January 2008

Hi Everybody,

Originally this was supposed to be a Christmas letter, but due to technical issues, it is now a first-of-the-year letter. I did have it written before Christmas!

First to update you on the family...Daddy's working for Clemson Airport Shuttle taking students, business people and retirees to the airport and back. He travels to Greenville, Atlanta and Charlotte, though mostly Greenville. He works all kinds of weird, unpredictable hours, but at least it's regular income.

Other than taking care of me, Mom is still doing day care for a two (almost three) year old, helping out at the local women's center, and working on the state home school board. The best part for her is when she gets to babysit any of her three grandbabies.

Leah is twenty and has a boyfriend in California, attending Westminister Seminary West (for another year and a half). She was with him and his family in Arizona for Christmas. She is currently working as a nanny.

Caleb and Sarah and Annie came for Christmas. Caleb got back from his Mediterranean float the first of July and is already training for his next one in the fall. With them home for a couple of weeks, we got to dog sit Kole--I was not excited!

Aaron and Rachel are living in Greenville and stop by periodically to check on us. They are both working, keeping busy at church, and working on their house renovations.

Dave and Kirsten and Emma and Adie are living in Easley and come by on a regular basis. Dave is still teaching school, Kirsten is a full time wife and mommy and part time employee.

For those of you who have been praying for me, but haven't had a recent update--I am mostly in bed, trying to get rid of my pressure sores (which are getting better), but I'm wearing out in the meantime. I was able to go to Florida in August for the wedding of a very good friend. There have been a number of people who have come by on a regular basis, to visit and socialize and help me with a few projects. If anyone wants to come by, I'd appreciate it. Just let me know--I'll probably be in bed, but not asleep. I have come to realize that the reason that I'm doing as well as I am is because so many people are praying for me.

For those of you who have been praying for me but are not quite sure HOW to pray; maybe you would like to help, but, again, you're not sure how, here are a few practical suggestions:

  1. First, I love company--whether it's phone calls, emails, or (especially) in-person visits. I use the speaker phone, so I'm always available to talk. Typing is difficult so I may not be able to respond to email right away, but I always enjoy receiving them. Personal visits are the best--though that may be uncomfortable for you.
  2. So what do you do if you visit? For one, just talk. I'm up on all the news, watch YouTube & movies. If you visit, you might watch a movie, work on cross stitching or knitting with him, help with models or with one of my other projects.
  3. Food is always welcome. There are a number of things I am allergic to (corn, potatoes, tomatoes, peanuts & pork are the main ones). Finger foods are difficult since I need to eat everything with a fork or spoon (though I am creative & innovative: I'll figure most things out). Things that fall apart (rice, peas, noodles) usually don't stay on the fork. I have a sweet tooth, and I love hamburgers just to start a list. Ask.
  4. What NOT to do--ask about my ailments. I am very sensitive to touch so even the lightest bump is usually very painful. Anything I do requires a great deal of energy. So, if I have just arrived at church, it has been a rough road from the van into the sanctuary. I need a little time to settle down (the way you would if you had just run a mile). Say hello anyway, without necessarily expecting much of a reply right away. Careful hugs are okay.
  5. A good friend once said her young son prayed that "Seth would be brave." That's a good way to pray. Pray that I will have God's grace to
    1. "Take no thought for tomorrow, for tomorrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matt 6:34)
    2. Remember that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Cor. 4:17),
    3. "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil. 4:4).
Sethwick