Dear West Side Family,

     The last week has been an interesting one, to say the least.  On Monday, Sept. 28^th, I left my back gate open for just a minute to get some weeds into the garbage cans on the other side of the house.  Gracie chose that moment to extend hospitality to our neighbors, running out the gate and across the street to greet their dogs.  As I was bringing Gracie home, I tripped over the curb and would have made a resounding “10” in the neighborhood Olympics “face plant into roadway” trials if I hadn’t caught myself with my right (dominant) arm (which began swelling and hurting almost immediately).

     As I’ve reflected on the week I’ve seen God’s presence in so many ways.  God showed up as my next door neighbor who stayed with me until I could pry myself from the street onto the curb, and finally into the house.  God showed up as a West Sider who gave me a ride to the emergency room (and checked on Gracie, and got me home that evening).  Skilled registration workers and nurses and doctors and a tenacious surgeon who got me into the Operating Room the same day were multiple faces of God at Stormont Vail Hospital. 

     My pre-op nurse, Nancy, had painted cheerful murals on each pre-op room glass door.  They were a sign of life and hope in a place that is often filled with trauma.  Nancy is a face painter in addition to being a nurse, and she used her face paints to brighten up the hospital during COVID-19. (You can see some of her face-painting here: https://www.facebook.com/AuntNancysFaceArt/about/?ref=page_internal.) My ER doc consulted with a specialist who was able to surgically repair two broken arm bones by attaching them to a metal plate in my wrist.

     Can you believe there’s more?!  My talented sister has been caring for mom in Oklahoma City.  West Siders and OKC folks have been praying.  West Siders have brought food and sent cards.  They’ve called, and checked in on me, and picked things up from the grocery store.  And so much more!

    A small group of us was able to attend a virtual Leadership Academy this week where we all gained new insights.  I’m getting faster at typing and texting with one hand, as well as learning innovative ways to navigate daily one-armed living.

     All this to say…THANK YOU!  Thank all of you for letting God work in you and through you.  You inspire me, and you help me see God in so many ways!!!

                                                                               With Love and Gratitude,
                                                                               Donna

p.s. I go in to have stitches removed the third week in October, then continue to follow doctor's orders until my right wrist (arm) is fully healed.

     You are invited to join others who are exploring ways to find peace and new life in the midst of the chaotic world we live in. This is a small group online experience for those who are 18-35 years old. All are welcome to join, regardless of your location or affiliation.

     Peace in Chaos (PIC) is a four-week online discussion of spiritual practices.Spiritual practices are activities that we intentionally practice to grow our faith. For example, things like simplicity, prayer, or journaling. You’ll hear about a few spiritual practices and get a chance to try them yourself. We’ll learn and grow, together creating PIC, a snapshot of what finding peace in the midst of chaos looks like for each us.

     PIC will meet for 90 minutes on Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22 and 29. Please RSVP so we can send you the Zoom link if you’re interested in being part of this online adventure.

Photo by Jahvardh on Unsplash

     Excitement is building for the 2020 online Tawakoni Gala Auction, beginning at noon (CST) on Saturday, November 7, and closing at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14! 

     You can already get your Bidder ID by going to www.kansasdiciples.org/gala or www.tawakoni.org/auction and clicking on "My Account." Enter your preferred email address and click "Register." You will receive an email with a computer-generated password. You can choose to change your account information, including password, at any time.

     The Gala committee is well on its way to building a great set of items for bid, and donations are still being accepted. Donations of gift certificates or gift cards are preferred, and quality items and gift baskets also still being accepted. But time to donate is running out! All donations, with donation forms, are due at the Regional Office at 2914 SW MacVicar Ave. by Friday, October 16!

     This project is undertaken in partnership with the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project which provides free legal and social services for adults and children in immigration. FIRRP hopes that every detainee will receive a greeting! They successfully achieved their goal last year. We are blessed to be able to help them make their goal this year! For complete instructions, click the button below. Please note that all cards must be received by mid-November!