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Parental Care
The Thorntons in Colombia
Ever since leaving North America to settle in Senegal almost nine years ago, our home assignments have kept us so busy that we never imagined we'd have an opportunity to visit Colombia. Yet due to Angie's father's health condition, we've been presented with this unique opportunity to discover together Angie's family's heritage and enjoy their culture.
The past weeks have been ones of contrast:
- The highs in October in Thiès, Senegal were in the 90s, and with humidity and dew point, felt well over 100. In Llano Grande, Colombia, the place we hang our "sombrero" for now, it's rained practically every day the past month and the lows are in the low 50s. We're freezing!
- The girls went from attending a French school in a semi-desert to going to a bilingual English-Spanish school on a lush farm where they are taught to garden and milk cows. They are transitioning well to all the change and are basking in the love of family and friends old and new.
- We've gone from caring for our family of four with the help of a full-time housekeeper to caring for two little girls and four big kids with limited help two days a week. It's amazing how much time it takes in a whole new culture to procure fresh foods, prepare wholesome meals (particularly for someone going through chemo and radiation) and drive to doctors' appointments 30 minutes away one way.
- Before leaving, we were barely keeping up with all our responsibilities in preparation for departure from the field. Now, we're once again needing to establish new routines.
- Dan has gone from working in a culture and language he's grown to understand to being dunked deep into a culture and especially a language he has never studied. And he's doing great, which comes as no surprise to Angie.
In regards to Angie's Dad's health, we received sad news shortly after our arrival. While he has responded well to chemo, and the largest tumor has shrunk significantly, it remains inoperable. The best option is now radiation treatment to target the now-smaller tumor in his lung, as well as those that had spread to his lymph nodes. We appreciate your ongoing prayers for the entire family during this difficult time.
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An Unexpected Visit
Senegal Missionaries Rendez-Vous in Colombia
Our first term on the field in Senegal, we got to know the Groot Family. While serving at the same Baptist church in Dakar, we formed a special bond. We kept in touch even after they left Senegal to answer God's call to serve in Colombia. Who would've imagined we'd one day reunite in South America?! Not only were we able to spend a weekend together, but we were also able to bring them the equivalent of over two pieces of checked luggage full of items they hadn't been able to pack when they left Senegal.
And the best part: Because of their connections to the evangelical community in Colombia, we got connected to a solid, Bible-teaching local church. Our first Sunday there, the pastor warmly greeted us. Upon finding out that we were here to be with Angie's parents while her dad undergoes treatment for lung cancer, Pastor Carlos asked if he could come pay Juan a visit. What a model for us of Christ-like shepherding. What a joy to have found a place to fellowship and hopefully serve the saints during our brief time here.
Once again, we'd like to share our schedule for the next few months. After all, you never know who you might bump into!
- Colombia: October 30-December 31, 2016
- California: January 1-March 17, 2017
- Chicago: March 18-April 27, 2017
- Canada: April 28-Middle of August, 2017
Harry and Reidun in the town square of El Retiro; Harry opening up his boxes of goodies left behind in Senegal
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End of Year Giving
Tax Deductible Donations Appreciated
We've recently incurred some big expenses. Replacing the batteries that provide back-up power during our long electricity cuts was essential, but cost us over $1,000. We're so thankful for the friends who have already responded generously. We also took a hit with the purchase of plane tickets for our transcontinental set of flights. Senegal-Colombia-San Diego-Chicago-Toronto for a family of four people totaled $9,397.44 USD / $12,463.88 CAD, and that doesn't even include our return tickets Toronto-Senegal. If you would like give a one-time gift to help offset these costs, you can click here.
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