I have been privileged to have been on every continent except Antarctica - and I have no plans to go there. Ever. The best part of traveling globally is the people you meet. The Lord has blessed me with some amazing friendships all over the globe - from Egypt and South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, to Costa Rica, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, France, and even Romania.
One of my favorite things is to pray and worship in a local language. It helps me appreciate how big God really is. And, it feels like a sliver of a glimpse of heaven. The other thing that I love is to learn about local cultures - customs, habits, food, communication, etc. Its amazing to experience how different things can be, and yet, at the same time, how similar. Whether here in the good 'ol US of A, or in the jungles of Brazil, the deserts of north Africa, or the hustle and bustle of a huge metropolis in Asia - people are people. They all hurt. They all experience joy. They all have fears and aspirations, and wonder about the when and where and why and how of life.
We are not so different. We are not alone.
We had a huge blessing tonight. Some dear friends from all over the globe who are in Colorado Springs for a conference came over for a short visit and to pray with us. They are family to us. They may never know how much it blessed us. Well, at least this side of heaven they won't know.
It was incredibly humbling to be around such wonderful men and women of God. After their visit, I was reflecting on the quiet confidence they had in Julie's complete healing. They each have so many personal challenges they have been through. Some live in countries hostile to Christianity; most have had personal tragedy in their own lives. All have experience medical and familial issues. They live is worlds very different than the cushy lives we live here. Yet, their faith is unwavering. Their perspective refreshing. Their confidence in the Lord inspiring.
This past week was busy, and culminated with a visit to the oncologist office to get a deeper understanding of the chemo treatment regiment that Julie will start on September 8. They have come a long way in helping manage the side effects of chemo. I can't imagine going through it even 10 years ago. A short list of the drugs that Julie will be taking to reduce the side effects of chemo (and some to reduce the side effects of the side effect drugs):
Decadron, Emla cream, Neulasta, Aloxy, Adavan, Valium, Celebrex, Vicodin, home-made mouthwash, Refresh Plus, Advil, stool softeners and lip balm...
On one hand it's overwhelming, on the other, it's comforting to know there is so much help out there to minimize the side effects.
As we edge towards the 8th of September, we would appreciate prayers for courage, minimal side effects, strength and health for the rest of the family (we can't be sick as her immune system will be compromised), and joy in the journey. We continually pray for complete healing and that the cancer will never return.
September 11 is Race For the Cure - thanks to everyone who has signed up. If you can join us, please do! Here is our team page: Oh The Places You Go Team Signup.
Thank you to everyone who has been so gracious to our family. For your friendship. your food, your help, your thoughts, and most importantly your prayers!
We are going to get through this and we will be stronger for it. Our marriage, our friendships, our relationship with the Lord. And while we are looking forward to having this all behind us, we don't want to miss a thing that God has planned for us in the midst of it.
By the way - Sarah rocked her performance in Celebration on Friday and Saturday. She was amazing!
Blessings to all.
Blessings to all.
Love listening to worship in Australian too Steve! :)
ReplyDeleteGlenn.