Gracia returns home to Kansas

Yahoo photos of Gracia at airport ^ | June 10, 2002

[repubmom]

Click the link above for the Yahoo photos of Gracia coming home...I don't know how to post photos - but if someone would be so kind as to tell me how, I'd be very grateful! :-)

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

Missionary Gracia Burnham, who was wounded in a firefight between Muslim guerrillas and Philippine government soldiers that also killed her husband on June 7, is surrounded by her family as she talks briefly with the media June 10, 2002 after arriving at the Kansas City airport. Burnham said in a Manila press conference before leaving for the United States that the Muslim guerrillas who kept her hostage for more than a year should be brought to justice. REUTERS/Craig Sands

[WIMom]

I don't feel like contributing today. ~~~ Wait until you see "Unable to locate server"
I don't have money. ~~~ Help with the fundraiser. Bump the threads, ping your FRiends.
There's plenty of time to donate. ~~~ Bill collectors don't see it that way.
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I've got too many other things to do first. ~~~ Don't we all?
I can't contribute much, what's five dollars. ~~~ If everyone contributed one dollar a month, we'd never have a fundraiser again.
The dog ate my credit card. ~~~ Shoot the dog.
Just let me finish freeping. ~~~ BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Don't wait until it's too late. Do it today. Do it now! Before they bring out the cheerleaders! Free Republic is funded solely by us. It's up to us to keep it running. Do your part, contribute if you can. Bump the fundraising threads. Help keep this place alive!

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

HTML Bootcamp

[Carolina]

Missionary Gracia Burnham, accompanied by her children Mindy, Zach and Jeff (L-R), answers questions at a brief press conference after arriving at the Kansas City airport, June 10, 2002. The 43-year-old Burnham, who was shot in the leg in a firefight between Philippine military forces and rebels June 7, was hugged first by the youngest of her three children, 11-year-old Zach, and greeted by cheers from well-wishers waving flowers and 'Welcome Home' signs. REUTERS/Craig Sands

[Carolina]

Missionary Gracia Burnham, who was wounded in a firefight between Muslim guerrillas and Philippine government soldiers that also killed her husband on June 7, hugs her daughter Mindy June 10, 2002 after arriving at the Kansas City airport. Burnham said in a Manila press conference before leaving for the United States that the Muslim guerrillas who kept her hostage for more than a year should be brought to justice. REUTERS/Jeff Mitchell

[Carolina]

[Carolina]

Missionary Gracia Burnham laughs and points at friends as she is pushed in wheelchair by her son Zach after arriving at the Kansas City, Missouri airport, June 10, 2002. The 43-year-old Burnham, who was shot in the leg in a firefight between Philippine military forces and rebels June 7, was hugged first by the youngest of her three children, 11-year-old Zach, and greeted by cheers from well-wishers waving flowers and 'Welcome Home' signs. REUTERS/Jeff Mitchell

[anniegetyourgun]

Despite all she's seen and endured - the light still shines through her.

[Carolina]

The peace that passes all understanding.

[repubmom]

She's a real testimony to the Lord's strength isn't she? Over the past year I've wondered so many times how God would get the glory in this - knowing that He would. Martin's desire to "be strong in the Lord to the end" and Gracia's gracious acceptance of God's ways are both such clear testimonies to their faith and like you said - the peace that passes ALL understanding. I'm sure looking forward to hearing her speak. I'm sure once things settle down that she will get many invitations to churches to share her testimony.

[rwfromkansas]

I want to post some pictures of the hero's welcome she got in Rose Hill, but have not seen any online...they had a candlelight vigil lining the road as she came into town escorted by the Highway Patrol and police cars. It was awesome to see this when they broke into the tv to show live video of it. There were so many people with flags waving and everything. Earlier today when they did a breaking news report about her arrival at the KC airport, the reporters had to fill up a lot of time and one noted that Gracia said she was shocked by the amount of support and attention she has received here in the States. This means her prediction from Nov. that people would not notice it if they died is not true....praise God!

I also want to post her statement from the airport today (note the bolded part):

"Good afternoon - it's good to be home. I want everyone to know that I'm fine. Several minutes ago I was reunited with my children and my family and I think this must be one of the happiest moments of my whole life.

We want to thank each and every one of you for every time you remembered us in prayer. We needed every single prayer during our ordeal in the jungle. We know there are countless of you who don't even know us who prayed and offered support also. We thank you.

I would like to thank Representative Todd Tiahrt and Senator Sam Brownback for helping my family and being such a support during this difficult time.

During our ordeal we were repeatedly lied to by the Abu Sayaff and they are not men of honor. They should be treated as common criminals. We support all U.S. government efforts in assisting the Philippines in ridding that country of terrorism. A very bad thing happened to Martin and I when we were taken hostage, but we want everyone to know that God was good to us every single day of our captivity.

Martin also was a source of strength to all the hostages. He was a good man and he died well.

Again, it's good to be home. Keep praying for me and my kids as we begin to rebuild our lives. Thank you."

What can I say to that? I am simply breathless at an amazing statement like that.

[rwfromkansas]

Geez, I am almost crying....I have not had something impact me like that in ages....

[anniegetyourgun]

And isn't it amazing to see how Martin loved Gracia - as Christ loved the Church and gave up his life for her. It's also so cool to see these pictures because they are evidence (again) of how Gracia lives up to her name. My real name means grace too, but in my case I think it is something I get more of than I give.....

[rwfromkansas]

you have freepmail.

[Carolina]

He was a good man and he died well.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

[homeschool mama]

What a joyous event for Gracia and her children! I'm blessed and stirred by the lovely Christlike manner Gracia posesses.

There's another joyous event happening...and that is of Martin in the presence of Jesus Christ our Lord. :o)

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