It’s Sunday morning in NC.  The loss of little brother weighs this morning.  Isaac’s friends and loved ones all have different ways of grieving, of handling the staggering loss.  For me, thoughts of his gain have given so much comfort every day even in the midst of pain. This morning I woke up, though, and the realities hit me with much sadness.  Church was always a special time to see his face and exchange a few words, give a hug, invite him home for lunch when his family was gone.  While we know that he would have still been in Honduras, today we will know that he is not ever coming through those doors again.  Maybe his family is thinking those things this morning.  Pray for them.

Here, the grieving continues with so little to bring closure of any sort at this point.  A number of Isaac’s closest friends are sweetly gathered with his family in Erandique today.  But another great number are gathering here today to try to have a church service. Moderators, song leaders, and preachers feel a certain burden today that is different than usual.  May we request special prayer, that God will be glorified and that He will show us how to comfort each other?

Thanks so much to the hundreds of you that have prayed and supported Isaac’s mother and sisters and family this week.  It means so much to them.   Hearing a few voices from Honduras yesterday was so encouraging.  They are experiencing what we are, God’s grace and comfort in the midst of tragedy that is only ours on earth, for now.

The second group who traveled down experienced some delays with a missed flight.   They may still be making their way toward Erandique this morning.  Among them are three of Isaac’s best friends and also one of his mother’s closest friends.  A memorial service will be going on down there today, too.  Do carry them on your heart.

And one more thing … one of Isaac’s best friends is in Mexico today, without others who loved Isaac surrounding her. The past few days have been really difficult for her. Please pray for Isaac’s ‘big sis’, Linda. 

How can one person have so many best friends?  I tried to think if I am using that term incorrectly somewhere, but every one of those I mentioned are really his best friends, and I have only included some of them.