Giving Birth to A New Grandson and A New Knee + Ministry Update!

April was supposed to be Rwanda/Ethiopia month as we explored new teaching opportunities in those countries. But, when Abby received a second opinion that she needed a total knee replacement (TKR), Rwanda/Ethiopia had to be postponed.

Prior to Abby's surgery on March 29th, we joyfully welcomed into the world our new grandson, Luke Stephen Slagle, born on March 10th to our daughter, Jen, and son-in-law, James, and new big brother, Isaac, not to mention Aunt Emily and Uncle Andrew!. What a beautiful boy Luke is, and what a great big brother is Isaac! We are so blessed with such wonderful children and grandchildren!

Isaac, Jen and Luke!

Less than three weeks later, Abby was having the TKR on her right knee. The surgery went very well and, in fact, her knee was healing beautifully. However, Abby had a setback ten days following surgery. The stress of surgery and the combination of anesthesia, steroids and painkillers turned her sleep patterns topsy-turvy, as sometimes happens we were told. A one week stay in the hospital later, Abby returned home and is slowly returning to full strength. Physical therapy is going great and at her six week check-up yesterday the surgeon released her to drive and to travel to Africa in June!

As Abby says, "The labor and delivery of my new knee went great, but the nightime feedings of the ice machines and pain meds almost did us both in!" All kidding aside, it made for a very tough month for Abby and me, and we are very grateful for the prayers, meals, texts, emails and phone calls we have received. We couldn't have gotten through the last six weeks without the help of such a great team and the mercy and strength of our Lord Jesus.

Recently on May 7th, our dear friend and colleague in Zambia, Percy Muleba, was ordained in the capitol city of Lusaka along with many of his Live School associates. We are rejoicing with the now Rev. Percy Muleba and his wife, Muyunda!

We are scheduled to fly to South Africa and Zambia on June 22nd. Please pray for us as we move toward that date. We want to be prepared with our curriculum and conference presentations as well as wise with Abby's full recovery while her physical therapy continues full force.