Visiting The Ostby

Below is the e-mail that I sent to our friend regarding our trip last weekend to see The Ostby Family. The Ostby used to serve in Indonesia for 20 years before they had to go back to the US when Sue (the mom) became ill.
 
It feels like we just came back from a retreat. Chris and I were blessed and charged spiritually and mentally. We came there bringing some snacks and Indonesian food, which they missed. They were extremelly grateful. Not wanting to keep the blessing for themselves, they called two other families to have lunch together with us. Dana doesn't change much just lost a little weight. Karis-17, Nicko-15, Alisha-13 have grown so much.
Then, we met Sue. I managed to hold my tears (while Chris can't) seeing how fragile she looks. She lost a lot of weight since the last time I met her. She got some stitches on the face karena jatuh beberapa kali waktu jalan. It's harder to understand what she said, so often she has to talk to either Dana or her kids first, who then explain what she meant to us. It's amazing to see how Dana and the kids love, care, and respect their mom so much. Sue shows us the Mother Day card that Karis wrote in two language: Indonesian and English. I remember one sentence that she wrote: "Thank you mom for the love, lesson and wisdom. I love you forever and ever."

We went to the beach afterward to enjoy the rest of the evening and watch Nicko surf. It's heartwarming to see Dana & Sue walk together hand in hand; and to see him gently kissed Sue on the lip at times. What a priceless anniversary gift for us (this is our 6th anniversary trip) to be able to witness the love of such a godly couple.

We stayed in a nearby motel then went to their church on Sunday. I sat next to Sue during the service. She barely can sing but with the strength that she had she continuously lift up her arms during the worship. I can imagine when God look down below He must think that it is one of the most beautiful worship. Then... it's time to say good bye. Alisha (the 13th year old) asked if she can pray for me. Finally, I can't no longer hold my tears as she pray for us and the baby. Then, Karis prayed for us as well. We came to share a little blessing but we end up being the ones who are blessed with much.