Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Gratitude and Thanksgiving It is the month to think of this topic. For me it takes on a very special meaning.

It has now been two months since my last chemotherapy infusion. During this time, my energy has increased and my appetite returned. I have again been hungry! Food has flavor, does not cause GI symptoms, and is for the most part eagerly enjoyed. That is such a welcomed change from days and months of active chemotherapy.

I felt well enough to fly out to the East coast to see Sarah, Becky and their families in October. Visiting with four grandchildren was a highlight. From Boston's Chinatown and numerous parks to Maine's scenery and the Klein's chickens, it was a wonderful week.

Celebrated three November birthdays with a trip downtown via the train....Anna Heredia is 4 years, Beth and Linda ? Birthday are wonderful.

This week was so important. My first follow-up visit with my oncologist was good. My lab work was within normal limits. And I do not have to return for three months! I am overjoyed.

Each and every day is a gift that I no longer take for granted.

Thank you Lord.

Number 12 - the final chemotherapy

Number 12 Chemotherapy is infusing. I will finish this infusion and have the pump removed late this afternoon.

With this treatment, I complete the coarse of chemotherapy! There have been reductions in initial dosing, delays with low blood counts, and stoppage of one agent due to side effects. In spite of all of this, I was able to complete the coarse of 12 treatments.

I will see the Doctor in two months, then follow up every three months. This is a transition into an uncharted area. We truly wait upon the Lord for His healing at this time.

In the past seven plus months, so many of you have stood with us and supported us in numerous ways. Some have weeded our yard, planted flowers, cooked meals, sent cards, knitted prayer shawls, run a triathlon, baked cookies, fasted and more. Each expression of love has been appreciated. You have truly ministered to us. Most of all we appreciate your prayer support during these months. The Word of God is alive and we claim His promises for LIFE.

"They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 We wait upon the LORD.

Challenges and Fun along the Way

Our daughter Sarah from Cumberland, Maine signed up to run in her first Triathlon early in February. It was a fund raiser for the Maine Cancer Foundation. The very next day, I was diagnosed with colon cancer!

August 15th, Sarah along with over 900 others swam in the ocean 1/3 mile, biked 15 miles, and ran 3 miles. Sarah finished in the upper 10% of competitors. Please see the pictures of why she ran. This race raised over $900,000 for cancer research. Thank you Sarah for your effort for Mom and others.


This past week, with a bit more energy most likely because I had to stop one of the chemo drugs, we have experienced some wonderful adventures.

First was to the Tall Ship Festival at Chicago's lake front. 19 masted ships with an unbelievable amount of ropes, rigging, and masts. We were able to board several of the ships-schooners. The quarters below were tiny. We had to bend over in the living quarters. That's where over 24 hammocks sleep some of the crew, Claustrophobia for me! From the depths of the ships to climbing up the rigging to the high sails. Life on the water is challenging. That life is not for me, but they were delightful to visit.

The next day was a visit to The American Girl Place. What a wonderland for little girls. It is fun to see. Annika, our 9 year old granddaughter, LOVED it. We celebrated her returning to Mongolia with our visit and lunch.

Mark, Cinda, Annika, and Toby return to Mongolia on September 5th traveling through Seoul, Korea and on to Ulanbataar, Mongolia.

Hope - and another treatment

Earlier in the week, someone gave me a rock etched with one word.....Hope. Reading in a devotional on Wednesday morning, the topic was "When I need Hope".

We had blood drawn in the morning and met with the Dr.

We knew the results of the blood counts would determine whether further treatment would be given or stopped after 10 cycles.

The devotional went on with: "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23

We waited, we prayed and hoped we could continue, and we waited. After several minutes, the Dr. came with the word "Come on back, we can give you another treatment."

The ANC - Neutrophil count was the highest almost ever! One of the drugs, Oxaliplatin was stopped due to an increase in side effects which could be permanent. The other two chemo drugs, Leukovorin and 5-FU were continued.

The devotional went on..."The foundation of my hope is Christ's resurrection and the strength of my hope is His presence and power."

For praying, THANK YOU. No one has more profound thanksgiving than Don and I. God's grace is overwhelming. Don wrote the following: It was a fast rule when I operated that I reminded myself and all in the O R.....you have one chance to beat cancer, and this is it. We would then put our hands on top of each other and say, Let's beat cancer. It is my solemn prayer every day.

with JOY and HOPE

# 10 I am getting another treatment

While counts were up last week, they were again down this week with the possibility of stopping any further chemotherapy. Ideally, I still have three treatments to complete the protocol of 12.

ANC - Absolute Neutrophil Count was again 1..0. Not high enough for treatment with that alone.

After talking the Dr., a hand count of a specific sub-set of white blood cells was done. My heart was willing to accept whatever the Lord had prepared. (But I sure wanted all the treatment possible.)
It almost seemed like it came down to one number. That is not a truth as many, many factors enter into the decisions of chemotherapy.

Returning with the hand counted results of the sub-set put me up to 1.7. I was cleared for another round. #10 is infusing as I write. I will be disconnected from the pump on Friday afternoon.

Thank you again to so many who encourage me and most of all pray for all aspects of this illness.

Reading from another blog this eveing, I was directed to Psalm 119:14 "You are my refuge and my shield. I have put my hope in your word, Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live." Repeatedly later in the chapter are further words of petition. "Look upon my suffering and deliver me, renew my life according to your promise, preserve my life, O Lord. v. 175....Let me live that I may praise you."

Praise be to God!

Rejoicing over increased blood counts

Wednesday, I had additional blood work done.

With much gratitude, my blood showed low, but improved blood counts. While my Hemoglobin has never been so high and my platelets never so low, my Neutrophil count of infection fighting cells had eased up from the previous week. I have no signs of bleeding or infection.

Think that the time in Michigan with family, the sun, and the beach was good. However, the prayer intercession of so many of you has been the real key.

To God be the Glory. He is Faithful

Hurdles and Difficulties

With a week delay in treatment # 9, my blood counts did NOT show any improvement. My ANC remained the same while a slight increase in platelets and white blood count. It is risky to be given chemotherapy at this level. Figuring in other cells, although immature at this time, #9 treatment is being given. I will be disconnected from the pump this afternoon about 5 pm.

Much discussion went in to how to proceed after this. Because of the slow response of my bone marrow, further treatments might have to be stopped. I would love to have the recommended number of treatments to maximize effectiveness. I will be followed by blood work next week followed by reevaluation on August 4th.

Pray with us that the response would be in a range that further treatment could be given and for wisdom for the Dr in decisions.

Don and I did enjoy four wonderful days with our ENTIRE family....all 22 of us. This was the first time ever to be altogether. Will post some pictures ...lots of food, water, sand, kids, fun and more.

Another Delay

Well...with great anticipation of # 9 this morning, my blood counts were again too low to be given chemo. There is a response in my bone marrow, but not enough mature white cells to sustain another cycle. Chemo is producing varied effects on different systems.

Now...with disappointment, # 9 will be delayed another week. Hopefully, by then, I will have reached a level where I again can have chemo. I felt so good yesterday, Don and I were guessing what the numbers would be. Feeling good does NOT equate to adequate blood counts.

With Don's BIG birthday today, Mark & Cinda's 15th Wedding anniversary, and just plain summertime, our entire family is assembling in Michigan for celebrations. This is the first time that everyone will be together. That will be 22 people in all! Twelve adults and ten grandchildren from age 11 to 1. Logistics from food to sleeping arrangements are interesting. More about that later.

Again, we are reminded that our timings are not necessarily of our making. May the Lord continue to give direction and oversight as HE has in the past. Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." We again claim HIS promises.

#8 and Storms

It is Friday evening July 2nd. I was disconnected from my pump about 5 hours ago now, having completed Chemo Treatment # 8. While my blood counts were still on the low side, they were adequate for me to be treated. That is a huge praise!

It is nice to not be tethered to the pump, but it has become so much a routine, that I am not bother with it, asleep or awake.

Each treatment seems to have its unique aspects. This time, only one IV bag was infused initially rather than two. It seem that Leukovorin is not available at this time in the United States. There is no supply to obtain this drug. While it is not an actual chemotherapeutic drug, it does potentiates the effects of the other two. There was a manufacturing 'glitch' which cause the supply to be depleted. Glaxo, Smith, Kline feels they will be able to supply more by the end of July. Interesting.

Two weeks ago, on Friday, a huge storm came through. We lost power in Western Springs for about 8 hours. However, the next day it again went out.....and this time stayed out for over three days. 78+ hours. We ran a generator to supply our refrigerator and freezer, light candles and flashlights, and went to bed at 8:30 at night. Even with the generator, we lost over half the contents of our freezer.

Mark and Cinda were up in Michigan. Power went out there as well for about three days. Our area in Michigan sustained extensive damage with many old, large tall trees uprooted. While we lost trees, there was no damage to our house. Our neighbor, however, had two trees and an limb go into his roof. One really had to see to believe.....thus will share some pictures.

The power of nature is awesome. Our God is in control.

Chemo # 7 - Mongolians Return

With white blood cells still low, especially my ANC - Absolute Neutrophil count of 1.1. , my dose was reduced by another 15 % from the initial dosage. Thus I am getting 70% dose. I have the 5-FU infusion until about 5 pm tonight. Again side effects were different this time.

It has been a delight to have Mark, Cinda, Annika and Toby with us. They have explored museums, sorted through items that were left here, and enjoyed several ethnic Chicago foods. They will be heading down to Missouri and Arkansas for the next few weeks returning to Chicago area mid-July. They are ticketed to return July 24, however, word came a few days ago that the Mongolian government might not be reviewing visas until July which might delay their return.
Timing again, is not always ours to set.

Thank you everyone for your intercessory pray on out behalf. How encouraging it is to learn of people that are praying in the middle of the night from Singapore to Niger to Mongolia to the midwest. Your friendship and concern is a real treasure.

Delay with # 7 Chemo

The expected #7 treatment could not be given today as again my blood counts were too low.

Treatment will be delayed one week, blood counts evaluated, and infusion restarted with the possibility of another reduction in dosage at that time.

We remain in God's hands. The timing and healing are not ours. May I completely "Trust in you, O Lord; You are my God," My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies" Psalm 31:14

JOY - Disappointment - JOY

JOY - Wednesday June 2nd

Mark, Cinda, Annika and Toby arrived from Mongolia via Seoul, Korea...24+ hours of travel. Ulanbataar, Mongolia to Seoul is now 3 hours as they have to avoid North Korean air space. After two years, it was absolutely wonderful to see everyone. Annika and Toby have both grown physically, but still have their sweet spirit. They are very resourceful children. Their return to the states was prompted by visa requirement. We are delighted! Aspen, their dog, seemed to remember them. They certainly were glad to see her.

Disappointment - June 2nd

Following Chemo #6, I have felt quite good. Probably the best of any week immediately after the infusion. I had a positive attitude, ate quite well, and had period of 'energy'. Prior to the going to the airport, I had blood drawn. My white blood cells count was at the lowest it has ever been. WBC....1.9 for those who are interested. My ANC was 0.03. Lesson: feeling good does not necessarily translate into quality blood counts. Again, my risk of infection is heightened. I was given another dose of Neupogen to help boost my production of white cells. Also placed on antibiotics with signs of an infection brewing.

JOY - June 3rd

Thursday, repeat blood drawn showed white blood counts which have never been higher!!!
Thank you Lord for Neupogen, that I do no have pain as my marrow is stimulated, and that it has been effective for me. WBC jumped to 7.7 and ANC to 4.5! Blood draw again next week before #7 hopefully will continue to show positive effects of the drug.

Thanks to so many who lift up my situation in prayer before the Lord, for those that have helped with yard work, with food, with comments and letters, and in multiple other ways. We appreciate each of you.

God is Faithful

It has been quite awhile since I wrote last. I do not want to bore anyone with the details of chemo side effects. They are there, sometimes more intense than others, sometimes present in the morning, sometimes appear at night. I can have some energy for a while, and then a veil of exhaustion come over and you will find me on the couch or in bed. I want to be able to anticipate these times, yet there is no pattern.

Chemo #6 was infused last Wednesday and for the most part, I have felt quite well. Don and I were able to enjoy several days relaxing in Michigan.

This past week has been eventful. #6 for me....yeah! Last Friday, our daughter Becky had a complete thyroidectomy done for nodules that suddenly appeared this spring. Dr. A. Gawande was able to do her surgery...one of the top endocrine surgeons in the country. We prayed that her vocal chords would be spared.......she is able to talk; we prayed that her para-thyroid glands would be spared......all four of them were! While she has experienced days of discomfort and pain, each day brings a bit of relief. Thankfully, the other set of Grandparents, Dan and Jean Williams were able and willing to drive out to care for 2 year old Eleanor. They have visited parks, farms, and taken many walks in Boston, keeping that little sweetheart occupied while Becky recovers.

Now this week, Mark, Cinda, Annika and Toby have driven in the capital of Ulanbataar, Mongolia. They leave tonight at midnight flying through Seoul and onto Chicago.....a 24 hours + journey of time. They have to leave Mongolia due to visa status that will change when they return. They will be in the states for about 6 weeks. We pray for a peaceful flight with periods of sleep.

Since we like the medical community, Sarah and Peter's oldest son will have an operation on Thursday to remove his adenoids.

We so much appreciate your comments, your interest, and most of all your prayers for God's continued care.

Chemo # 5 - Day 5

Number 5 Chemo infused last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Dose adjustment took place to the appropriate dose for the response of my bone marrow. Side effects continue, but one learns to deal with them. Sometimes that means extra hours on the couch from the constant fatigue.

Have been watching a Mother Robin build a nest outside our dining room window. She faithfully sat for weeks on that nest. There seems to be a Mom and Dad combination as two adult robins are usually seen nearby. This past week two little heads popped up in the nest. It has been fascinating watching the parents bring bits of food....worms?....to them. The baby robins grow so quickly. Talk about being faithful as a Mother.

Had to include a picture of our Aspen. She is a delight....well most of the time. We get used to her snoring, her cough, her routine.....and she to our routine as well.
Mark, Cinda, Annika, and Toby return to the states from Mongolia on June 2nd...16 days, but who is counting. Aspen is power sleeping until then.

4 going on 5 for Linda Plus adventure for Don

Almost two weeks ago, #4 Chemo was administered. However, because of low blood counts, I had to have the dosage reduced by 15 %. There have been a variety of reactions. The cold sensitivity tops the list. Fatigue seems always to be present.

Over the last several weeks, Don has noted a deterioration in his vision in one eye. This is the eye that had surgery last August when they peeled a membrane off the retina on the back of the eye. Yes, deterioration certainly had occurred. Thus, last Wednesday he has a cataract removed with the placement of an intra-ocular lens. Over the next few days, his vision improved almost hourly. Now he can see well enough to vacuum the floors and know that he has pick up everything.....Both my hair as well as the dogs!

This Wednesday, Chemo #5.

Pray that I can receive the full dosage and the cancer cells continue to be killed.

A Treasured Gift.

Earlier this week I received such a wonderful, wonderful gift. It was Prayer Shawl knit by my three daughters. Along with it came three wonderful letters of love.

It started in Maine where Sarah chose the yarn and the pattern. Sarah's chose the pattern "Old Shale" which has hills and valleys. She thought this represented the ups and downs of chemo. As a Prayer Shawl is knit, the knitter prays for the recipient. I will wrap myself in it during the chemo infusion as a reminder of their love and prayer.

Sarah knit part of the shawl, then sent it on to Becky in Massachusetts who continued the knitting. Sarah's prayer while she knit was for the "Peace of God. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let our hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. " John 14:27

Becky's prayer was for comfort and knowing God's care. "And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you" Matthew 6:30

After Becky knit a section it was brought to Chicago for Beth to complete.
Beth's prayer focused on strength for me. 1 Chronicles 16:11-12 'Look to the Lord and HIS strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles...."

Chemo #4 is anticipated for Wednesday. The shawl will be with me, along with the message and prayers it represent.

Thank you Sarah, Becky, and Beth

Anna Heredia shows her Alice to Aspen; Will Klein, now 4 years old, is happy with his basket; Eleanor Williams looks over her Easter eggs.

Chemo # 3 is ongoing

Chemo #3 was possible today.

Our bodies have amazing abilities to recover! After everything being very low last week, I have returned to good lab results. My White Blood count was up to 6.9 today....NORMAL. Platelets up from 128 to 259...NORMAL
Hemoglobin 12.7.....low, but within NORMAL range.
The infusion of chemotherapy was possible and at the full dosage. So thankful that this can be possible.

Side effects, thus far, is primarily the extreme sensitivity to cold. I have to drink tepid, warm water. Reaching into the refrigerator to take something out requires the use of a hot pad. Even reaching to get washed clothes from the machine requires gloves to transfer to the dryer.

Other side effects related to your GI system are controlled with drugs....all kinds.
Hair loss continues.....sort of like a little chicken with some downy fuzz and some longer lengths. Lots came out with my shower this morning. Maybe it will grow back curly???? or red??

During the infusion this morning, I listened to Tim Keller speak on
Praying Your Fears. He referenced Psalms 3:3...
"But you are a shield around me, O Lord, my glorious One, who lifts up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud and he answers me from his holy hill."

Thank you to each of you who continue to uphold me with your prayers.

Unable to have Chemo # 3

While my next Chemo was scheduled and anticipated to be started today, my neutrophil count was too low to be able to have it given. Thus everything is on hold for one week. I will then again have blood drawn and depending on those results proceed with another round.

I am assured this happens and going to a 21 day cycle for one time will not adversely affect the outcome.

The Chemo has lowered most of my counts. This will give a week to have my bone marrow recover.

A friend shared a verse with me this afternoon. Psalm 112: 7-8
"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes."

Lord, Help me to trust and not fear.

Downs - Ups - New Uses for a Vacuum

This week has been all of the above.

Downs - mouth sores with white spots, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a cough, all coupled with a low white blood count.

Ups - After being evaluated, an injection to stimulate my bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, a very strong antibiotic started to combat a sinus infection, frequent mouth care.....all of the above, with the help of medicines, have improved somewhat.

This was all in the week that I 'feel good.' It is hard to eat when it hurts in your mouth, and when your intestines hurt from the antibiotics. One aspects seems to stimulate another effect.

It is also a struggle to keep a perspective midst not feeling good and fairly constant fatigue. That is when we really rely on your prayers and support.

A new use for the vacuum - take the hose to your hair. It is a great way to further thin your hair if you are on chemo. AND....it is a one step task. You do not have to clean up the floor, your bed, your clothes and every other place it land.

Chemo #3 is tomorrow. Pray for minimal side effect.....and further killing of cancer cells!

Happy Easter - HE IS RISEN

HE IS RISEN, INDEED !

"In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." 1 Peter 1:3

Christ's death was the sin offering for my sins. But he did not stay dead....He AROSE and LIVES.

It is the resurrection of Christ that we acknowledge and celebrate today. Because He lives, we have the HOPE of eternal life with him.

With others around the world....and our son in Mongolia

Тэр амилсан үнхээр амилсан

HE IS RISEN, RISEN INDEED. ALLELUIA!

Infection Prevention - Chemo #2

John, Becky, and Eleanor Williams practice wearing their masks before coming from Boston to spend a week with Grandma.

Becky and Eleanor flew in to visit and helped in so many ways. From cooking to cleaning windows, to sorting to sharing lots of fun time together.

Chemo #2 is almost completed. My pump should be disconnect about 4 pm this afternoon. There has been less nausea this time, but more sensitivity to cold and parathesia. Just taking some wet clothes from the washer to the dryer initiates tingling in my hands. All liquids need to be warm as even room temperature makes the swallowing feel like it is stuck in my throat.
My white blood count dropped as expected. Infection prevention is so important. Hand-washing is so important. Presently I have a pesky head cold that will be watch carefully.

Annika and Toby each placed 12 Skittles into a jar as a way of keeping track of my chemo treatments. When a treatment in completed, they get to eat one. Should be 10 left now.

March - Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Six years ago I had a colonoscopy. I was due for another colonoscopy in a little under four years. But I did have a colonoscopy in the past.

To all my friends over 50 years of age, have you had yours?

Get the Facts- Colorectal cancer screening saves lives!

Colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States.

If everyone aged 50 years old or older were screened regularly, as many as 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.

Make your appointment this week.

Sense of Normal ???

Chemo # 1 is now seven days in the past.
Awoke this morning to see the sunshine (always a good omen in Chicago), blue sky, and a red robin looking for worms.

After seven days of starving, trying to eat two mouthfuls, thinking of puking, oh, I am hungry, I need to lay down, things have improved. It is recommended to eat 5-6 meals each day. I tried for every two hours, sometimes even at night. Oatmeal at 2 am tastes quite good. I craved a glass of milk, yet that sent me into horrible cramps. So, NO DAIRY products for a while.

Our daughter Rebecca and Eleanor, 22 months, flew in from Boston for the week. It is wonderful to see them again. Becky is my organizer and sorter. The garbage pickup items and items for World Relief will be plentiful. And I also have clean windows, curtains, and many corners looked into thanks to her helpful skills.

Amazingly, their are times, like watching for Tom Skilling to let us know the weather for tomorrow, that Don and I experience brief moments without thought of pain, cancer cells, or the future. We thank the Lord for each and every day we have had and look forward to another one tomorrow.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Chemotherapy - Part 1

Yesterday, March 10th, I began my first Chemotherapy session. Yes, there was apprehension and anxieties as to what it would be like. I knew the how, but this was in real-time happening to me.

My port on my anterior chest was accessed with little to no discomfort. A Huber needle is used, specially designed for this. It is a needle bent at 45 degrees with a special non-coring end to penetrate through the skin and into the diaphragm of the port. That is then covered with plastic dressing protecting the entry point and surrounding skin.

There were two pre-medications to ward off reactions. A huge syringe of ...even I did not want to look. Then two bags infused via the pumps over the next two hours. Finally, a bolus of about 60 cc was push and another pump attached. The last drug is 5-FU. It is infused for 48 hours after the bolus. I have a bag holding the pump and tubing around my neck. That will be removed on Friday at 3 pm. I then return in 14 days to repeat the cycle.

During the chemo infusion, I felt just weird. Something was happening but nothing I could specifically comment on. Nausea has been controlled with medication. I have been able to eat small amounts.

We pray for minimal side effect

Kill Cancer Cells - Kill

Port Placement

Yesterday, March 8th, I had a 'port' surgically implanted in my anterior chest. This will allow access for the chemotherapy infusions.

That surgery was yesterday at Hinsdale Hospital....a good experience with minimal discomfort last night. I value the use of drugs when needed.

We (Don so very much is part of this in every way), have received assurances of the plan of chemotherapy. We have had chemo teaching by the nurse and will readily read and re-read all the information. The chemo will begin tomorrow.

Psalms 119:77 "Let your compassion come to me that I may live."

The Wood Journey

On February 5th, our life journey took a distinctive turn. Following a few days of mild abdominal discomfort and numerous tests, an obstructing tumor was found in my large bowel.

In the morning the diagnosis was made. By afternoon, extensive surgery was performed. The tumor was malignant. It had grown from my hepatic flexure outside the wall of the bowel. The surgical margins were negative, as where over 46 lymph nodes. Abdominal fluid, however, did show the presence of malignant cells.

Following five days in the ICU, where I have worked for many years, I was moved to the general surgical floor. Then home in two more days.

During the next several weeks, healing and recovery has taken place.

We have been overwhelmed by multiple kindness' of many people. Most of all we are thankful for the prayer support of so many around the world.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my rieghteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

That verse keeps being placed before us. We know we are God's children by faith in Jesus Christ.

We have started this blog as a way of communicating with so many friends who have inquired about our lives.