Prayer Request

On Tuesday night we received word that Shawn's younger sister, Victoria, was struck by lightning. She lives in Anchorage and was out with a friend for a hike on a nearby trail. She is doing well and recovering in an Anchorage hospital. Praise the Lord, she doesn't seem to have any major injuries and should be released from the hospital on Saturday. (Unless she went home tonight and I just haven't heard yet.)

She does have numerous 2nd and 3rd degree burn patches on her body from her underarms to her feet. One of her ear drums was also blown out, but the doctors are hopeful that it will be able to heal itself. Obviously she is also dealing with a lot of pain. Shawn's dad was able to go up to Anchorage and is with her now.
Please pray for her as her body continues to heal. This was a very traumatic event and we are SO glad that she survived and is doing well. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15)

The storm formed quickly in the distance of where they were hiking. They were already far from the trail head. Victoria heard thunder and then saw what she thought was lightning flash through a cloud a short distance away. She remembers asking her friend if that was lightning. Her next memory was waking up a short distance from the trail. The lightning had gone into her friend's arm then jumped to her. It entered her right arm, went down her body, and exited at her feet. Both of them had their shoes blown out and partially melted. Fortunately her friend was able to call 911 from a cell phone. A helicopter guided firefighters on ATVs to get to them. Then they had to hand carry Victoria on a stretcher down the rough trail back to the parking lot. Fortunately her friend was able to hike out on his own.
It was quite the ordeal, but we're so thankful for the quick rescue efforts of the EMT's and firefighters. The picture below was on the front page of the Anchorage Daily News the next morning (Wednesday). So we ask you to join us in lifting up Victoria to our Heavenly Father. He has already done so much to protect her. She faces many challenges in the near future and will surely need more of God's mighty strength and comfort.

Needless to say we've had a lot on our minds the last few days in addition to our normal activities and hosting my parents who are here visiting. So my apologies to those of you who have told me that you've been waiting for me to post again. We've just had a lot going on. Hope you're all having a great week and that you're enjoying the Lord's blessings.