Family Letter by Debra

Dear ladies,

Drought -a prolong period of time without precipitation or in my case, a prolong period of
time without writing a letter. I am so glad my salvation and my relationship with God does not
depend on my letter writing skills or my timeliness, but on the Lord Jesus Christ that gives us
the victory and reminds us that the man (or woman) that trust in him would be fruitful even in
times of drought.

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall
be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not
see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of
drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8.

January was a very cold month with much snow and of course, it would not be Missouri if we
did not get the ice also. David’s visit between semesters was a blast. We always have so much
fun, and that visit was no different. Knowing that he was going to start his final semester soon,
we took the time to recall some memories from the start of college. Also, talked about his
upcoming wedding, which took place a few weeks after graduation.

February, being a shortened month, passed too quickly, but not before a short visit with
James, Caity, and Emmie. I took part in several school events of my grandchildren.

My birthday, March 15th, has come and gone for another year. Now 59, but my grandchildren
keep me young – still jumping rope with them.

April brought a break from classes for David as they prepared for their final finals.
Graduation was set for May 7th . Their wedding was set for 26st so we had plenty of things to
take care of before the big day. I enjoyed a baseball game with the grandchildren and several
trips to the farmers’ market with my dear friend, Monica.

May brought great joy as I watched David, with honors, walk across that stage at College of
the Ozarks. His brother, James and family were there also to celebrate David’s
accomplishments. David’s bride-to-be also graduated the same day. I am so proud of David and
my other children, children-in-law and grandchildren. The Lord has truly blessed me in so many
ways.

Next the wedding. It was so exciting. What a beautiful day! A lovely bride and a very
handsome groom. I am also a little partial to his best man and brother, James. He gave a
wonderful power point using photos from the past, to encourage the newlyweds– I laughed
and I cried. All of my children and their families were able to attend -- Gina, Daniel, and Lydia
(14); Donna, Lilibeth (11), Eliana (10), and Elijah (8); James, Caity, Emmie (17 months), and baby
girl Allison (due in June). We sure did miss David’s Grandma and Grandpa Allison, but the travel
was too much for them.

Now June has arrived and so has my newest grand baby, Aubrellia Ruth. She was born at
home on June 22 nd at 2:42 weighing in at 7 lbs. 14ozs. She is beautiful. I am blessed with many
grandchildren; Aubrey is number 6.

As you can see there has not been a drought of joy and blessing. Time is passing and life is
changing, but I continue to be grateful for the “showers of blessing”.

Love and prayers,

Debra