Tuesday, January 24, 2006~

Dear Rachel~

I was happy to learn that you got the package I sent to you. Now you have my first book, and you can learn how our International Family came into being. I do hope that you enjoy it! I will be looking for the picture of your family soon in the mail; I will also let you know when we get it! :)

I am sorry to learn that you have the flu. I do hope that you guys feel better soon. So far, we have escaped the flu bug here, but I am waiting for one of the kids to call home to tell us that they are sick. It always happens about this time of year, and the flu seems particularly nasty this year. I also am worried that the bird flu that has struck parts of the Orient and Europe will strike here, and I don't know what we would do if that were to happen. The bird flu sounds awful, and it is to threaten millions upon millions of people once it DOES strike! I pray it doesn't make it here to the U.S.---

Please be praying for my friend, Maria Jones. I just emailed her a bit ago, and she has been diagnosed with brain cancer. She has been having inexplicable headaches and blurred vision (along with dizzy spells), and an MRI test she had last week pinpointed the problem. When a biopsy was taken, it was found that her brain was riddled with cancer. She now faces hospitalization, an uncertain future, and treatment for the cancer (and possibly surgery). She is very depressed, and she is ready to give up on life. She has been through so much this past year (she was one of the hurricane evacuees; she came here to Tennessee last September, and she has just recently moved to the Fort Worth, Texas, area), and now cancer is staring at her in the face. She has NOT had an easy time of it lately! Any prayers for her would be greatly appreciated!

How is the weather there? Here it is rainy, but it is expcted to clear up soon. We have had a lot of rain lately here, and over the weekend, we had heavy rains, and we were under flood watches; but the rains are expected to ease up by evening. I hope so; I feel a bit mildewy, due to all the liquid sunshine we have had here in Tennessee! LOL

Well, I know this isn't much, but I am at work, and I had better get something to eat while I am on break, or else I won't get to eat until after I clock out from work! I also may end up getting fired if I keep on playing on the computer like this! LOL Take care, Rachel, and thanks for letting me know the package I sent you arrived there safe and sound! God bless you always, and hope you get over the flu bug soon! Take care of yourself, and know you are in my heart!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your Tennessee friend, Louie May. :)