Mr. Balch knocked on the door. Even now I don't know what he wanted, but as soon as he asked how I was, I choked up again. After the story was out, I asked him if he could call my dad. (P.S. I need a phone.)
He reported that Micah had taken a CAT scan, and no major injuries were found. Micah's speech was was a little clearer and they should be home soon. Heh. That was about an hour ago. I repeat. I need a phone.
So here I am, still dripping tears every once and a while at the memories... But at least I know that everything's going to be ok, and I'm sitting here knowing that God's in control.
Wasn't it just this morning that I was reading Isaiah 26:3? "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Hmph. I was trying to remember exactly how that verse went this evening and just now it popped up.
 Anyway, I meant this to be a short blog, but it's kinda turned into a long one. I think Micah should write about his experience-
Later... Once he's recovered....
Thank you to everyone who prayed for him, the prayers of the righteous will be answered.
I guess I've missed out on family night tonight... And pizza. And soda. Somehow, it just didn't seem right to be watching a movie, eating or drinking while my brother was in the emergency room... I didn't want to see him get as close to death as he had last time.

I hope they're close, they said they were on their way over an hour ago... Hope nothing else happened... I STILL NEED A PHONE!!!!

"I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong, take heart and wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:13-14

Kara

Shadow of the Mountain... Ok, not really.

So.... Do I start all my blogs with so? Anyway. So, here we are in Colorado. Do I say that in all my blogs too?
Whatever.
Well, we are in Colorado however. The time in Kansas was AWESOME! I loved being with old friends, and being surprised by how some have grown. I especially loved hanging with my bestest friend Audrey, we threw a sleepover (even though Audrey was super tired), ran around the church together, headed to Manhattan (with the moms), snacked at sonic (actually it was more of a dinner), and took pictures in the park. I really enjoyed talking to her, catching up again after three years. I know, it's a long time. Thanks Audrey, for an amazing time with you!!! I really hope you come to Uganda so we can do it again, this time in my world.
Another friend I really REALLY had fun with, was Emilee. I mentioned her in my last post, but I can't remember if I spelled her name wrong... :D I also slept over at her house one night. We had fun, and I don't think I'll ever forget her dog, Rascal. I don't know how to spell his name, sorry Em. Anyway, I was interviewed, then we watched America's got talent and the Voice, then slept for about five hours. No wonder I was so tired... We headed down to the Zoo, or, the Zoo Park as I've called it since I was little. We 'spoke' to the Cockatoo there. Oh, he was so funny! He really didn't like Emilee's laugh. I have no idea why though... ;)
It was also cool getting back together with most of the mission team, seeing people I've known my whole life (like the Richardsons and Kelleys), riding horses, and driving dirt bikes for the first time!!! Thanks to all my Clay Center family for blessing me with an amazing time with you! Can't wait to see you again, in my African home or just coming back a last time before college. Wow. College... Ok... That's a bit far off... Back to the present.

Right after we got to Colorado, we went hiking. Ok, the next day after we arrived in Colorado, we went hiking. I think I took, like, four hundred pictures. Seems like a lot, but hey, I'm practicing my photography skills! I'll perhaps post some in this blog or the next one. I've got so many pictures to put up!!!!
I'm looking forward to hanging out with some of my close friends in Colorado Springs, Marisa, Danielle, Sydney, Brooke, the Eash boys, Daums... And many more...
Still missing my family back Home, the Africa Home, but I'm so glad I get to see these friends again! And my relatives too, did I mention we ate dinner with my great aunt and uncle Thursday evening? Good to see you again Aunt Joan and Uncle Rodger!
And about the title, we're not exactly in the shadow of Pikes Peak, but we're pretty close. We're in black forest. Appropriate name.

First pic, Audrey and I, me, Audrey, Audrey and I. :D Second, with the Clemens family, Third, Kelleys, fourth, Richardsons, us on dirt bikes, and
mom with an aspen leaf in her hand. Aspens are her favorite tree in the fall!!! I loved taking pictures of them...




                Kara

Humbling & Aspens

Last night I was once again humbled to hear that I HAVE been used by God and He HAS worked in me. Too often I wonder if anything I do is honoring my Father. This furlough has been very encouraging but it has at times filleted me, knowing that anything good that is happening is God's work in me. It is hard to know how to handle complements and praise that I know is for God but is pointed at me. I love to hear the praise but in the end I know it really isn't for me even though people say my name.

I'm challenged to dig deeper because I still get a sense that Christ has only just begun in me and He has so much further to go.

I left the U.S. in 2010 bound for Uganda thinking I had only two children. God had blessed us with Kara and Micah and I love to see Him working in them. Then as I returned I thought I had an additional 19 sons and daughters in Uganda that I was missing. Since being here in the States, I have seen the fruit of God's work and He is showing me, as the Apostles Paul and John and Peter said, that there are spiritual children and grandchildren that I have not even accounted for and many I don't even know about.

I looked back and recounted the children we left behind in Uganda and I know of at least 33 that I need to be praying for and searching God's heart on their behalf.

The aspens are a good picture of this. The roots spread underground and many grow up from those that spread their roots. It is hard to tell, in a grove of them, which is the parent that has grown all of these and yet, each is grown for the glory of God and, especially in the fall, they sing the beauty of our God and Father, the Great I AM.

Only for God's glory,

Tim

Still in Kansas

    Yes, we are still in Kansas but not for very long. We are leaving on Wednesday. But for now, we are enjoying our last moments in Kansas. We have had fun while we were here.
    Tuesday we were free for the morning, so we did most of our school. The rest we brought to the church, where we were having lunch with the Young at Heart group. That night we went to Jason and Chelsie's house for dinner. We actually were at their wedding some time ago. Wednesday my Dad went to Breakfast with a friend and lunch with another friend while we did school. In the afternoon we went to the Kelleys to do dirtbikes. It was Kara's first time, but I had done it before on Friday the 7th. It's a lot of fun. We went to the Sterlings for dinner that night.
    Thursday my Dad went for Coffee with a friend while we did school, then we went to lunch with the Tiers. Then after that we went to visit with the Cotts, then we went to Audrey Derosiers track meet. That night we went to the Dreeszens house for dinner. Friday my Mom went with Dana Kelley to Manhattan to do some stuff there. That afternoon we went to the Kelleys to do dirtbikes again. I just can't get enough of riding them. They're so fun to ride. We made dinner for Nancy and Rick Hammel, the people whose house we are staying in, that night (Friday).
    Saturday my Mom and my sister went to Manhattan with Laura Derosier. That day my Dad and I spent time together. We went to Sonic for lunch, took the food to a park, then when we finished, we went to the Clay Center Zoo. Then we came home. We went to the Richardsons for dinner that night. Sunday we went for lunch at the Clemons, visited the Petersons (we have friends with the last name Peterson also), then went for dinner with a small group. Today my Dad went to Coffee with another friend, and we went to lunch with Gail and Martha Habluetzel. My Dad and Kara are going to Kara's contact training in 2 minutes, and we are going to the Kelleys sometime this afternoon.
    Thank you all again for your prayer. We all appreciate it. We are doing well here in Kansas and on our trip. Please pray for the colds we have, and my eyes. They are starting to get better, but not very fast. Also pray for the rest of our trip across America. Thank you all again!

Having a good time!

     We are having a good time here in Kansas. We have been staying at the Kelley's place for most of our time here. We are still doing school as we are here, so we don't get behind. Most of our days are filled with us having Lunch or Dinner with different people. Tuesday we hung out at the Kelley's, Wednesday we did the same. Thursday we went to the Roth's for dinner. Friday we also went to the      Kelley's.
     Saturday my Dad was speaking at a Men's Breakfast at the church, so I went with him. Jairus also had another football game that morning. That night my parents and the Kelley parents went to Topeka to have dinner with some of the Kelley's friends. Kara went to the Derosier's, and I hung out at the Kelley's with the Kelley kids.
     Sunday my Dad preached at both services, and we had lunch there at the church, where we also spoke. Today Kara and I had a dentist appointment at nine, then I did school when we got home. After lunch my eyes were itching and were hurting. We went to see John Kelley (he's a doctor) and he suggested a couple medicines. Cold water also helps. Tonight we are going to have dinner with the mission team.
     Thank you all for your prayers. We are so far doing ok, and having a good time traveling across the States seeing family and friends. Please pray for my eyes, and the cold that three of us have. Also pray for the rest of our trip. Thank you all, and I hope I see all of you (except for those we've already seen)soon!

                                Micah
                                       Peterson

Among Friends

Wow, it is so good to be back here in Clay Center! It's been so awesome seeing all the old friends, people I've known my whole life. But it's also been weird because all my age-mates are all grown up, which means I'm grown up too, but still- I've missed three years and when that happens, people change!!! Oh well, it's all cool. I've especially loved hanging around my BFIKAML (Best Friend I've Known All My Life), Audrey, at the rodeo, her house, church... It's funny seeing her now after years of being away, but yet, she's still the same old Audrey. :D That's the awesome thing about good friends. They don't change on you, well, not entirely at least. 

We've also got to have dinner with the Clay Center 2011 November Team. Long name, I'll shorten it to the CCNT 2011. Better. Whatever anyway. Unfortunately, the whole team wasn't there for more reasons than one. But it was great for me to see Emily again, HI Emily! :) She's probably reading this and grinning. Check that, now she's laughing. :D

We also got to hang out with the Wallace's at their swimming pool. Larry's parents' swimming pool. I remember swimming there a long long time ago. Thanks for inviting us Tracy! It was fun! 

Now, I can't forget the Kelleys. They have been an amazing, fun second family to us. Micah loves being with his best friend again, all the time almost. Even though Jairus IS almost a head taller, and a bit solider than him. I'm also amazed at how much Anna has grown up since we've been gone. I keep marveling at that. And it was awesome to meet Abby, their newest adopted little girl. We hang around their house all the time, talking and playing... And it's been fun jumping on their trampoline! It's been a long time since I've jumped on one of those! But I still am able to do my flips and handsprings and stuff! Yey!

Well... I kinda wish we could be here for longer then we're going to be... But for now, I'll just have to enjoy the ride. It's good to be among friends again.

                              Kara

"...but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

In Kansas

We are now in Clay Center, Kansas. Next will be Colorado. We are having a good time traveling across the States, seeing our friends and family. In Kansas, we have more friends then everywhere else combined (I think)!
We got here (Clay Center) on Friday afternoon. Soon afterwards we went to the Kelley's (good friends of ours) house. Then we went to Kansas' annual rodeo. That was fun, cause I had never seen a rodeo before. The next day we went to a really good bakery that has good donuts. We also went to Jarius Kelley's first football game. His team did good, even though they lost. Then we went back to the Kelley's, and hung out there through supper.
 Sunday we went to Church, of course, then went home for lunch. Afterwards, we went to the Wallaces (more friends of ours) and swam in their pool. We had a good time there also, although we didn't get to be there very long. Then we went to the Kelley's again.
Monday we spent the day at the Kelley's, then went to dinner with the Kansas team that came to Uganda last year. Today we have been doing school (ugh) and once I finish this, we will be going to play Basketball.
As I said before, we have been having a great time traveling across America. Thank you all for your prayers and support, we are doing very well. Pray that the rest of our trip would go smoothly. Thank you all again!

                                         Micah,
                                                  Peterson