Staying Afloat Among Stresses

This has been a year of various struggles and stresses for our family. I am hesitant to innumerate them, however, because I know others have experienced the same, or worse.

James 1:2-4 says: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

These experiences have driven us even closer to one another, as a family; and closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. We recognize how dependent we are upon Him for our very breath. When all else fails, He is our Rock: unchanging, unfailing, unfaltering. We have so much for which to be thankful, in addition to our Eternal Hope and the love of family. Every dark cloud has had its silver lining.

With the loss of Howard’s accounting job in April, came the opportunity to reestablish A & A
Window Washing, with Samuel,(15), as his right-hand man. What a grand team they make, too! Samuel literally s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d into this new role, now nearly 6 feet tall. Recently, their business doubled when they inherited the clientele of a friend who moved out of Texas. Health concerns and weather have made work challenging at times; but, happy customers and Samuel’s faithful and willing disposition keep them pressing on.

Howard was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on his head and face in October, resulting in two surgeries and a chemotherapy lotion treatment, which has been quite painful. He awaits the follow-up appointment with his dermatologist, in hopes that this concludes the matter. Otherwise, over-all, we have been a fairly healthy family.

Another highlight of the year was celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary in October. We rejoice in each other’s love.

Andrea returned to Franklin, Kentucky at summer’s end and was subsequently asked to teach 1st and 2nd grades for the Mennonite Church School there. She has found her niche as a teacher and as a “Kentucky girl”. We miss her, of course; but, she graced us with her
presence for 10 days at year’s end and plans to return for 6 weeks this coming summer. Lauren has studied so hard and was rewarded with being accepted into the nursing program at McLennan Community College in Waco. She was one of 82, out of 1800 applicants. Charlotte and Fred have blessed us with grandson, Louis, and granddaughter, Laura, who will be 2
and 1 years old, respectively, in March. We are so happy to have them near enough to be involved in their lives. One of our greatest challenges has been how best to help Patrick. The
effects of his infantry service in Iraq have been devastating. He no longer lives at home, finds it difficult to keep a job, and is expecting a baby in May with his girlfriend, Alexandria. Prayers are appreciated. Just as Samuel is Howard’s “right-hand man”, so Micah is mine. I do not know what I would do without that boy! He is such a support to me and to Ethan. In his “spare” time, he is becoming proficient on his hammered dulcimer. In the Spring, Ethan experienced an unusually difficult time, with phantom pains, sleepless nights and a two-week hunger strike. It finally resolved itself, after numbers of doctor visits and a pulled tooth; and he gained back the 6 pounds he had lost. June brought the first seizure session in a year, with the heat. He had another breakthrough episode in December.

Yes, we still homeschool...although, perhaps not as structured and scheduled as I would prefer. Learning is happening and characters are forming. I am intrigued to watch each of them find their “specialties”. They are good readers and have each adopted the family’s bent for words. Joshua reminds me of Patrick at his age, with his deep-thinking and thought-provoking questions. He is a serious-minded lad.

Besides the obvious household duties and busyness with boys, I squeeze in a little rag-rugging,
writing and piano. Recently, Lauren & I began attending a small Jazzercise class out in the country, at a private residence. It has been the best thing! Due to our 4 left feet, we laughed so hard all the way home from our first session, we decided that, if nothing else, it was good for the dose of endorphins. Since then, we have untangled our feet enough to realize its other benefits. I am doing my best to overcome exhaustion, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. The exercise and some supplements are actually beginning to help. Unfortunately, there’s no replacement for sleep. Another worthwhile diversion and source of fellowship for this mostly housebound Mama has been my involvement with the social network known as “Facebook”. Many relationships have been rekindled there, as well as new friendships made. Slowly, but surely, I’m coming out of the “dark ages” and learning to use my computer. I’ve got some catch-up work to do on all our blogs.

As I type, the wind blows a chilly 18*. Thanks mostly to the effort of Charlotte’s Fred, we enjoy a greater measure of warmth than in previous winters from the gas log and skirting he installed for us. I can’t imagine a kinder or more attentive son-in-law.

Although filled with gratitude and hope, I have a rather ominous feeling about 2010. The times in which we live are precarious, tentative, fragile. It is a time to “watch and pray”.

"Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."(Mark14:38) "But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."(Luke21:36)"Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.”(Mark13:33)

In His love, Who first loved us,
Leslie, for all us Ainsworths

Who Says Being Sick Isn't Fun? - by Leslie

If your big sister’s name is Andrea, and she hasn’t gotten The Bug yet; there’s all sorts of fun amidst trips to the bathroom!

There’s nothing like a rousing game of Fishin-opoly to take a young boy’s mind off his tummy troubles, especially if he’s the winner. I hope these boys realize and remember how privileged they are to have such a sister.

And, how privileged I am to be her mother! She has literally sung her way through our loads of yucky laundry and dishes. She smiles while serving up blankets, tea and towels. Her very countenance lifts our spirits at a time when we need it the most. Her willingness to be used for “such a time as this” is a testimony of her love for God, life and her family.

Seriously, folks, if you have to be this sick (and this has been a doozy) Andrea is the one to have around.

But, to be honest, I’m not having fun.

Good Connections - by Leslie

Remember the advertisement slogan, “Reach out and touch someone”? I’m not thinking about cell phones and the Internet, although sometimes those are the tools we use. I’m considering all sorts of heart to heart connections. The week of September 22nd- October 1st was “Destination: Connection” for our family.

With encouragement and financial support from our loving, little congregation, we were able to rent an RV (for Ethan’s sake) in which to travel to Bakersfield, California for our niece’s wedding reception. Our road crew included Howard and I, Andrea (just back from Israel) and the four youngest boys - seven of us, with a bed and seatbelt for each one!... Sad to leave Lauren behind, who had classes at Hill College; but happy to know she would fly there for the weekend... Sad to leave Patrick behind, who had work as a security officer in Houston; but, glad that he was working... Sad to leave Fred and Charlotte and Louis behind; but can you imagine our surprise and elation when they showed up after-all with Lauren?!?!?!?

Our first priceless connection was with Andrea, home just hours before pulling out of the driveway with us in the RV Monday night. For three days and four nights of traveling we would have her virtually to ourselves to begin to hear her stories and her heart spilling over with fresh insights. She also spent a good deal of time catching up on her sleep. Even still, she is compiling her notes from those 12 days in Israel to more aptly share her experiences with others, and not forget them herself.

All along the way, there and back, it seemed we made special connections with the people of this diverse land...

Our first RV park stop was in Tucumcari, New Mexico at the Empty Saddle. Quietness and sleep were the connection there. The next night found us at the Meteor Crater in Arizona. Howard and I, alone together, soaked in one of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises I have seen since leaving Arizona in 1968. We connected with the Creator and each other. Eduardo, the man at the gate of the Meteor, told us we were a little too late to view the Crater that evening; but to come back in the morning. He was delightful and welcoming. Wouldn’t you know it, he was the guide for the 1-hour, 1-mile tour around the rim of the crater the next morning.

Once in Bakersfield, my heart was overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities to embrace family and friends from near and far, some we hadn’t seen for many years. Among our treasured visitors were my Bakersfield friend, Elaine Serabian and Howard’s Fresno friend and his wife, George and Rhonda Temple. Although our communication with these folks is “few and far between” we always seem to pick up where we left off and our heart’s ties remain strong. Robyn’s best friend, Trish, and her husband, Robert, came from Utah. Kevin Handy and his son,(our nephew, David) dropped by for a short visit. The last time we saw David he was a boy - now he is a man. Jackie’s sister, BriAnne joined us from L.A. She’s next on my rag rug list! My sister, Evelyn, from Simi Vallley, melded into our family reunion for the weekend. She and I haven’t seen each other for nearly 15 years. Jewel Landis came from Lebec on Sunday afternoon. My step-mother, Norma Price and her friend, Chuck Weller drove from Fresno on Sunday also, for an afternoon visit. He took pictures for us, which will be posted at some point in time, and cherished for ever. What a delightful man! We were glad to have that opportunity to get to know him better.

Of course, we were there primarily for Jaclyn’s wedding reception. Her husband, Sergio, and his family were so generous and thoughtful and accommodating, especially for the needs of Ethan. There were over 100 people at the reception, itself, each one connecting in some way to this happy couple. The way that Sergio and Jackie made every guest special, taking time to visit with each one, was heart-warming, indeed. Scott and Robyn were also very brave to take on all our extended family and friends into their home during this busy time of celebration. I wonder if they have recuperated yet?

Monday morning found us saying “good-bye” to Robyn and Jaclyn over coffee, before they had to return to work. Our Ainsworth family,( 12 of us with my sister and Fred and Charlotte and Louis), enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Denny’s before finding our various ways home.

Our path toward home took us through two of my childhood homes...connections with the past. First, we stopped in Indio, California for a date shake at Shields Date Gardens. I had been there 37 years before, and although it has changed hands, it remains much the same. We passed my high school on our way out of town. Next, we did the touristy kind of thing for about 5 hours in Tombstone, Arizona, before finding “My Farm”, about 5 miles away. I made the comment to Howard before exiting the RV, “It’s like the ground has been moved.” Sure enough, there had been many changes, not the least of which was ground that had been moved. The old farmhouse had been burned to the ground. Fields were fallow, the pond overgrown and the driveway in a new place, leading to a small adobe cottage. The only part that looked wonderfully familiar to me was the backdrop of the Whetstone Mountains in the distance and the surrounding desert. The new owner, a retired architect from Tucson, has many plans for recreating the beauty that I once took for granted as a little girl. He plans to stay in touch and send pictures as his vision becomes a reality. Another connection.

Upon stopping at a rest stop along Interstate 10 in Arizona, another blessed opportunity presented itself to connect with a stranger. A man with a heavily loaded truck and trailer appeared to be stuck. We were spreading out our generous supper fare that Robyn had sent along. Assuming that he hadn’t planned to be stranded at a rest stop this time of night, I asked this man if he would like some food. Although he didn’t speak English, I was able to remember the word, “comida” and convey the offer. His smiles and gratefulness were not hard to understand.

Lest I weary my readers with this lengthy discourse and too many “connections”, I will conclude with one, sincere request:

Every single person that God brings into our lives, whether it be by family or by “happenstance”, makes the circuit of our lives complete. Let’s not take one another for granted. Let’s not lose our connection with each other. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Leslie

P.S. The above picture is of Jaclyn and Louis, meeting for the first time.

The Weather - by Leslie

Most conversations folks have include something about the weather. I love weather. And, Texas’ weather is very entertaining, if not frightening. Someone told me that some Amish tried settling here (not that long ago) and decided that they couldn’t make a go of it. In Washington, they say there are two seasons: Winter and Getting Ready For Winter. In Texas, it’s best to prepare for the unexpected.

Our family enjoyed one of our favorite pastimes the other evening - sitting on the front porch watching developing storms. Our resident photographer, Samuel, tried his best to capture the unique colors in the clouds. We all agreed that we had never seen such a display. It was nothing less than glacial in its hues. There was a lightning show that rivaled the best fireworks, as well. After all the razzle-dazzle, the clouds finally released some welcome rains, to cool the parched and creviced land. The end result was a natural sauna, as the temperatures returned to near 100*. Our window air conditioner units struggle to keep the inside of our mobile home a warm 85-90*. Evenings, we open all the windows and turn on a few fans to enjoy the fresh air, which, by then is in the mid-70’s..

One of the benefits of being situated on a hillside is the ability to see the weather for many miles, along with sunrises and sunsets, the moon and stars, and migrating birds...God’s free gifts that speak of His glory and provision...a breath of fresh air, the song of a bird, a glass of clear water, and the list goes on! How very blessed we are! Remind me of that the next time the weather radio alarm sounds a tornado alert, will you?

Visiting Louis - by Andrea

I am a privileged auntie!!! It was definitely worth driving all night Friday to get here in Texas and see this precious little nephew of mine. I wasn’t prepared for how tiny he is! I took this photo of him on my first visit to Fred’s, and it turned out so good, I’ve had a pile of fun sharing copies of it. My feelings when I look into his tiny, serious face are something to this effect . . . how could God love us so much, to show us a miniature miracle and let us hold it in our arms, and marvel over what He’s done??? It’s such a small feeling! But I’m gonna store up the feeling for when I have to head back to my responsibilities in KY. These are special days!!!

Grandparents at Last - by Howard

On a day of international celebration, Louis Cameron Reber was born to Fred and Charlotte at 1:01 a.m. in Cleburne, Texas. It was such a blessed event, that the space shuttle Endeavour was launched, in his honor, roughly an hour and a half later. Presumably speaking of the shuttle, NASA engineers said the launch was picture perfect.

Louis was born at home, with father Fred, aunt Lauren, and 3 midwives in attendance. He weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz., and was 19-1/2 in. long. Everything went smoothly, and both mother and baby are doing well. Fred seems very well grounded, but the rest of us are in orbit. We are so thankful to Our Heavenly Father for extending our family in such a miraculous way. The shuttle is a marvel, but God’s creation trumps man’s every time!

We had the privilege of visiting our new grandson this afternoon, and took the first of many pictures.