the way

Our dear Gertha lost her beloved husband Tuesday night. 

He was fine, she was fine, worked all day. He went to lead the choir practice Tuesday evening. Came home not feeling well. Went to bed, she went to Bible study, came home and he was gone. 

I spoke to him a few weeks ago when I called to talk to Gertha. Without fail, all these years, Wislin NEVER complained, never brooded, never said more than he needed to, and was always kind. 

Gertha was Lily's nanny. Sofie's. Nora's. Ben's. She held Benny hours after he was born, loves us all like her sister and brother and children, and she and Wislin raised their daughter Thaliya alongside of us.

SO many undiagnosed and untreated health issues in a country without good healthcare, with such insecurity, with so little access to medications and maintenance medications.  Several years ago he really struggled with blood pressure issues, and since has just lived with it, and without complaint. 

He was 42. 

Gertha is 44, a widow and mama and one of the most trusted and beloved friends of our lives. 

It absolutely breaks our hearts. 

Never want to be in Haiti as badly then when our dearest ones are hurting. Pray for Gertha and Thaliya with us, will you? 

May we kiss our people and see them. May we count our many blessings today, as Gertha was with me on the phone this morning. Showing me the way, as she often has.