Resuurection Sunday~

Dear Journal~

Ronee' Reaux here.  Hope this finds each and every one of y'all in great health; if you're not doing so well, know this: each and every one of y'all are in my prayers and thoughts.

I am doing quite well: seems the Louisiana air has been good for me (plus I have been doing all I can to avoid bees, as I'm very allergic to their stings).  College is going well: no complaints (excepting when I have a major assignemt due or during finals or midterms).  I love all of my professors, and I have made many wonderful friends.  I am indeed blessed!

I am here in Tennessee, visiting my family.  Most are here, visiting as well; it is great to see everybody.  Daddy looks a little older, and maman looks as wonderful as always.  Grandpere' looks good, but he's lost some more weight, and he isn't getting around nearly as well.  He uses his scooter exclusively now; his legs have gotten weak.  My brothers and sisters are all gettiing big; seems hard to believe that the two youngest, Ian and Isaiah, are now nearly three and a half years old!  It seems like only yesterday when they were born!

Johnny looks terrific: while he hasn't really gained a lot of weight (he's as skinny as ever), his color is good, and his eyes are bright with health and hope.  He hasn't had any issues with his breathing or his heart acting up, and forget about any seizures: it's been nearly a year or so since he had his last major one.  Answered prayers!!  I pray this continues!

Rebekka, his wife to be, is coping with her condition as best as she could.  She was in the hospital a few weeks back, but is back on her way to renewed health.  I guess she'd fallen from her wheelchair and bumped her stumps or something.   

Anh is recovering from surgery: he had surgery about two weeks ago (or therabouts), to remove some pre-cancerous lymph nodes.  He has to have some rounds of chemo and radiation, to make sure the doctors got it all.  He should be back to snuff in about six weeks or so, according to him.  He has been majorly depressed.  Didn't help that Thu, his wife, lost the baby she was carrying; it would have been their very first child.  I have been praying extra hard for Anh and Thu; they've really had a rough go of it as of late!

Robertito is wearing a sling: he broke three or four of his fingers; he slammed them in the door.  He is not happy, but at least he isn't as wild or unmanagable as he usually is.  Small favors.  He can drive me crazy at times!!

ANYWAY ... back to my story.  Britnee is the star of my family.  My family has taken to her like a duck to water, and Brittie has done the same.  She absolutely adores my parents, and she thinks my brothers and sisters are "too cool".  She was a little reserved at first, but maman and daddy both made her feel welcome, and her shyness melted.  Britnee is enjoying her time here in Tennessee; she thinks Tennessee is absolutely beautiful (and it is!).

Britnee loves the huge magnolia tree we have in our yard.  Big, white fragrant blossoms have popped out, and Britnee can't stop staring at them.  I tell her we have 'em in Louisiana, but I guess she really never paid attention 'til now.  LOL

I am looking forward to going to church at Christ Community Assembly of God.  I am looking forward to seeing all my friends again, and I am looking forward to seeing Pastor Bilkey, Pastor Delcambre', Pastor Jones, Pastor Geddes, and Pastor Otumbwa (Pastor Ottumbwa joined the staff shortly before I left for Louisiana; he's fairly new).  I know it will be a wonderful time in the Lord, but it will feel weird not being a part of the choir/worship team.  For the first time, I will be sitting as part of the congregation instead of participating on the platform.

My church back home, New Hope Assembly of God, is great, but there's just soemthing about my home church that makes coming home for a visit especially meaningful.  I have many friends there, and I attended Christ Community Assembly of God Church for 11 years.  That is a very long time.

I wonder what the church has come up with in terms of the Cantata.  Should be good, whatever it is.  It's just gonna be strange not being a part of it ....

Well, gang, I hate to shove off, but I wanted to stop in and wish each and every one of y'all a very happy Resurrection Sunday)Easter.  Take time to stop and reflect on Christ's resurrection from the cross and the fact that He still lives!  Make time to attend a church service if you can; hook up with other fellow believers, and let's celebrate the Good News together!  Take care, and may God bless each and every one of y'all abundantly!

~With much love, your friend in Louisiana by way of Tennessee LOL, Ronee'.  :D