These logistics are hard for me to write about, but I know that many of you want to be praying for Isaac’s family and friends in Honduras today, so I will do my best.

God definitely answered prayers on behalf of finding his body last night.  Though they found him 2 miles downriver, the speed of the water could have taken it there very quickly.  Those searching almost decided not to go out and look because it seemed so futile.  Thank God for guiding them so clearly!  They found his body at 9:15pm (11:15 here) and immediately took it to San Antonio, where they prepared it for burial.  They left immediately for Erandique, where Isaac’s family was waiting.  They arrived there this morning.  The burial will be today on the clinic grounds, in the area where Jr Troyers, the Clutters,  and Daniel and Melissa are living.  There will be a service there on Sunday, after the group of about 9 from the Coates’ home church here in NC arrives.   So please keep them in your hearts and prayers.   God bless you.

Reality sinks in deeper with the tangible evidence of our loss now recovered.  My heart is overwhelmed with memories this morning.  The thought of never seeing Isaac again on earth is just too much for words …

It’s so hard to believe that the familiar ways of one person we love won’t be here for us to see anymore.  His personal little quirks, the words and expressions typical of only him, his leather jacket that bore the scratches of his accident in November (they were always a reminder of how fortunate we all were to still have him around), the sound of his bike going by, or better yet, idling in the lane,  seeing him don his helmet and popping his visor open for one last word, the sight of his phone in his hand, hearing his voice, but more than that, seeing his face … all these and more are irreplaceable characteristics of Isaac that I miss.  The loss is much greater for his family today, and his life-long friends.

Thank-you, dear Isaac, for gracing the world with your beauty. I can see your queried look, “Beauty?”  Compliments were hard for you to take, I know, but you would understand what I mean.  You always understood the deep implications that most people don’t begin to grasp.  And today, your comprehension of beauty is so far above and beyond what any of us know on earth.  I wish you could somehow tell us about it.  I can’t wait to walk those streets of gold with you and hear your descriptions and all your first impressions.   I’m so glad you don’t have to say “I’ll try” anymore when we tell you to take care of yourself.  Rest in your forever day in Heaven, dear friend. 

Your mourning sis –

We just received the news that Isaac’s body has been found in the river, about 2 miles from where they had been swimming. Please continue to pray for the family and all involved, as these are very difficult moments for them. Thank you for your prayers.