I don’t have any news about the criminal investigation that’s on-going in the Ukraine. I’m not sure if we’ll get any information, and if we do, it may well just be “We are still investigating…” which doesn’t tell us a lot either.
So, we continue to wait. We continue to pray too.
But we have been showered with wonderful treasures since we came home. I almost feel guilty, since I think my Mom deserves them more than I/we do.
I’ve had contact with friends I rarely get a chance to talk to. [Mostly my fault…]
I’ve had cards and letters that have been incredibly touching. We’ve had notes and texts that are so very kind.
Last night we had just climbed into bed, trying to get some extra sleep [though it was 10p, so it wasn’t exactly early] and “ding-dong” the doorbell rings!
Who in the world is ringing the doorbell at 10p – and unannounced, we wonder. I throw on some clothes – no need scaring the person at the door – and wander out to the front door. I open the door, wondering who I will see? A neighbor? A horribly misguided door-to-door sales-person?
Well, there was not a soul in sight when I opened the door – but there was a beautiful Orchid there. It had a note attached. [Yup, that’s it up there!]
It was a gift from some unspecified friends from the church we attend here. They call it “being ROILed” – where the ROIL is some acronym. We’ve participated in the past, giving gifts to others – but I, for the life of me, can’t remember what the acronym stands for.
The idea is to “sneak” up to the unsuspecting recipient and deliver a gift without being seen – an anonymous, small charitable, caring act for them.
And tonight, I’d been working at a client’s until nearly 7:30p – everything took way longer than I thought it should…like five hours longer. <ugh!>
We’d met at noodles for a simple dinner – and while we ate, Rachelle worked on science, prep’ing for a test tomorrow. [I don’t ever recall having to learn that much when I was in fifth grade!]
Lisa had a few things to do on the way home, so I took Rachelle in my car. When we turned onto our street, we noticed something on the door-step from a couple of blocks away.
Rachelle immediately says “So-and-so” was turning on to the main street as we turned in. Ms. So-and-so issued a non-denial-denial when I texted her my suspicions. 🙂 But again, we had a very nice thoughtful gift. Something for each member of the family – including Rosie, our darling little mini-dachshund.
[And for those of you who aren’t good friends of ours, or who don’t go to our church – I’ll let you know of a little “heresy.” We take Rosie to church – not just occasionally, but most every week. So, that she would be treated too, only seems fair and especially nice that they remembered her.]
So, I’m so touched – wonderful friends, true caring, such gentle and empathetic friends. Lisa started to tear up when she saw the card.
What inadequate words there are to espress our feelings. But “Thank you” will have to do.
We love you all too.
-Greg
What a blessing. Praying with you all…Thandi in Cape Town, RSA
Your family (Sloops) reminds me so much of my family. My husband is with the Lord now, so I cry each time I read your blog. Dr. Sloop was my favorite doctor. He helped me through some of my toughest times of life. Thank you and my prayers are with each of you.
Greg and family,
Very sweet.
At this point when little or no information is coming out is an opportunity to for one to get most discouraged. But not to fret, He is there , for
“To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest.” DA 475
In no way does that mean we need to be discouraged for Him to be near, but he is certainly there when you are.
From your sharing about your Dad this verse comes to mind.
My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all. (James 1:2-8 CEVDCUS06)
Sounds like him, no shifty waffling there. Complete trust.
Knownwe continue to pray and think of you all and are regularly following your posts.
Michael
Ps: from 23 to 25 years ago at PVC, my understanding is the RIOL treatment started at least as the Royal treatment. (To be treated like royalty). There may have been an acronymn as well.
BTW: when we had some of our most difficult times, people from PVC were there with what ever assistance we needed physically, psychologically, and spiritually. You are blessed. Know that people from all over are here to support you.
“ROIL” stands for “Reaching Out In Love.” It’s a wonderful way to show caring to someone who is special to “The ROIL Family.”
We keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. During times like these, some people may ask, How could God let this happen?” But to those of us who put our faith and hope in Him, our question is, “How could I ever get through this without God?” He WILL bring you through.
Craig and Sheryll Hisey
All I can say is “Bless your hearts”! Though we don’t really know you, we love you, and we continue to pray with and for you! (“You” includes your entire family) As for ROIL, try “reaching out in love”. It is a most wonderful program and it warms my heart to hear people are still using it. Thank you for the continued updates.
I personally don’t know your family but we are all family in God’s sight. I pray for your entire family and a very special prayer for your father. We may not know where he is but our loving God knows and knows what is best. Wherever your dad might be, God’s loving arms are around him. We must all believe that God’s will is being done.
I love you all
Vivian
Hi Greg and Family,
There is no doubt that this entire experience is driving me into a new dependance on God as our Father. I’m learning that despite all the unanswered questions, I am invited to have faith that ALL of His promises are certain for your dad and that He never once left his side through all of this. He is now asking me (us) to hold His hand as we walk into the unknown future.
Daily prayers continue…and a new awareness has emerged of how insignificant most of my “trials” really are. I hold up your family as high as I can reach to heaven. Then I remember that He is right here beside us. He is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities and even by our utterance of them.”
We love you all though we do not even know one another,
Dena Guthrie
He that spared not his own son but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him give us all things? Jesus spoke to them at once, “Don’t be afraid, take courage, I am here”. Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. You have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice. Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable his ways, and his paths beyond tracing out. How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of him that brings good tidings.
Romans 8:32, Matthew 14:27, Isaiah 43:1, Psalms 63:7, Hebrews 11:13, Isaiah 52: 7
What a beautiful orchid! I’m so glad you are part of a loving church family, and that they are tangibly being the hands and feet of Jesus. I also love it that Rosie is “churched.” 🙂 We continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you again for keeping in touch through this blog. <3
Without a doubt, my prayers are with you. I just wanted to let you know that I again have asked for an update of what is being put out on the news in the Ukraine from an associate of mine. When I first asked him, he told me that the story of your dad’s disappearance was all over the news and TV etc. I have just asked again and will let you know what he says. This, to let you know that the people there have not forgotten either.
You are in our prayers! I really appreciated Jay. He is special. So is your mom.
God Bless!
We are keeping Jay and all the family in our love and prayers. I am praying that anyone who knows about what happened to your dad will have no peace or rest until they share with authorities whatever they know. I’m also praying the PUSH prayer: Pray Until Something Happens! Thank you so much for the posts that have touched our hearts! 🙂 our love again, Gardell and Barb
Greg –
Your writing is filled with warmth, humor, and honesty. Refreshing to read. We have VERY SLOW wifi at the house, so when I went to view your blog tonight only the flowers showed up. No words. It was very moving for me. They are beautiful. Orchids are complex in that they are both fragile and enduring. I stared at the photo a long time. There is something so right about it.
I appreciate your comments about desire for closeness with the “kids” and with your brothers. In this world where we want so many things that are less than good, it is the right thing to want. At my wedding (just 4 weeks ago now) I was overwhelmed by how important my family (and friends) are to me, so I resonated with your words immediately.
Here’s a random thought…You always seemed to live closer to the “getting in trouble edge” than your brothers while growing up (or at least it seemed that way to me). Not sure what that has to do with anything, but it seems true none-the-less. Your dad eagerly watched your development (and often chuckled) when we talked of you while I was at Total Health. Years later he gave me an update on you and spoke with such pride about the choices you had made. It was fun to hear him talk of you…..
Tomorrow is now today, so I better get some sleep.
I think of and pray for all of you continually.
Warmly, Carla