Billings Return & Mandela's death

Dear Family and Friends,

This will come as a surprise to many of you but we have left the Congo and have returned to our home.  JoAnn has had some health problems that have caused us to come home for medical attention.  We got home on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving and spent Thanksgiving Day with some of our children in our home.  We are looking forward to seeing all of you.  Thanks to all of you for your support while we have been gone.  The email messages that you have sent have given us the lifts we have needed in order to endure the many challenges we faced.

Leaving now left much of the responsibility for training in the hands of the Congolese we had trained to be trainers.  The time had come and we have confidence they will be able to carry on and grow as they encounter new challenges on their own. 

We hope all is well for each of you and that you will have a most enjoyable holiday season.

Best regards,

George and JoAnn

[We attended George and JoAnn's December 29th mission report with the Kents and their open house where we learned that JoAnn was accidentally electrocuted while reaching over her stove.  Electricity traveled through both arms.    Since they were scheduled for release in a few weeks they opted to return rather than fly to Johannesburg for medical treatment.  JoAnn is gradually recovering.  She has lost strength in both arms.  The rhythm of her heart was affected.  She is lucky to be alive.]

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Nelson Mandela 1918-2013

We spent December 6th watching the news broadcasts on CNN.  When asked if he had any regrets, Mandela said:  "No.  I just followed my heart. "