Though I hadn't quite noticed the timing of it, Karen and her beautiful, joyful life was on my mind these past few weeks. Continuing to pray for you and to praise God for his work in and through her life.

I had been thinking of you all these past few days, so it was good to hear what has been on your heart lately. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably, Al. I continue to pray for you and Elizabeth, and I miss dear Karen along with you.

Al, thank you for sharing this — I love to hear your heart and thoughts and how you know God. It truly helps us to know Him more, too. Missing Karen along with you and also loving thinking of her happy and holy with Jesus today. The Ways love you Goddards always!

Thanks, Al, for opening up once again and sharing your heart. As we have recently reconnected with many old friends from East Asia, I've been once again thinking about you and all the Lord has brought you through. As odd as it might sound to you, in my mind, since we haven't seen each other in many years, "Al and Karen" is still a thing. I remember you both fondly, and our times together. Anyway, thanks again for putting your heart out there for all of us to see--it helps me to understand and share in your grief and I am sure it will help others to process their own grief. May you continue to cling to Christ as He clings to you. God bless.

Thanks for sharing this, Al. It's a good reminder of our heavenly perspective on life, disappointment, loss, and, of course, the separation of death. I don't think I shared my memories. I remember talking with Karen on a bus (?) ride, perhaps traveling to or from a winter retreat. She was just being diagnosed with diabetes, and I was a dietetics major. I also remember you welcoming students into your "cool apartment" in Champaign. It was inspiring to witness a God-honoring marriage among people just a little ahead of us. I remember Karen as an encourager and as a listener, someone who put forth effort to know what was going on with a person. I have appreciated your updates through the years, even though ours dropped off once we had more kids! We have prayed for you re having Elizabeth, going to SE Asia, transitioning and ministering at UGA, and through the past couple of years. We pray for missionaries every Monday (it's an alliteration thing), so know that you continue to be in our prayers! -Pam (Engelke) & Rob Schoonveld

Thank you so much for sharing, Al. There's wise and deep insight about grief and loss. Just Al is a blessing and encouragement to me and many others.

Al, thanks for sharing. I can't imagine all that you have been through over the last two years. So glad that God has been very present with you in the difficult journey.

Thanks for sharing your heart, Al. Really encouraged to have a ringside seat to your life and ministry. Yours is a path many of us will walk eventually, and I pray I do it as well and as authentically as you have. Appreciate your sharing. Praying for you and Elizabeth

It's evident from your writing how deeply you cared about your wife. She was a blessed woman to be so loved and cherished by you.

Was just praying for you yesterday Al! So thankful to get this update today and hear how you are doing and how the Lord is meeting you in the midst of the grief. Prayers for “Just Al” going up now .