Not so lonely 20060720

Dear China Friends,

Some of you have expressed concern about my being so lonely without Mary at
my side.  Yes, I miss her greatly.  However, I do have some resources that
keep me from being too lonely.  Now that I am able to drive again I can go
many places.  Although I no longer have home care personnel coming to my
house to check my vital signs, I do go to an outpatient clinic each week.
I still have my church family and Monday evening study class that gives me
needed fellowship.  This weekend my older sister and husband visited me on
their way up to Alaska.  Also I enjoy some fellowship with those who live in
my apartment building.  Again, my 2 daughters and son visit me when they can
despite living some distance away.
But most of all I feel the presence of a caring God who is looking out for
me.  He tells me 揑 am with you always.? Also there is a senior center
nearby where I can get meals and enjoy fellowship with other senior (older)
citizens.  Your e-mails also keep my cheered up.  I抦 sorry that I cannot
reply personally to so many e-mails so my group e-mails will have to do.
There are two Chinese couples I recently visited who immigrated to Canada a
few years ago.  I knew them when I taught in China.  One of the couples
wanted me to observe their commitment to Jesus ceremony.  The other couple
had already gone through the ceremony in the past.  Both couples are really
good friends of mine.  It was so good to see them and their families again.
I no longer need to use my cane on my daily walks.  I抦 so thankful that
most of my sense of balance has come back.  My voice has improved but I am
still  taking outpatient speech therapy so I can get my singing voice back.
I spend a lot of time reading, writing inspirational articles, shopping,
warming up frozen meals, doing household chores, visiting and watching T V.
With the world situation being so bad, I find comfort that God will not let
things get completely out of control.  My favorite verse is 揅ast all your
anxiety on Him because He cares for you.?
I hope everything is going well for all my China friends,
Your good friend,  Tom A.