Harvest 2006

We have been home for almost a month from Florida, and in that time we continue to see small, but significant improvements in Steve. We are in the midst of bringing in the harvest, which means Randy and Steve are working long, productive days.

Randy is noticing improvements in how Steve is able to use his right hand more than before, as well as improved abilities to work with the equipment...which is very significant. Steve loves working in the field, whether it be in the auger cart (above) or running the plow after the crop is harvested.

We are so encouraged, as step by step we see changes in Steve that up until now we had ceased to see. The hope of continued improvements and future improvements is on our minds and in our thoughts continuously. We pray that as Steve continues to improve, his potential for living out a future full of unlimited possibilities will be realized.

Our participation with 'Project Ignition' continues into this school year. Even though the group at school has began its 2006-2007 emphasis (Drunk Driving) the 2005-06 project which featured Greg and Steve's story continues to attract attention. Last week 10 area High School representatives attended a half day workshop in which our Project Ignition team presented last year's project (including the 'Steer Clear' video of us telling our story), with the hope that these 10 schools will go back and develop their own student led safe driving projects (thanks to a grant from Illinois Department of Transportation). It was an emotional morning to be part of as I was able to speak to the whole group, then talk with some of the school groups individually. I do believe that lives will be saved by these students going back and using some of the same ideas used at GCMS to effectively encourage their peers to drive smart.

Next week, a news crew from CLTV (an all news station from Chicago) will spend a day at the school, community, hospital, and the farm to tell the story by way of a 'special report' in the midst of their news casts. The following week, our Project Ignition team will again present to several schools, only it will be Chicago area schools, and the venue will be the Tribune offices in Oak Brook. It will be quite an honor to present and promote such a worthy program in the Chicago area, too.

Through it all, God remains ever faithful. The harvest is bountiful, and so far, safe. He is working out continued progress in Steve's journey, and He provides grace as we retell our story of January 17th, 2003. Even through our tears of remembrance and 'homesickness' for Greg, our Lord comforts through His promises in His Word, His people, and the many times we see Him so vividly...especially in the beauty of the autumn skies and the glorious sunsets at the end of these long productive days. "...Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." Acts 14:17 NIV