A brief update.

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind, and access to internet and computers has not always been possible. currently Elva's computer is away for repairs. We are presently in Port Colborne and are happy with our new home here. It has been well "broken in" by Rachel and looks quite African in some areas.
Due to the fact that Elva's Dad was so unwell - Elva left Kabompo earlier than we had planned and spent some weeks in N.Z. before being joined by Don in Feb. Elva is thankful for the good days and the not so good days she was able to spend with her Dad and other family members. When it was time for us to leave and continue our journey to the USA - Dad was far from well - but we continued anyway - and made it to Lincoln with just a days to spare, before Nehemiah Walter Van Essen "marched forth" on March 4. Dad was well enough to be very thrilled that his latest Great grandchild had been given his name. Very shortly after Nehemiah was born we were told that Daddy only had days to live. We arranged to shorten our stay slightly so that we could get to see little Elysha before Elva returned to N.Z. for her father's funeral. She was able to get a cheaper flight out of Buffallo and so after only 2 1/2 days in Canada, she was on her way back to N.Z. where the funeral was held 2 days after her arrival. She was thankful to be able to take back photos and first hand report of these little ones - to family and the many friends who had been praying. She was very thankful to be able to be present for this funeral since she had missed her mother's funeral.
It was great to be with Sarah and Matt and family - time went very quickly and of course was quite busy. Before we left, we were blessed with some lovely days that enabled us to go with all the children and Sarah, to the park. We did enjoy being able to witness some of their cuteness first hand - we will treasure those memories in the days ahead when the distances are even greater.
It was wonderful too, to be able to meet Elysha first hand - she is a little lamb - such a sweet little smile - it is a busy life for her parents too with tube feeds, injections and illeostomy care - but they do a great job. They have just moved into their new home in Milton - very thankful for more space.
Richard and Katherine brought us to our new house in Port Colborne and it was lovely for us all to be together and share a meal - before I took off again to N.Z.
The ticket which I purchased enabled me to spend about 11 days with my sister Marilyn and we went thru a lot of dads and mothers things to gether - many memories. Was amazing how much time and effort my dad had put into Bible Study and note taking - even during this past year. All the more special when we knew that reading and writing never came easy to our dad.
We are thankful for the good year he had following his diagnosis with Myeloma and for the wonderful care he was given by the staff at the Rest Home where he stayed. They loved him and devotedly cared for him when his situation deteriorated.
Thank you to all who prayed for us and who have so faithfully prayed too for Elysha. Richard and Katherines web page will give you more information but she will be in hospital again next week for a cardiac catheterization.
We are travelling between Port Colborne and North Bay - with appointments and meetings. Time is going very fast and it will soon be May 11th and time for us to leave again.
If you want to contact us - please continue to use dandebrooks@gmail.com