Dallas Mavericks

Thanks to a very good and longtime friend, I was able to take Leah to a Dallas Mavericks game. We had a wonderful time and are very grateful for this opportunity. Maybe I'll get another chance to go and I will take Kayla next time.

The Biggest Loser

My dad warned me before he passed away in 2001, that I should really work at keeping my weight down. He died of a heart attack at the age of 62. I have not done a good job of following his advice, but now I am. I saw a book at Barnes and Noble with a workout plan and some healthy recipes. It is based on the TV show, "The Biggest Loser." I bought the book 15 days ago, and began immediately to work out. I began to do some cooking and used the recipes. 15 days later, I have lost 11 pounds. I want to encourage all of my friends to take care of themselves. God gave you one body and it is God's temple. Take care of it for the glory of God!

Billy

Photos of Cindy and our girls

Tornado!

Thanks to a friend, we can show you this picture of a tornado seen near Phnom Penh in the last day or two. Awesome, huh? Thanks, Isaac, for letting us use the photo for the blog.

Updating You on Cindy

The doctors are still unsure about the exact nature of Cindy's problem. She had another CT scan yesterday and goes for an MRI today. Cindy has been having some terrible problems with her lower back and spine, near her tailbone. She has so much inflammation that they couldn't see the x-ray well, so they're doing the MRI today. We have learned that tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and another disease called cestodic tuberculosis can spread and cause the kind of pain that she's having in her lower spinal region. She was hurting so badly yesterday that she was unable to get up out of a chair without considerable effort. We appreciate your prayers for Cindy and will keep you informed as we learn more.

What's Up?

Well, we are still in Texas. I just got back from a missions conference in the beautiful state of Connecticut. Wow, the leaves are changing and the weather was nice and cool. It was cold enough in the mornings to use a fireplace.

Cindy is still following the TB program here in Texas. The program lasts a minimum of six months. She was supposed to have another CT scan this month, but funds are tight, so we will delay it another month. This economic recession, downturn, whatever you want to call it, is really affecting missionaries. Love offerings are down. Sometimes you go to a church and the love offering doesn't even cover the cost of the expenses to get there. This isn't complaining; it's just the truth. People are afraid of what the economy is going to do. This trickles down to the missionaries on deputation or furlough.

Our Social Security withholding went up. Our health insurance (like yours) went up. We have seen our support for the orphanage decrease by $500 a month all of a sudden. Inflation in Cambodia is at 24%. All in all, this adds up to a decrease in monthly available support of $1,100 not counting the inflationary rise.

We, as well as all missionaries, need your faithful prayers and support! Our Lord has called us to go into all the world with the Good News! We couldn't do this without your faithful prayers and support.

Family Things

Hi everyone,
Here's an update on how things are going around here. Cindy's still undergoing treatment for what seems to be a "tb-like bacteria" She is having some pains in her chest and will be going to the doctor to follow up on that.

Well, the girls are still trying to do whatever they can to raise some funds for their trips: Leah has an upcoming mission trip to a "Creative Access Nation" and Kayla to our nation's capitol. Pray for my girls as they see the Lord work in their lives. If you can help them, please let us know at our email address: haas4cambodia@yahoo.com

I just got back from Louisville, Kentucky. The mission conference was cancelled due to damages inflicted by Tropical Depression Ike. It was great to hear Bro. Trivette preach in person. I've listened to many of his messages on tape throughout the years.

Cindy met Fox News anchorwoman E.D. Hill recently and that was cool. She had her photo taken with her also.