Dennis the Menace & middle of the night calls

Wednesday after Gerald and I had been in Meknes all day trying to help Ron and Laurie pack up ten years of life in Morocco and sell three cars under Ron's name in 48 hours, we returned to Ifrane with heavy hearts.

Then at 1 AM someone from the nearby orphanage that has been threatened with deportation for months called Gerald. My heart sank and I prepared myself to go see the catastrophe that was surely unfolding there. I mean, really, when does someone call in the middle of the night with good news? But I was wrong. Myrna told Gerald they had heard all deportations from the whole spring had been overturned and that this government would pay plane tickets back for those who had already left. She wanted to call us before Ron might leave the country (the main flight out is a 2 AM). The night before we couldn't sleep because of sadness. That night we couldn't sleep because of joy!

The next morning the US consulate called Ron to say that the deportations from this week have been suspended pending a conversation that day between the US ambassador and the Minister of Interior. Ten Americans had been given the order since Sunday night and we don't know how many from other countries. After a long day of hopeful waiting, the consulate called back to tell Ron that the deportations of those still in Morocco had been permanently cancelled! It's seems this country's quest to rid the entire country of Christians (i.e. people who are 'grave menaces' as the document said) had finally hit a hitch.

Of course this has been a roller coaster for those involved - the stress of anticipation, grief of others leaving (there have been about 120 not counting families), exhaustion from worry, then almost a sense of relief upon getting the summons - 'so this is it' and 'fine - we're ready to leave' then joy and relief -whew!

We still don't know about the message we received in the middle of the night. Is something bigger politically going on? What happened at the hearings in DC last week with Senator Wolf? Has the king gotten involved? Does this mean those who have left will be able to come back? Does this mean future deportations won't happen? Will this country change its mind and problems start up next week? We just don't know. But after 3 1/2 months of bad news, we are thrilled with the first good news about this situation!

Now I call Ron "Dennis the Menace" - I always knew it :)

As I was thanking God for answered prayer yesterday, seven kids barged through the door, running all around me, looking for stickers, paper, markers, dress-up clothes, and most importantly - cookies. Then the cat started using me as a scratching post.

What a good feeling to laugh!

"Not to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory... for ever and ever!" Eph. 3:20