Charis Chasah (Grace in Greek, Trust in Hebrew)

In our Christmas letter, we said we were expecting another grandchild in 2018.  This is the story of Charis Chasah.  Randy and Joy were expecting a baby in June.  At the 14 week ultrasound, all was well.  But in week 18, Joy realized all was not well.  The baby had died about week 16.  Charis Chasah was born on January 10.  She was a little girl who fit easily in her daddy's open hand, fearfully and wonderfully made, but not for this world.  She is in heaven already, with her brother Malachi and another one they had named Gabriel, not knowing if it was a boy or girl. Charis means "grace" in Greek, and God has given His grace through the loss.  Chasah means "trust" in Hebrew, and they are trusting God always knows best and never makes a mistake.

They had a small funeral service in the cemetery in Mitchell, South Dakota
on Saturday, January 13, a cold, wintry day. 

The children all released balloons that said Baby Girl on them.

This is a drawing of the little grave stone that will be placed.

 If you think of our children, pray for the continued comfort and encouragement they need.  They have had two Native Americans die so far this year who were associated with their Reservation Church family; one was a Christian, and hopefully the other one was saved before he died. (Lord, help us not to leave any question marks when we die!!!) There have been many stresses thus far in 2018, and Randy and Joy and their children need encouragement and wisdom.