By Frederick and Laura Ann Zahn, flazahn@yahoo.com, Springfield

Frederick and Laura Ann Zahn living on Lovers Lane as we approach 56 years together. We began that celebration with a 10 day vacation in Phoenix, Arizona, and continue to celebrate each month into the year. We give thanks COVID has not found us, and we continue to avoid crowds and non-masking gatherings. We just wish others would be respectful of folks like Laura Ann who have a compromised immune system. We like our freedom as much as others!

An update on Khalil. He was imprisoned by the Israelis 14 months without ever being charged. He was released March 9. His witness to his family and church - "I never felt anxious because I knew people were praying for me in my hometown and all the way to Missouri." Our VIM alumni helped pay toward his 'release fee' and lawyer expenses by donating over $2,000. Blessed!

Our Olivewood ministry continues to be on hold as annual conference is closed to vendors such as us and churches are not able to hold craft events due to COVID concerns. Therefore, we continue to mention our option of internet orders or past customers contacting us. We are thankful to have supported Palestinian church ministries and Bethlehem Bible College with $521,000 from 1996-2019. Plus financial support to families of $ 500,000 for their work.

Our Springfield area retiree group enjoyed a Zoom experience with our Rainbow Scholarship Student in Nicaragua. Nancy participated fully, with an interpreter, and we celebrated her goal of becoming a nurse.

We do travel to see family. My widowed sister-in-law, Laura Ann's brother who is on hospice and we'll be with her brother in South Carolina for his 90th birthday.

Current Blessings: The green grass and vibrant colors of spring - a joyous Eastertide to each of you - our sisters and brothers in Palestine celebrate the Orthodox Easter so this is their triduum now (April 21-24).