Clarks: Happy Sick New Cold Year [& Elaine's Departure]

Dispatch from Jason:
I'm sick. I've got a cold. This is my first cold of the year. Actually, it's not just my first cold of 2009, it's my first cold of the school year--that is, the first time I've had a cold since coming to China. So, that's pretty good, I think. I'm thankful to have been so healthy so far.
Our cat is also out of the hospital and doing well. He's been sickly pretty much from the start. He's been in and out of the vet so many times, we can't even keep up with it. We thought we were real smart for getting such a good discount when we bought him; now we've well more than double-spent on vet bills the amount we'd saved initially. So, go figure...
Anyway, now introducing... Cecely! With news about Elaine:
Today Elaine called to say goodbye. This afternoon she will head out on her journey to America and Harding University. I've tried my best to prepare her for some of what she will likely see, do, and go through. I was happy to hear some friends of ours, the Hadwins, will pick her up at the airport. I think being at Harding will give her so much valuable experience and insight, although we really hate to see her go for nine months! The thing I wanted to say though, is that today she called not only to say goodbye but out of genuine concern for her little group of ladies. She feels true ownership. The kind that makes her want to make sure that Margaret, Shenli, and Christina will be ok after she leaves. She called to give me last minute advice for how best to minister to Shenli and Christina, reminding me that they need gentle encouragement. She thinks Shenli is really in a time of thinking seriously about what she needs to do for her spir. life, and she believes that Christina really wants to be more involved in our group, but just hasn't been able to like she'd like to because her daughter Lingling has had so many flare-ups with her asthma recently. I felt so good about her calling to tell me all of that. She feels responsibility and care for the other ladies, and I am truly grateful to Him! Elaine also mentioned that she got to spend some time talking to Gaoyan yesterday; I haven't talked to Yan about it yet, but Elaine said she enjoyed so much talking with her, and that it was so encouraging!

As I think I have mentioned before, I have been having a weekly time with the ladies from Wen San to get to know them better. A couple of weeks ago, however, one of the ladies brought her roommate who is severely depressed, and it was a pretty difficult situation to deal with. She seems to have some issues with trust and she must be handled with kid gloves. I really need your prayers for her; I want to know how best to proceed.

Also, please be thinking of Julia's friend May, who isn't a sister but is interested in studying more in-depth just with me and Julia. Please ask that Julia and I will be guided in what to read with her, that her heart will be softened and her mind sharpened as she looks into the Word. Also pray that Julia will learn about one-on-one studies from this experience and be able to replicate it in the future.

Julia took some kids' books about The Book that she borrowed from me home for Spring Festival, by the way, and shared them with some little relative kids. She said one kid in particular loved it, and asked to hear the story again and again! She was so happy about that success! Be praying that the seeds planted in the hearts of those children will grow through the years, and that Julia can continue to minister to them.

Thanks again, Clear Creek, for making it possible for us to do this work that we love. By giving us so much loving support, you are involving yourselves deeply in this ministry. We are thankful daily as we realize how happy we are to be here, and what amazing supporters you are. We love you.