I am so sorry for not updating you about Abigail, but this is the first chance I have had to get on the computer. Abigail's heart stopped beating at 4:00 p.m. last Wednesday. We believe she went to heaven the Sunday before, even before we rushed her to the hospital. Although they were able to get her breathing that day, two days of studies confirmed that her brain had been dead from that first day. We were informed of the conclusive results at midnight Tuesday night.

The pediatrician attending her and the neurologist were so humane and professional in the the way they explained everything to us. Although they are Catholics, they have a sincere belief in God and a real concern for people. It made it so much easier for Rhonda and I. On Wednesday, they slowly took the medicine away that was artificially keeping her alive, so that her heart would, on her own, stop beating. We had a bittersweet time watching her slip away as we sang hymns, prayed together, and listened to Christian hymns that they let us play in the room. I believe the death of Abby and our testimony touched the hearts of many there in the intensive care unit. We pray that God was glorified in those last few hours.

We are so thankful for all your prayers and phone calls and e-mail messages. They were a great help to know that we have so many friends that care about us. We also received much help from our Christian family here in our church and in the other Baptist churches, as well as missionaries we fellowship with. Abby was buried on Thursday at a plot not to far from our home, the plot of a fellow missionary that has also buried his son here on the field.

Please pray for Rhonda, as on Thursday morning, she had sharp pains in her side and we took her to the same emergency room where we had taken Abby just four days before. She was diagnosed with kidney stones and we returned just in time to our home to get dressed for the funeral. She is taking medicine for it and is going to the doctor today.

We thank God that God gave us Abigail to enjoy these last two months and that, instead of an awful, sudden death on Sunday; we had the privilege for three days to say our goodbyes to her and see her slip away from us with dignity. Please, please pray for Rhonda as these last couple of days have been especially hard for her emotionally. We are trusting in God's providence and His grace, but the loss is still very, very painful; especially for Rhonda. Please continue to pray much for us.

Thank you so much for your prayers, genuine concern, and love;