Just wanted to give a few updates on what is going on in Gary's life and others that I have asked you to pray for. Get ready .... it's a long one! *smile*
Gary and I spent the majority of October in the State of Ohio. We were visiting several churches that support our ministry in the Philippines. This was exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. Gary had the opportunity to preach many times and although it was tiring, he enjoyed it tremendously. He still has a long way to go, to get back the same level of energy and strength he possessed before getting sick.
His hand continues to improve with physical therapy. I have noticed small changes that has brought back a certain level of independence for him. In a few weeks, Gary will be getting a checkup. They will be doing all the scans and MRI to see if he is still free of cancer. We appreciate your prayers concerning this.
We have booked our flight back to the Philippines and will be leaving December 1st. Please continue to pray for Gary's health to improve. He is anxious to return to what God has called him to do.
In my last post, I asked you to pray for our son-in-law, Andy. He was diagnosed with Clark level 4 melanoma that was large, ulcerated, and vascular. (meaning into the veins.) After surgery to remove more tissue in his arm, remove a lymph node and PET scan, the doctors say there is NO active cancer elsewhere in his body.
We praise the Lord for this good news, but also know that Andy's journey with cancer is far from over. This kind of cancer is very aggressive and has a high return rate... 85%. It is something that he will need to keep an eye on for the rest of his life. Please pray for Andy, for our daughter Becky and three kids as they take this journey with Andy. If you would like to read more about Andy, go here Andy Wileman
A few post ago, I mentioned Zach Smith and how miraculously, his cancer was gone. The cancer is back now, in a different spot. My heart just aches for Zach and his family, knowing what emotions they must be feeling at this time. Please pray for Zach. This week he starts a new chemo program. Here is Zach's writing about this new development.
Zach Smith
And last, an update on myself. I did have surgery on my rotator cuff. They sewed one tendon back together, moved another back to it's rightful place and cleaned out all the areas that "old age" had creeped in. *smile*
I am one and a half weeks post-surgery, no longer needing prescriptive pain killers. I will have to keep my arm in a sling and sit in a rehab chair that raises my arm for me 6 hours a day for four weeks. I can not use my arm whatsoever, which makes it hard to do most things ..... like typing one handed at this moment.
I have learned that I am much better at being the caregiver than the patient. I told Gary the other night that God really didn't need to bring this into my life as a lesson for me. I understood full well the difficulty and frustration that he has felt these past two years not having the use of his arm and hand. The truth is.... I did need a lesson....
I admit I have felt sorry for myself. I have voiced daily my concerns of not being able to fix my hair. Of how hard the seat of the rehab chair is, and how uncomfortable I am trying to sleep at night with this crazy sling on.
Shame on me. My difficulties do not come anywhere close to what Gary has gone through or what Andy and Zach are going through now. Most of all, they don't compare to what Jesus went through to pardon my sin and the sin of the world.
"Lord, help me daily to count my blessings and give You honor and glory each day!"
