Dear Family and Friends,

God is Omnipotent! He is working out His will - though we may not understand it. May we be found working with Him and not against Him.

The primary reason for this trip to the US was to visit Homer's Mom. When we left the US in August of 2005, Dad was weak, but doing fairly well, and Mom was about the same as she had been for years -- suffering from emphysema and allergies, but controlling it fairly well. We hoped to see them again on our next furlough. But, in March of 2006, Homer's father passed away. Then in October of 2006 Mom had a disabling stroke.

Dad Curry served as a Pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist church for 41 years. Mom Curry was a pastor's wife, secretary and mother. She had the gift of service and lovingly welcomed all. The first time I met her, she welcomed me at the door with a warm embrace. She was always serving others, giving generously, and honoring God in all she did.

Since the stroke, Mom isn't the same. Besides the weak muscles on the right side of her body and the lack of vision in the right eye, she also has moderate, stroke-induced dementia. She is generally anxious and discontent. Only rarely does her real self show through. One day this last week, when the CNA was feeding her some jello, Mom looked around and asked, "What about them? Can't we give them something too?" That's a small glimpse of the real Mom. How we miss her. But our responsibility to her doesn't end at this point. She who gave so much to us, deserves to be lovingly cared for as long as life shall last.

During our brief stay here, we have been visiting Mom for several hours almost every day. We so much want to help, but nothing appears to be helpful. While we've been here she's moved from a skilled nursing facility, to an assisted living facility, to the hospital and now back to the first skilled nursing facility. She seems to be going downhill. This week she has stopped being able to swallow. She was sent back to the Beverly Living Center in Galt to be supported with "Comfort Measures." Yesterday she showed almost no response to stimulation. Please join us in praying for God's will in her life.

We have postponed our return to Mali to March 6 to be here and available for Mom and the family.

As you can imagine, visiting Mom is consuming most of our time here. But not quite all. We have done a little shopping for items that aren't available in Mali. We've talked to a few friends on the phone. And Dean Sanders of The Bible in Living Sound brought Eric Graham down to teach Homer some tricks for working with audio mixing and balancing needed for producing the BLS stories.

Our SMs in Mali were sick, but they are doing better now. Ashley was sick after her trip to Dogon country, which delayed her return. But she is now back in Kadiolo. Pray for them and Denis and Batoma in our absence.

Several in our family here have been sick too. Jared, Caleb, Debbie ... have each had a turn. But we are better now and are grateful.

May God's Will be Done!
   Debbie

Postscript penned 20-Feb-2007:

Homer's Mom, Maeci Lu Curry, passed away on February 20, 2007. She is now at rest.

A Memorial Service is being prepared for her at the Sutter Hill SDA Church on Sabbath, March 3 in the afternoon. (Not far from Jackson, CA)

Snacktime at Agnes' Guest Home with Mom Curry.

Homer plays in Mom's wheelchair at Agnes' Guest Home.

Enjoying the beach and sunset with Vicki and family.