Last Saturday, our dear friend Wei-Hsien had to make an incredibly difficult decision... for the past year, or so, he has been battling with the Nebraska state government for permanent residency. While trying to obtain permanent status, he was required to remain within the United States until the green card was given or denied. If he left the United States before the decision was made, then his application would be terminated and there would be no chance for him to return again, unless as a visitor/tourist. Last Wednesday his mother, Clare, was hospitalized suddenly for a lung infection that quickly took her into a coma. Wei had to make the very difficult (and very quick) decision to give up the chances to obtain permanent residency here in the United States so that he could go home to be with his mother and family. He bought his plane ticket on Saturday morning and packed up his apartment and said good-bye to those friends he was able to before his plane took off Monday evening; praying that he would be able to see his mother before Our Lord took her. Unfortunately, as Wei's plane was refueling in Taiwan, Wei's mother died.
His mother converted to Catholicism from Buddhism about two years ago, and praise be to God, received Last Rites. Please pray that this experience and the sacrifice of love Wei-Hsien has made in giving up his chance for U.S. citizenship to be with his family will help to bring a conversion in the hearts of his father and sister, and in the many non-Christian Malaysians to whom he will certainly (and un-lawfully, at the risk of imprisonment) witness and proclaim the faith.
(Above: Wei-Hsien with 2 month old Jonathan and Chris)
We will miss our dear friend so much! He has touched the hearts and changed the lives of so many individuals and families here in the United States- including myself and husband. Wei-Hsien is a man to be emulated in his faith, joy and love. Please lift he and his family up in prayer during this difficult time in his life. Below, is the prayer he sent out just yesterday informing friends of his mother:
With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Thy servant where sickness and sorrow are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting!
Thou only art immortal, who hast created and fashioned man. For out of the earth were we mortals made,and unto the same earth shall we return again, as Thou didst command when Thou madest me, saying unto me: 'For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 'Whither we mortals all shall go,making our funeral dirge the song: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(Below: Wei-Hsien and I on Easter 2005)
It is solid oak wood, excellent condition and perfect for Jonathan. For the price of $5!!
The wonderful hostess of the party, Sarah. 
Sarah ended up making me a "diaper cake." The cake is made entirely out of diapers!!
