Many of you might be wondering why it has been so quiet on our website – what are we doing? First of all, we are okay! For those who haven’t heard, we had a very bad car accident on the Santiam pass (between Salem and Bend, OR) April 14 in the afternoon. Our car slid in some freshly-fallen snow and we landed upside down and partially in the oncoming lane. It was a very surreal experience to go in slow motion and watch your car flip over and the glass shatter and the roof crunching down. The roof bent my head sideways (another inch and this would be a different story) but no broken bones! No one else was harmed! Actually a miraculous moment in the middle of a traumatic experience.
We give thanks for all the ‘helpers’ who stopped to lend aid in our hour of need – the ones who dragged us out of the car; those who put blankets and sleeping bags over us in the snowstorm; those who stabilized my neck; those who checked our vitals; those who parked rigs in front of us so no cars would slide into us on the road; the ODOT guy who radioed into Stayton for an ambulance; the EMT and nurse who checked us out; Michael Myers (a total stranger) who took my cello to Portland for us; Walter, the EMT who rode with me all the way to the Santiam hospital (who has sung in barbershop quartets and a capella groups around the world and studied under Dr. Bonner at Azusa Pacific!); my son David and Cat who came and brought us home…carefully; my family for taking care of all our details and so many friends who have offered to help in any way. We love you all! And to all those invisible angels (you know who you are) who kept us from the cliff, and kept the roof from caving in any further, and kept cars from coming the other way so no one else was hurt – thank you (and to Jesus for sending them so quickly-you must have heard me, eh?)! We are truly blessed to be alive one more day!
They did a CTscan on my neck and xrays on my ribs and all is well. No broken bones, our Camry was totaled but we are alive to tell the tale! Praise God! We have been nursing bad bumps, torn ligaments and bruises at home and getting massage and chiropractic help. Thanks for your prayers and a big thanks to Jesus who protected us throughout this ordeal – though I think He might have chosen an easier way to get us a new car!
And we have a pretty good ‘case’ for hard-shell cases! my 150 year-old cello was in the back seat of our car when we flipped over end-to-end on the Santiam Hwy landing upside down! Beautifully untouched when I opened up the case at home! Praise God! I bought the case two months ago after 42 years of being in a soft bag (the cello – not me!). Thank you Ed Geesman!
Thanks to everybody for your notes of love, encouragement, blessings, prayers and well-wishing (is that a word?) We are doing better and getting lots of help from family and friends – we are truly blessed by your outpouring of love and consideration! It’s cool to get messages from around the world! Obviously, God is not finished with us yet! We are looking forward to getting back to ministry with Guatemala in June! Thanks for your continued prayers for us!
Ps 4:8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.Ps 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Ps 71:7 My life is an example to many, because You have been my strength and protection. Ps 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Pr 19:23 Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.
To His Word we say ‘Amen’!
Here for the Kingdom, Tim and Maryl Smith