The magnitude of the tasks ahead of us since we returned to OH May 22 made me realize posting for the next two months would definitely be off limits. Seldom during our seven months in Boquete Panama have I shared much of my personal journey. This blog is not about me; it’s all about Him and His plans and desires for us in these last days. I am only to point to Him and encourage you by whatever means He provides me as I seek to be faithful. Actually tonight, I had gotten into bed, and after reflecting 3-4 minutes, I decided to rise and write. It is my favorite hobby. Today I’d risen at 5 am to read, study & pray, as I needed to run by Schlabach Engine before going to the Aultman Gym on Crown Hill at 7 am for my 90 minute routine. I did accomplish much today (wait a minute, He did, not me) as He continually provided me the insights all day right up until chasing me out of bed 2 hours ago. And, believe me, I am so very thankful He was there for me.
Earlier this evening, I was feeling really guilty when I reflected on how I just shut down with no explanations. So here goes my attempt to bring you up to speed. FYI, the following is a note I sent earlier in the week to friends in Panama that explains our trip home.
Greetings Dear Boquete Friends:
We made the Orlando flight barely because of the short time and long distance thru the terminal. Fortunately, Loretta ordered a wheel chair for me (I was really quite appalled, first time ever I recall having an airport w. chair) and then that person after 10 minutes of guiding two electric chairs wisely intercepted one of those 4 seater golf carts and we were on that for I think 10 min careening thru traffic. I didn’t think the PC airport was that big! And then before boarding, Loretta got pulled out by TSA and the final call went out twice. They literally went thru every nook & crannie of her carry-on etc . We figured she got pulled because of her 26 trips to Honduras made her the person of interest on that flight.
We had a wonderful 36 hour reunion in Sarasota with our dogs and her brother and family. Hence the picture, and the night before we left their sons and families all joined us for dinner and goodbyes as they had all gotten rather attached to Riley and Angel the past 7 months. The next day after lunch we gave the dogs their prescriptions for the 20 hr bus ride on the Pioneer private coach that runs Amish between Sarasota and OH-IN. We stopped at the Georgia Welcome station 3 + hrs later, and when I opened up the door to Riley’s kennel to walk & water them, Riley had passed. What a shock! Not sure what happened. Not blaming anyone. Circumstance. At least we had 36 hrs to enjoy him and we figure he’s in heaven now cavorting with Loretta’s mom, who always said Riley was her dog anyway! At least we have our little King Charles, Angel and she is glad to be back home in OH, with us.
There was more trauma in the apt when we returned as they are now building another apt next door in what was formerly the original PGDunn factory, now a warehouse. Our apt was formerly the office portion of the business. Somehow the drain plumbing under the kitchen sink got disconnected perhaps a month or two ago, such that the water from the dehumidifier over the sink simply ran onto the kitchen floor and beyond; none of which was discovered until 6 hrs before our arrival home! What a mess!
Other than that, we’re all good. I’m back in my gym in Orrville 3 days a week attempting to safeguard and continue the progress that Ms. Amy started in me. We do have an unreal agenda while here basically reducing our storage footprint. We’re headed to WDC on the 8th of June for Robin’s 3rd birthday for several days. We’d like to get to MN also to visit family, if possible, but appears quite unlikely. We’re looking forward to our return to rejoin you in Boquete before Aug 1, but regardless, whether we’re stuck here longer in OH, for whatever reason or situation that comes down during these interesting climatic and historical times as prophesied, whether here or there, we’re in good hands and have prepared the best we can for such situations. God bless you all in all your plans and endeavors the next months.
Love to All,
Merlin, Loretta, & Angel
The note I’ve been sending our Christian comrades goes something like this:
“We are still seeking God’s direction for our lives for our remaining years. We have a never-ending supply of lost or deceived souls making our acquaintance whether we’re in Dalton OH or Boquete in the Republic of Panama. Satan’s Strong Delusion is being unleashed amongst the church and sadly too many are so clueless. We must RUN & FINISH our race, not merely existing as members near the track, but we ourselves, must insure first we’ve been forgiven, then, are being transformed and empowered while discipling & promptly obeying the Holy Spirit’s biddings NOW!
Not later, not someday I’ll…, BUT NOW! There is absolutely no time to procrastinate during these last days… Just focus on Jesus! Everything else about us, my dear friends, and especially in our case, our junk in storage, are quite similar to all the trivial nonsensical destructive pursuits of those yet in their work-a-day worlds.”
Now, for the more fun stuff. A year ago I read Wendell Martin’s book “Go Now! From the Innermost Parts of the Heart to the Uttermost Parts of the World” and literally came unglued spiritually in a good way and shortly thereafter moved to Panama. Jon F informed me he was leading a group thru the book two Wed nights each month at KMC but it wasn’t until this past Wed (May 28) I could personally attend.
Wendell was there and he shared from the books last chapter of the forty miracles titled “Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death,” the story of his wife, Daisy’s catastrophic brain-stem hemorrhage, from which science predicted death in several days; and possibly a vegetative state at the very best. Over the weekend, I’ll prepare the Mon & Tues posts of that very phenomenal chapter, as I am compelled to get that testimonial out to as many people as possible. Text or email if you want a word doc of this chapter 40, or if you want your own book, contact Wendell directly at www.goforthinjesus.name as it is not on Amazon. I’m sure it’s in many local Christian bookstores, as well as in Choice Book racks, or surely should be, I’d think. More on Mon & Tues.
Have a Blessed Weekend clearing out the clutter so you can focus on Jesus’ plan for you today!!!
Picture of Loretta with Angel and Sir O Riley, being reunited 10 pm Mon May 19 after they stayed in Sarasota 7 months with Larry & Debbie while we were in Panama before we left 3 PM Wed May 21 for Wooster.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipP988gW_1vUera_UKm7Df_1mVrz9Rp4_ql3mt4H