Sleepless in Panama!

Praise God!! I just wanted to fill everyone in on what has happened the last 24 hours here. It has been an intense and emotional experience for everyone involved but we are now praising God for the safe return of my brother-in-law! Here is the story:

My sister and brother-in-law are here visiting for about 10 days. It just so happens that D has a conference here and a chance to do grad. school research within the jungles on Panama. D left to head out to their spot on Thursday morning and camped out that night. All was going fine until about 10:00pm last night (Friday) when worry set in....D had not returned like planned. Several phone calls the the Embassy and helicopter company (a helicopter was supposed to go get them from the jungle) were made. Basicly, they told us that a helicopter went to go get them but never returned that night. They would be sending out search parties in the morning as soon as it was light. Ok but that was 6 hours from then!!!! What were we supposed to do until then. My sister made several hard phone calls to loved ones asking for prayers. Emails were sent out. My aunt, cousin, sister, and I all sat for a while talking until we thought we may finally be able to sleep. My sister slept about 4 hours. Our minds were racing due to the unknown of where they were.

We finally called sometime around 7:45 to see how the search was going and if they found anything. (we were awake before then though). The search was out but no news yet. At this point, we weren't sure how long it was going to take! But, PRAISE GOD around 8:00am we got another phone call saying that they were found and SAFE!!! Wow!~ Tears of joy filled our eyes as we danced around! We waited all day until 5:00pm....phone calls, waiting, napping, movie-watching, talking, walking, and praying filled our day! I am happy to report that D is safely with us now...and you better believe my sister is not letting him out of her sight!!

It has been a huge learning experience for all of us, especially for my sister and D. We are so happy and relieved to have him back safe and sound. Oh, and basicly the helicopter was not able to start in the jungle so there was no way to radio anyone. Thanks everyone for your prayers! We are all doing very well now:-)