I’ve been procrastinating on this long overdue update. As time goes on, our “news” doesn’t seem so “newsy”. Yet I realize for this simple fact, much praise to God is due! This letter makes me reflect on the little things. Things that really aren’t so little after all! We continue to covet your prayers and thank you for your assistance that makes our current situation possible.

Since September, we have been home schooling the girls at HOME. I admit I was a little nervous having the girls around Gerry all day. Playing referee is not my favorite activity. Brain injury is fascinating. Outbursts of anger and irrational thoughts continue and I can’t always determine the “why.” While he still has trouble with the “daddy hat,” Ger wears the “teacher hat” surprisingly well. Almost unbelievably, he has kicked into gear. He awakes motivated to teach! He gives daily spelling tests, listens to oral reading, helps with vocabulary, does math drills, and listens to Bible, history and devotions. He is abundantly patient and I often hear him state, "it’s okay, learning is hard, but keep at it, you’ll get it.” All this from the same man who refuses to do his own therapy! Interestingly, by “teaching” he is doing therapy without knowing it! I have witnessed a huge increase in his reasoning ability, clarity and patience. I believe he knows that I am not just placating him when I comment, “your help is invaluable, it frees me up to do other teaching activities.” It is true and he knows it. God has made us to work and when we do, there is much blessing and purpose.

Abilities that I never thought would return are happening. Gerry has begun pulling his old theology books off the shelf and will sit and read sections! Sometimes he delights in being left home alone and “having time to contemplate.” His internal calendar has returned. He knows the date, what activities occur on which date, can mentally count down and anticipate the future. He engages in more insightful dialog, often catching the subtleties. His prayer life is active… he readily asks people how he can pray and now he remembers those requests! He delights in praying for our missionaries. Gerry follows news events, and especially the election,. He goes with us to the library and picks his own books, usually of a political nature. And yes, he still loves to chat with strangers but with a twist, his clarity has improved so his conversations are more meaningful.

The Department of Rehab is still determining if Gerry is “employable.” While I believed the college track served its purpose for him, he didn’t pass his classes. No wonder! When they distributed the exams, he simply responded “no thank you!” When questioned why, he retorts, “I took these classes a few decades ago and I have nothing to prove!” Here is a prefect example of the disconnect of brain injury. He will state he understands he needs to go through the process to become employable, then he refuses to do the necessary steps. Recently he was evaluated in a thrift store workshop and it was determined that he could work within the community. Pray they can find work for him whatever it is! I’m confident Gerry will make the most of it and will turn it into a ministry opportunity. Weekly he continues to enjoy playing guitar with Betsy at the Fallbrook Skilled Nursing facility.

As for the girls, Anessa is now driving, Paula is still horse crazy and Tanya is beginning to ride. The girls are active in 4H and church events. They assisted in coordinating Beach Fellowships, a Mission Conference, a Country Folk Dance and now a New Years’ Eve retreat. Our life is full of activities and blessings! I delight in watching my girls mature into lovely young ladies.

May God remind you of His abundant blessings in “the little things” of life in the coming New Year.

Love the Marinucci’s