From my dear friend, Sherry Hays

April 14, 2008

Hey Jeannie and Chris:

It sounds like you all are having the time of your lives! The blog is awesome! I just wanted to tell you all how great it is to hear how the Lord has provided!! It is so cool that the Rucci's were able to come, and very, very, special too.

My family was asking if we could go too!! :o) Imagine that!! (Well..it was not possible this time, but maybe at some point???) We are getting some great geography lessons in just looking at how far Alaska really is from us. You have become missionaries to a far off land. I can imagine that there are too many homeschool lessons in all of this to even count. :o) Please give everyone our love.

I was reading a book the other day that had a quote by A.W. Tozer. It said, "I venture to suggest that the one vital quality which the great saints had in common was spiritual receptivity. They differed from the average person in that when they felt the inward longing they did something about it. They acquired the lifelong habit of spiritual response."

I really felt like that described you both very well. I was thinking of Jim Elliot and the many missionaries that have left everything. God promises us that He will reward that faith. I cannot imagine the reward He has prepared for you!!

I will never forget Chris saying at the Ranger COA, "You can trust God with total abandon." It means a lot more knowing that you all have literally been out there walking on the water (and ice) with Jesus!

God bless you. You are in our prayers daily. I am sure your family will greatly impact Alaska. We miss you all, and are so thankful for the technology that keeps us connected.

In His Strong Grip,

Sherry, Rich, Ryan, Josh and Gracie Hays

April 24, 2008

Jeannie:

Gracie was in one of the missionette rooms upstairs in the FMC and saw the Daisy bulletin board that had Gabriella on it. She is really "mourning her loss of being close by". She has asked repeatedly why Gabriella had to move so far away? This is the first time she has experienced this. She still prays every night "for God to have His angels guard around the Revells". We miss you all, and think about you all the time. Hoping that things are going well.

I did get on high speed and we all watched the videos (as a family). So wonderful to know that everyone is O.K. I know you are tired (maybe exhausted :o) )and in a transition, but I know God will help you. (((Hugs to all))) and extra prayers lifted for you as well.

Love you,

Sherry

May 5, 2008

Jeannie:

We are praying for you all daily and know God will work all things together for your good. Sometimes I wish we would have "tied you all up" and not let you go. :o) You are all missed so much. It is for a greater cause, the salvation of souls, that we reluctantly had to release you to a very distant place from us.

<((((><

Love you,

Sherry