Sunday, June 29, 2008

"I'm not even crying!"

Well, we have crossed another milestone in this journey! Annie had her first shower in 5 weeks. It was her idea and during her shower she continued to say over and over, "I'm not even crying!" She said, "It only hurts a little." We were so excited after this, we felt like celebrating. It was definitely a great day!



I was thinking about so many things that have happened over the past 5 weeks and I have learned a great deal. Ya know the word, "pain" is one that explains a wide variety of things. One thing about pain is that sometimes it is severe, like when Annie fell into this large pot. Then sometimes it may become less and be more like an occasional feeling, like when Annie would think about the pain she experienced. I think when someone experiences any kind of pain, whether it be losing a child, a mom, a friend, or knowing someone with a terminal illness or actually having that terminal illness, it never seems to go away. The pain seems to always be there. We may get through one type of pain, only to feel it for someone else. I am so thankful that my emotional pain has subsided as Annie's bath time is now better. I am thankful that her physical pain has subsided. However, now I find myself hurting for others. Moms caring for a terminally ill child or a child preparing themselves to say good-bye to a parent. I just hurt for the hurting, because it isn't an easy place to be. One of the things that makes that pain a little easier is having people like you to walk along side you, and pray for you when you are going through such pain. It seems to spread the pain out a little so that it is easier to bare. I hope that if you ever need someone to carry some of your burden, that you will ask me. I will count it an honor to do so! I have never felt the presence of the Lord like I have over these past weeks. I KNOW He was walking with me too. I felt the peace that is talked about in this passage.


Philippians 4:6-8 Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks. And God's peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The peace that God gives is so great that we cannot understand it.


I know I got a little deep with this post, but I currently know many people hurting and just want you to know, I hurt with you! I didn't have a picture for today, but I will try and capture something great tomorrow!

10 comments:

  1. Song recording for Annie by Robin Willard.

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  2. DEAR MISSY, GREG, JEROD, ALEX AND ANNIE,
    CARL AND I RECORDED A SONG ESPECIALLY FOR YOU. CARL ON GUITAR AND ME TRYING TO SING.I HOPE YOU ARE ABLE TO PULL UP THE SONG. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. WE ARE NEVER ALONE. PLEASE KEEP CARL AND ME IN YOUR PRAYERS, I HAVE SCLERODERMA AND CARL HAS GI PROBLEMS. MAY THE PEACE OF GOD BE WITH YOU AND MAY YOU CONTINUE TO BE BLESSED. I AM VERY HAPPY THAT ANNIES SHOWER WENT SO WELL, THAT YOUR BACK IN MEXICO SAFE, AND THAT YOU WILL HAVE A GOOD TRIP BACK TO YOUR HOME AND FRIENDS.

    LOVE,
    ROBIN AND CARL

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  3. what an amazing testimony that sweet annie will be able to share!! on top of her family pulling up stakes and moving to mexico to follow GOD, she now has her own personal healing to share!! we rejoice with you that she isn't "crying" and that "it only hurts a little!!" what an awesome GOD we serve! thank you for sharing from the heart!! 2 Cor 1:3-4
    love you guys!
    beth, david, leah grace and bennett

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  4. Missy...this is exactly what I was trying to say to you in that big long e-mail I sent. We love you dearly and we are SO THANKFUL that Annie has come through this. There is still a long way to go, but who EVER thought five weeks ago that you would be back in Mexico having already traveled to Guatemala????? We will pray for the re-entry into the village. Love you!
    The Clayton Circus

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  5. wow, you guys.. Annie's progress blesses me so much! sure glad you are home in mexico and things are going good. cody and i are flying to Cabo tomorrow.. we "have to" pick up our Jeep :)
    lots of love and hugs!

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  6. Click on "Stand by Me" from Robin

    Sorry, the link to the recording got deleted. Please use new link

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  7. Hi Woods Crew!

    God continues to show us all his healing power and Love through your amazing 5 weeks. We are soo thrilled you made it home, almost, and get back to the mission you have in Mexico. I believe God will use this experience to help your village to see Him in a Great and mighty way.

    Annie, you are a strong, Blessed and a sweetheart and Mr. Mike misses seeing you, but September is coming and the hugs are waiting.

    We Love you all very much.

    Your Brother in Christ,
    Mike

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  8. Hey everyone,
    We made it back to MO fine. We all miss you and your kids -- TOO much!

    It was such a blessing to see Annie--her progress truly is a miracle. We pray that she had a great week and God continued to heal her; body and mind.

    We pray that Jerod and Alex had a great week. Last year in Leon, I felt that my kids needed to be challenged...that's why we opted for Experiencing God-Pre-Teen. I really hope that the boys were challenged about their PERSONAL relationship with Christ and will focus the next coming weeks on growing that.

    I very much appreciated you sharing in worship about your experience. It was amazing that Greg talked about Moses and the Red Sea--we talk alot about Moses in EG.

    So good to have been with you all this week. Greg and Missy, you have AWESOME kids! Continue to raise them loving and serving God as you already have.
    Love you all!
    Sheila McMillan
    Springfield MO

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  9. I will never be able to hear the name Annie without thinking of courage and a beautiful smile. I cried when I first realized this was the child I had prayed for. My personal pains in my shoulders has been severe the last few days but when I think of Annie I smile and know I can keep going on! God has held Annie and your whole family in the palm of His hand! Praise his Holy name.
    Love you all---Viola

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  10. Dear Family,
    We are so glad for the wonderful report of Annie"s "shower". We talk so often of your smiles, and how the love of Jesus shows in all of your faces--what a witness to everyone.

    We will be in prayer for you as you go back home.

    Annie, just think how happy all your friends are going to be when they see how God is healing your boo-boos. You have a great story to tell.

    Jerod and Alex, we know you are excited to be "home" again. You have been through a lot too, but you have proved you are real "troopers".

    Greg and Missy, we are so proud of you both, and know God is going to continue to use you, probably in a greater way than ever now.

    We will be waiting for your monthly newsletter.

    Much love and prayers,
    Aunt Ila and Aunt Charlotte

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