From P.D.

Dear Friends,

Warmest greetings from...an Amtrak train, just north of Philadephia, en route to New York City - again! Though it has been awhile since I've sent an update, it doesn't mean I haven't thought of you. It has been challenging finding myself in a caregiving role this long, which was not what I planned or expected.

Since I flew from Hawaii in August, I've journeyed to explore New York City's art world. I stayed at the new YWAM base being pioneered there and returned to Virginia in October. I met some amazing people in NYC - artists who love Jesus and who are processing what it means to be a light for Him in the midst of the crazy New York art scene. Two of my art pieces made it into Redeemer Presbyterian's local juried art exhibition. What an honor to be included in a show with artists of such high caliber.

Another highlight was assisting a dynamic local artist working with Aids victims in the center of Times Square. As we began the art session, two patients dying of Aids came in, received prayer and prayed out loud to God for the very first time! I hope to share pictures and stories later.

Since that time, I've been helping my mother and father with their health needs. This has involved everything from setting appointments, dealing with health insurance, to following up with intensive medical testing and being the daily chauffeur. Dad has been unable to drive since 2003 (due to his temporal lobe epilepsy) and Mom gets pretty tired with bad hips, knees, feet and emphesema. She's still a heavy smoker and severely strained her back.

I've been the in-home computer techie and finding fixer uppers for an old house when things go wrong or need to be changed. There is always something new to do every day, and often at night. Dad has fallen down three times. He forgets how to walk properly (due to the brain seizures) and this is causing, as you can imagine, lots of problems with his ambulation.

Though this is a different season, I am so very thankful I can be here helping them. It is an honor and a privilege to serve them, and have you stand with me in prayers and finances. It is making a difference in their lives and very much in mine as well. Caregiving is a whole new area to get discipling!

Now, about this trip I am on today! If you look up this link on the internet,

http://www.iamny.org/conferences/

you will find the webpage for the International Arts Movement. As you scroll down on that Conferences page, you'll see a wonderful conference organized for Christian artists. The conference lasts for three intensive days in community with fellow artists. We are wanting to rise up and walk stronger, using our gifts with new guidance and revelation from Him, creating that which should be, beautiful and true in Christ!~ (I am listed under Announcements where I'll be teaching artists' children, as well as locals.) Another good web link that describes the conference is this one where it is being held at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center: www.tribecapac.org/also.htm

Prayers: Please pray that I catch all the Holy Spirit wants to do at this time, and experience a renewal in my own life in discerning God's will and direction. Today I met an atheist who is bringing her eight year old son to attend my children's workshop. We had a chance to chat and she may possibly stay for the art session herself! Please pray God meets her and her son in a special and unique way.

Another prayer request: My Aunt Lucy in South Dakota is dying from a massive stroke (the bleeding won't stop in her brain). Can I ask you to join me in prayer for her, that if this is not her time, that God would touch her in a mighty way? She showed some improvement in the last two days, though the doctors say there is no hope.

I greatly value your friendship and appreciate your part in my life.

Hugs,
P.

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