It is Thanksgiving evening here in the US. Connie and I have been reflecting on how much we have to be thankful for – the Lord’s blessings have been beyond abundant.
This year has not been without its challenges. Connie arrived in the States for her surgery in March and then…COVID. She would remain until her surgery was finally scheduled for the 26th of August. I would arrive in August in time for the surgery, only to become quite ill and we would spend many more days separated while I isolated…I quit counting at 150 days… We were scheduled to return to PNG on the 25th of October…the airline cancelled the route. The next option was to depart on the 8th of November. With bags packed and ready to go, I was diagnosed with Covid on the 7th.
It would be easy to become discouraged, but truly the Lord is in control. Nothing of this surprised Him. He had a plan.
Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 NASB
The Blessings:
- Connie has recovered so very well from her major surgery!
- I (Todd) have recovered well from my encounter with Covid.
- We were able to get our “negative” Covid tests just in time to purchase airline tickets and make all of the required submissions for travel to PNG.
- We have been able to spend some tremendous time with our family.
- The Lord has been providing financially to-date for all of the added expenses of flights, cancelled flights, Covid tests and medical bills.
- Technology has allowed us to remain engaged and continue to fulfill many of our requirements from a distance.
We had a chance to experience some cold and snow…something I (Todd) have missed greatly. (Connie is just as happy in the warmer climates!!) - Too many more blessing to list.
The Return:
Lord willing, we will be departing Boise, Idaho on Sunday the 29th of November at shortly after 7am. We would so greatly appreciate your prayers as the journey is long. It will take us from Boise to Los Angeles, to Qatar, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where we will wait for approximately 16 hours and then continue on to Port Moresby on 2-December. We will quarantine one night in Port Moresby and then travel on a MAF flight from Port Moresby to Mt. Hagen, where we will then quarantine for 13 more days.
Thank you so very much for your continued prayers and encouragement. We echo the feelings of Timothy, thanking the Lord that He has strengthened us and considered us faithful, placing us into His service in PNG. (1 Tim 2:12)
We are looking forward to getting back to our team in Papua New Guinea!!
We will post updates along the journey as we are able.
Todd & Connie Lou...from Papua New Guinea...to you! 
Thank you for the update! Praying BIG time !!! Blessings for bringing so many to our Lord Jesus !!!!!
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Thanks Patty for your prayers and encouragement. May the Lord receive the credit for anything good that is accomplished.
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Yes, our Lord is using you both BIG time !!!!
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I keep you both in ours. What a journey you’ve been on! May God continue to bless you.
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Thanks so much for your prayers!!
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Praying for your safe travels. Also that’s you both keep well. God bless you greatly in your work for Him.
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Thanks so much Regina! Appreciate your prayers!!
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Praying for you guys! Safe travels! 🙂
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Thanks Jaycee!! Wish we were headed through the PI and could stop for a while!!
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Thanks Jaycee!!! Sure do miss you guys. We’ll be through Manila again Lord Willing – one of these days!!!
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Praying for you two as well as your family and team. God Bless and keep you in his loving arms of safety. Love You guys.
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Paula and Rick, Thanks so very much for the many, many years of prayers and support. You two have continued to be such a tangible blessing from the Lord is SO MANY WAYS!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! May you have a blessed and Spirit-filled Christmas!
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Wow you have both been through a lot! We are praying diligently for your safe and healthy return. I do wish I could have seen you when I was in Boise. That would have been lovely.
So glad Todd has recovered from COVID. Kelly and I and our two daughters in town all had it in July. Ugh!
Will be watching for news of your journey.
Love you both, Beth
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Thanks again Beth for the ongoing prayers!!!
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So good to hear you are once again scheduled to head back praying for safe travels
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Thanks Versal- we are home in the Highlands and almost out of quarantine- will be so good to be fully back with our team- working alongside these amazing people!
Appreciate your prayers so much!
Connie Lou
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I will be praying for you both & your up-coming travels. Somehow missed hearing about Todd’s bout with Covid. My new husband & I were scheduled to leave from Genoa, Nevada with my oldest daughter Karen & her husband (who he has not met my new husband) & travel in 2 cars to Eagle, Idaho & be there by Tuesday. Well my daughter Sharon in Eagle came down with the Covid & shortly after her husband Jim did. His married daughter attends with her family at Eagle, Nazarene & were lax in wearing masks & she got Covid but not knowing she had it passed it to my family. So, we cancelled our trip. Heard in the news that Idaho was now the second largest state with Covid. So glad you both were able to spend quality time with your family. We sure missed being with them but for our ages being in the 80’s my daughter said we don’t want an empty chair at the table next year. God bless you both & keep you safe🙏🙏🎚
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Sandy – thanks for the encouragement and for taking the time to respond to us on the blog. I’m sorry that it has taken us a while to catch up. Sorry that you had to cancel your trip. Better to be safe right now than sorry!!!
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My Dear Ones, how hard it was to read your detailed message on Thanksgiving evening. I knew about your surgery, Connie, and why you couldn’t return, but I sure didn’t know about what happened to you, Todd. Thank you for the details of your return trip as endless prayers are needed, and I can follow along as best as possible as well and safe. I’m concerned for your Idaho family too and will pray for them. God is in control with His plans for what lies ahead for each one of us. Now I’ll await your messages, and what a great celebration should be waiting for you I PNG!!! Grandma Irene sends much 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏☝️📖🎶🔔💕💕💕💕🦅🗽🇺🇸🙋♀️🤗🥰🎄👋
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Grandma Irene,
It was a truly joyous reunion- we are almost out of quarantine and will have better reunions as we get around to meet and greet all our amazing teammates.
We so appreciate your love and continued prayers!
Connie Lou for Todd too😉
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