midweek roundup

Today will be busy: a follow up visit to the surgeon who inserted Nancy's chemo port, and a home nursing visit. Meanwhile, we are trying to get the morning nausea under control, and Nancy's fever spiked a bit. (Not sure if this is a result of chemo, or liver complications.) KJ remains a source of help and fun as we go through this transition time.

Being sick is a full-time job. Pray for Nancy to endure well.

Chemo: Round 2, Day 2

Just back from the Rosenfeld Cancer Center. Nancy is comfortable after the afternoon's work. She, KJ and I are settling in to watch "Gosford Park." (No Phillies game tonight, so it is okay to view a Netflix offering.)

The big news is that her liver enzyme readings continue to show improvement. We will fire another round of this cocktail at the cancer in two weeks...that's June 23, and then do a CT Scan on June 30. That will give us the best reading on what is happening in her liver. So, pray for us as we head to that day. And pray for good rest, no rough side effects from today's treatment, and an end to this nasty morning nausea.

weekend update

We sent Leah, Chris and the kids home today. It was great to have Leah here for the last two weeks as we were getting a handle on this new chapter. We are generally finding out how to do family now. God's grace is richly evident to us each day, even as we are sometimes reminded that we remain sinners desperate for his grace even as we try to love each other along this path. We all look for ways to help Nancy in her weakness. And God is giving her grace to enjoy these gestures.

Jonah takes his turn escorting "Amma" to the powder room.

Nancy had a strong day yesterday, but this morning was a bit rough with some persistent nausea and vomiting. Later in the day, the meds kicked in, though.

Finally, tomorrow is chemo day. Pray for HIS grace to be evident throughout the day, and for the drugs to turn back the cancer cells.

A full week

Would it make sense to hear this has been one of the richest weeks of our lives? Our living room has been the scene of sweet family moments, riotous laughter, story telling, great food and even fine adult beverages. Nancy has been in the center of all this, laughing, teasing and generally drinking it all in.

Early this week our family visits included a time with Nancy, her sister Jane and brother Rick. It was good to see them reconnecting, speaking from the heart and entering into the current situation. Rick, Jane, Andrea and Jasmine left us Wednesday

Then Thursday Hunter and Julie Dockery arrived on our doorstep. Yes, our old Ireland team leaders had jumped in the car and driven up from North Carolina to hang out with us. That night Drew and Ann Angus and Caleb joined them and our family for a wonderful Ireland team reunion. We shared some of our favorite tales about that special time twenty years ago when we labored together. Once more we remembered times at places like the Rathmines Fellowship Centre, and Grafton Street and people like Kathy, Ger and Johnny. It is so good to have written those stories together. And as Hunter said, the reunions to come will be even more glorious because we will know the whole story.

What good words; we are writing a new chapter now. It often feels scary and uncertain---so out of our control. But there are moments of great love, profound joy and desperate faith. This story is so overpowering, but it is a story of great hope, because we know the Author is writing for our good----and HIS glory.

encouraging test results

The day began as Bob and Ann left for Kansas. The were hugely helpful in getting this new crisis under control.

Then we saw Dr. Nordlinger. It was a bit of an effort to make the trip for Nancy as she is still weak. However we got some good news. Nancy's blood work showed some improvement in the liver enzymes. That means we will fire another round of the same chemo drug to bring the raging fire of this cancer under control.

We are not overestimatng the news. The situation is still tough. But we are encouraged that God might yet lengthen Nancy's days. Keep praying.

A&O Monday

I was able to spend the day with our eleven missionary candidates today, as we begin our A&O week. This quarterly event is a highpoint of my work year. We have a great group on hand, and I gave my usual "birth of WHM talk" and helped to run some team building exercises. The Sending Center team are picking up the slack on most of my other A&O duties. I am thankful for their wonderful partnership.

Meanwhile, Nancy got some good time with her brother Rick. She is surely resting better at home. Tomorrow we go in to see her oncologist. Those visits are faith challenges these days. Pray for us to see the Sovereign Hand of God on the events unfolding around us.

Quality Family Time

Yesterday was a good time. We enjoyed lots of quality time. Highlights included:

1. Story time with Jonah
2. The girls' shopping trip to get Nancy some comfortable new lounge wear
3. A phone conference between Dan and Josh to discuss the sermon he is preaching at Bridge this morning
4. Birthday cake with Uncle Rick Freeman----we won't disclose which birthday it was
5. Family stories about dating and wedding ceremonies 'til Nancy was tuckered out.
6. And a great night's sleep for Nancy. She is regaining some core strength which is good to see.

This morning I went to New Life's early service. The chorus of one song is echoing through my soul:

My Savior lives

My Savior loves

My Savior's always there for me.

These are the days that you find out whether these are just cute words but living realities.So far we have known His life, His love, and His presence. Pray that we experience those realities each moment of the journey.