exhaustion and sadness

This will be short because I can barely see straight to type.

I realize I've been out of touch. I realize I still haven't reported on Joshua's surgery as promised. I realize that I haven't returned phone calls to a bunch of you. Life has been crazy here lately. Mostly in good and exciting ways that I look forward to sharing with you. However, the past 24 hours have not been good, and I'm hoping that you'll pray with us.

You may remember 2009's busyness surrounding a Liberian family that was being resettled in the US. The 10 of them came in February and then became 11 in June when one of the daughters had a baby. Knowing them and all their struggles to settle in to their new life has been quite a ride.

Sunday the family left for FL in 2 vehicles to live near old friends. Monday morning they had a car accident in NC, but no one was seriously hurt. As the 16 year old daughter was climbing out of the vehicle after the accident, another car hit her. She died in a local hospital.

It seems so senseless. Mattu showed so much promise. She was a truly great mom, something you don't expect to say about a 16 year old. She was full of life and hope. She was well loved by many. I'm trying to reconcile the truths I know about God's character with the reality I can currently see, and it's tough.

I spent much of last night and most of today on the phone with people who knew and loved her. We're trying to figure out the best ways to support the family and honor her. Please pray for Mattu's family, her 9 month old son, and all the friends who are trying to process this terrible news.