In a previous blog I mentioned my daughter, Debbie Sue of Phoenix, who was with us at ND Bible camp. Now I want you to hear about her. Actually, I must go back several months when she had been diagnosed by a doctor in Phoenix who said she had a brain tumor. Debbie's sister-in law, Susanne Estrada, and a friend, Laura Conner, both had read of tumor surgery done through the nose. Laura told Deb of the University of Pittsburgh, PA, Medical Center, and suggested Deb check out its website. It wasn't long before Deb and hubby Jeffery were air born to PA and on June 4th she underwent an 8-hour surgery.
Bob and LeAnn traveled and arrived in Pittsburgh, June 8th. Deb was released from the hospital but had to stay in the city for further doctors' exams. Jeff flew back to Phoenix and the Bachmans stayed with Deb. Bob, a worker in Convoy of Hope, drove to Harrisburg, capitol of PA, and there he met with a statesman, relating the agricultural program which has interested many farmers.
When Deb was released, she traveled with Bob and LeAnn back to Springfield and then on to Bible Camp and other places which I've told you of. The last I wrote to you was of Debbie and I flying to Phoenix. I was going to stay with her and help her, after her big surgery.
New adventures and new friends were awaited me in Phoenix. While at the camp in ND, Deb had met Grace Walker, an old friend from when they met together at youth camps. Now she was Grace Thompson and lived in Scottsdale. She drove to Deb's home and picked up Deb and me. She drove on to Surprise, AZ and there we met another friend, Grace Jacobson Ritter, who had been a young girl in ND and her family attended the church Chet and I had pastored. We had a great time, reminiscing of years gone by.
Another happy afternoon was spent with Melvin and Pat Holmquist in their lovely home in Sun City. My grandson, Jason Bachman of El Mirage, AZ had been at their home, some time ago where he had helped pick grapefruit which were brought to friends in MO. So Jason took me to the Holmquists. I had learned that Pat was a sister of Thomas Trask, whom I had met in years back and so I was anxious to meet her. Another brother, Ray, and his wife Marjorie were also there and I had met them many years ago in ND. I was so blessed to be with these dear ones of the family of God.
I was in Phoenix almost four weeks with Deb, Jeff and their 8-year-old daughter, Raegan who kept us all happy. The only thing I did not appreciate was the hot temperatures. Chester and I had always made our trips to AZ for Christmas and New Years.
Now, on Nov. 23 we are heading for ND and will be with all the Bachman families. I surely hope we will not have snow storms while up there. The beautiful snow we'll love, but if not wrapped in a storm. So may God bless each of you, and let us all be thankful for His blessings to us. Your writer friend, Avis Osland.
