May

Our last post was abruptly ended so a bit of continuation.

We had an up and down April – our best friend died the 16th of April.  Sue got home two days before and had a lousy time; saying goodbye.  I was able to use Karen’s guarantee of heaven to explain God's love and Jesus' redemption of man.  It sure seems like an uneven exchange; Karen going to heaven so I can explain about it, but . . .

May wasn't much better with the ups and downs.  We should have received our work visa before starting; but didn't.  We expected it within the first 90 day visa; but we didn't.  Then got an additional 30 day extension that should have allowed enough time for the work visa but again didn't.  We got an additional 90 day visa surely expecting to receive the up graded Z working visa and after 30 of these days nothing.  So we advised our hiring company; CZZ that if we didn't get it by the end of May; we were quitting.  You would think that they would respond quickly but instead stalled.  Yes, we did get our work Z visa May 30, the very last day before we were to submit our resignation.  The process is a bit of paperwork and leaving the country; so we went to Hong Kong.  We had to submit one day and receive the next day (with a rush application.)  So we use the wait time to go to Macao; this gives me 34 and Sue 32 countries that we have visited, vacationed, or lived in.

We almost had an early return but we have to guess that “we are not done here yet.”  Our plans continue; we teach until June 13; go on vacation when and where we don’t know yet and then teach again around September 1.

Our summer vacation was planned to be in Taiwan and Thailand with a few other shorter stops.  Well in case you only get “American” news not everything is calm in Taiwan; mostly because of the government getting bribes to allow for outsourcing of jobs.  It probably seems odd to you wondering, what is the difference if America imports from China, Taiwan or wherever.  From this side of the world; it is very important.  Our expected R & R in Thailand’s beaches is maybe not the best decision as the military coup and the ousted president and her brooked cabinet puts the country on edge with the red shirts against the others.

Then there is Japan wanting to regain some extra islands near China; off shore drilling in others’ water.  North and South Korea showing more aggression at one another.  Russia and Ukraine / Crimea problems are as only one country away.  The Philippians is still in near disaster after last years’ hurricane.

Will keep you posted as to our future plans and also our vacation plans.

Love,

Dennis and Sue

April

Well my week started on Monday, after my computer was not working for the weekend.

I found out Monday that Karen was taken to the hospital; I had just talked to her on Friday.  She said she had a sinus infection, went to see the doctor and got some medicine.  On Sunday night she called Eden (her daughter) to have her take her to the hospital.  By Wednesday; the medicine didn't seem to be working.  The doctor's thought she has run of the mill pneumonia.  On Wednesday night they put her on a ventilator; she had pre-determined that they would only keep her on it 4 days.  4 days will be up on Sunday night.  I left China quickly to see Karen and also support Eden, Kim, and Shane; Karen’s daughters and son, and get some myself.

We are praying for God’s will; however we don’t want her to die; it’s too soon.  I know she would be happy to be with Guy but we are selfish.  She never did stop missing him even after 16 months.

I arrived on Sunday late morning because of smog in China; my plane left late missing my connection in Detroit.  I went straight to the hospital; Karen was in ICU; she could write letters down, so we were able to communicate.  They had her on morphine and Propotol so she slept a lot.

The doctor advised another day on the ventilator.  On Sunday night, Karen decided to stay on the ventilator.  By Tuesday, the doctors said she was doing better; they took her off the ventilator.  Wednesday morning; she took a turn for the worse but didn't want the ventilator put back in.  By Wednesday afternoon; they took her off oxygen and she passed away at 6:53 PM.  We planned the funeral for Monday, April 21 at 11 AM with visitation at 10 AM.  Many people came to celebrate her home going; she is now with Guy, in Heaven.

The week after the funeral we spent the week cleaning out the house.  I left to come back to China on Friday, April 25 and arrived on Saturday night, April 26.

Dennis was happy that I was home.  We are continuing to teach and get ready for the end of the semester.  It will be summer break for the students.  Dennis and I plan to do some traveling.

Dennis was talking with our TA (teachers’ assistant) about Karen and her readiness and eagerness to get to heaven.  She asked how can you know?  I was very happy to explain the knowing comes from Jesus not ourselves.  She had never considered such an idea.  We are alert for another opportunity to explain God’s redeeming grace.  The news of God using Karen on her last day was a blessing and a reason to rejoice but for now the sadness seems to grip most that knew Karen.