Autumn in Pennsylvania

This is first time in many years that I have had the opportunity to enjoy the Fall season in the northeast! While the reason for my being in Pennsylvania does not make me happy, I have enjoyed the cool temperatures and changing leaves. And I have not missed the heat and humidity in Haiti! I have missed the people and the excitement of the start of a new school year and new season of visiting teams.

October 20th, I took advantage of a bright, sunny day and balmy temperatures to drive around State College a bit to see and photograph the Autumn colors. It was a glorious day and the sights and smells and sounds were balm to the soul. The photo is of the State College area taken that day from a mountain a short distance south of town.

Nine days later State College got snow! This is not the most flattering photo of myself I have ever posted, but it was taken October 29th after I walked around the corner to the neighbor's house during the snow fall. Even though the "snow" was more like slush, it was a taste of winter. And if you know me at all, you know I love winter and snow!


The next day after church, the snow was still persisting, though I had expected it to be gone. It lasted an amazingly long time. Then we were back to regular Fall weather. So, other than Penn State's winning season (so far), that has been the most excitement I've had in my life lately!

I have been getting blood tests every two weeks to monitor how my liver is recovering from the Hepatitis A that put me in the hospital back in July. The results have been good, in that the tests are closer to normal each time. But it is taking longer than I had hoped to fully recover. I just had another blood test this past Friday and though I made a little progress (very little), I still am not fully back to normal liver function. It is also taking longer than I had hoped to get my strength, energy and concentration back. I am better than a month ago, but still get tired too quickly and have very limited concentration.

I had hoped to get back to Haiti before Christmas, but now it looks like that will have to wait till after the new year. Thanks everyone who has been praying for me. Please keep my Haitian and American colleagues in prayer as well. Greg Van Schoyck is the only American staff member in Haiti right now -- his wife Barb is still in the US for a variety of reasons and the Wilsons are on Home Missionary Assignment.