A Little Bit of Everything

MARSHA'S ADVENTURE
 

On Thursday, I left for Ludington so I could be there for Mom's doctor appointment on Friday with her ENT.  Friday, we went to the appointment and met this doctor for the first time.  We all were very pleased with the initial visit.  He ordered a second opinion on the pathology report and then ordered a CAT scan for Mom.  She was able to get the CAT scan done immediately following her appointment.  The doctor looked at the area that had been diagnosed as Squamous Cell Carcinoma and said it looks like it's healing nicely.  On Friday, April 13, will be her follow-up appointment with the results of her CAT scan and second pathology report. 

Also, on Friday, Mom started coming down with this horrible upper respiratory infection.  I felt so bad for her! Through the next day, it seemed to be getting worse.  Since the pharmacy was closed, I sent Dad to get some Robutissin DM.  Her symptoms hah improved, thankfully.  Saturday night, Mom and Dad were up in the night with Mom's coughing and just didn't get a good night of sleep.  I decided it would be better for me to come home so she could have her own bed so they could get rest, since Dad was also fighting off his virus as well.  In the meantime, I was literally praying a bubble around me, so I wouldn't catch it!  I came home yesterday (Sunday).

On Saturday, I was able to take my dear Aunt Merna to do her grocery shopping and then to McDonald's so I could briefly use the Internet.  Aunt Merna lives alone in her Senior Citizen apartment highrise.  She has always been such a sweet spirit to others.  Her children all live out of state and has moved to the towers about 2 years ago.  She's also lost her independence in selling her car, so she doesn't drive anymore.  However, she sure does well for a lady that is 89 years old!  Anyway, it was a joy to spend a part of the afternoon with her and to try to encourage her in her life.  Love you, Aunt Merna!  You ARE a blessing!  


KEITH'S ADVENTURE

Keith Dominican Trip 2010

Keith left the house at 4:00 a.m. on Friday.  They arrived in the Dominican approximately 10:30 pm Saturday night after a very long day.  If you are wanting to keep up on their adventure here is their link directly to the Freedom blog:  http://www.partnersnchrist.org/blogs/freedom_chr_2012.html There are two students that will be doing the updates to let parents and friends know about their adventures.  :)

I did receive a short email from Keith that he's having a good time and the weather is HOT! 

I don't have any photos to post as my camera is in the Dominican.  However, when I arrive in the District, I'll borrow one of Jessica's or Andy's cameras.  ;)


ONE FINAL NOTE:
I have learned that our plans are not always God's plans.  It sure didn't turn out like what Mom and I would have had planned for a fun time.  One of these times I get up there, we'll have our good time together.  Thanks to our family and friends who are praying for Mom's skin cancer...and also for Keith while he's away and also for myself with all my health issues.  No matter what, God is so good and for whatever reason somethings don't work out as planned.  God is in control!

Update on Mom

Thanks so very much, dear friends and family, for your continued thoughts and prayers.  You are all such a blessing to us.  

Yesterday, Mom had her doctor appointment in Muskegon at the oral surgeon, who found the cancer in her mouth.  He had contacted her Primary Care Physician to refer her to an Ear Nose Throat specialist in Ludington.  He had wondered if she had her appointment for that doctor.  As it would be, she didn't yet hear from any of them for her appointment yet.  Before we left, we had an appointment scheduled with the ENT for May 10, in Ludington.  Of course, we were quite disappointed with the long wait.  Dr. Cilla told me to be persistent and just keep calling to see if there was a cancellation.  I decided to call them back today and make it clear that she had already been diagnosed and it is urgent that she see someone as soon as possible.

I called this morning, and the girl told me Mom had an appointment scheduled for March 30, at 2:00!  I was really surprised, and told her Mom wasn't informed of that.  She said they had just received an "Urgent Referral" fax this morning from her PCP office.  Praise the Lord!  That is the day I was planning to be there anyway.  We know the Lord has His plan.  He has everything worked out and now we must trust Him for every single detail of it.  

Mom's Dr. Appointment in Muskegon

This is just a quick update for all of you that are remembering to pray for Mom.  Today, Dr. Cilla, the doctor that took out the sore in her mouth, checked to see how it was all healing.  He said it was healing up good.  He then asked if her Primary Care Physician had called with her referral to an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist.  She hadn't yet received that information from the PCP office, as she was told the girl that did referrals wasn't in until Wednesday.  Dr. Cilla wanted her to know that information before we left his office.  He then called that office while we all waited.  After some time, getting through to the doctor, he finally got the information he was after.  Then, I called West Michigan ENT for an appointment for Mom.  The very next available appointment wasn't until May 10.  Please pray she'll be able to get in sooner than May 10.  I did ask for her to be put on a cancellation list. 

After we were finished with the doctor appointment, we drove over to Lakes Mall and enjoyed a little bit of shopping.  We finished the day with a bite to eat at Bob Evans before departing our ways for home. 

Thanks so much for your continued prayers.

News and Prayer Requests

Since it has been quite some time since I have updated, I thought it was time for me to do so.  I have some things to bring before you and ask you to be in fervent prayer.

FREEDOM CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT MINISTRIES MISSION TRIP 

About a month ago, Keith was approached by the Head of School to see if he would be interested in accompanying the High School students on their mission trip to the Dominican Republic over Spring Break (like he did two years ago).  After thinking and talking it over with me, Keith and I decided this is something the Lord would have him do.  He immediately mailed out some support letters.  With the late date of joining the team, he had to act quickly in order to raise his needed amount.  The Lord has blessed in various ways to provide just about all his needed support in less than 3 weeks!  Why do we question the Lord's provision?  He promises He will, indeed, supply our every need.  Keith and the team will be departing on March 30 and return on April 9.  Below are a few pictures from his previous Dominican Republic trip.

Home away from home

Restroom

Guy's bunk room with mosquito netting

This year Keith will not be going in the same capacity as he did before, as a leader.  There are four other adults going as well as 32 students.  He's looking forward to ministering to the people in DR as well as our high school students.  It seems whenever I have gone on a mission trip to minister to others, I ended up being the one ministered to.  Praying for a fruitful time for Keith and the students.

MOM

Mom standing in the remodeled part of their kitchen

My dear sweet precious Mom will be soon celebrating her 85th birthday.  {April 5}  This past week, she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer.  To make things a bit more difficult is that it was found inside her mouth.  The doctor that did the biopsy (in Muskegon) has referred her to another doctor.  We will find out more details Tuesday when we visit the doctor for her re-check where he did the biopsy.  She has had this for about 4 months and thought it was something like you get when a person would chew the side of their mouth.  Please keep her and my Dad in your prayers.  Thanks so very much for uplifting her at this time.  I will post again after her visit on Tuesday, to let you know the plan.

MY PLANS

While Keith is gone on his trip, I made plans to go to Ludington to spend time with Mom and Dad

from Friday through Tuesday, and also celebrate Mom's birthday early.  Then, I would head back to Grand Rapids for a couple days and pack my suitcase, board a plane and head to Washington, D.C. to visit Jessica and Andy for Easter weekend.  These plans were all made, however, before I had any idea of Mom's diagnosis.  We are also praying that I will be able to go with her to her upcoming doctor appointments, even though, we want her to be able to get to a doctor as soon as possible for treatment.

HEATHER

Finally, I just want to also mention to pray for Heather, a former Freedom student of Keith's.  A few years ago, she had a heart transplant.  Following her transplant, her mother was diagnosed with cancer.  Just a week ago, Heather has been diagnosed with lymphoma.  This morning tears came to my eyes as I read Heather's update.  Heather wrote:  "I am reminded in II Corinthians 12:9-10 which says 'But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.'"

Thank you for taking the time to read this today.  I know it was longer than usual, but I just needed to share.  Love to you all!

Happy Birthday, To My Very Best Friend

Today, my very best friend for the last 38 years celebrates his birthday!  Keith, I just want to tell you what a wonderful helpmate you have been to me, especially dealing with my chronic health problems.  The Lord certainly knew that I would need you in my life.  He gave you a special life in that you were blessed with such godly and loving parents who raised you to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul.  In turn, you have blessed others through that same love.  Thank you for loving me unconditionally.  Thank you for being the husband that I have needed in my life.  Thank you for being a great father through the years to Jessica.  May God continue to bless your life for many years to come, as you are such a blessing to others as well as your family.  I love you!  Happy Birthday, Keith!

SNOW!!!

After not having had snow all through the month of December and part of January, we finally got some.  Because it was such a beautiful snow that fell, I just had to go out with my camera and take some photos at various places in our area. 

Caught the sun setting last night.  It was a beautiful red ball when I left.

So many ducks in the steam

The fresh white snow just glistened and sparkled as I walked through it.  Snow reminds me of my salvation and how the Lord cleansed my dirty heart and forgave my sins and made my heart all clean.  White as Snow...

Let's Celebrate 2012!

This year Keith and I hosted the annual New Years Eve party that Bob and Sue have hosted for many years.  Since we weren't having family here over Christmas, we asked if they would like us to host this year.  I sent out Evites online and invited the usual gang that has come over the years.  Many of this group are from the Jamaica team that also, for many years, had gone on annual mission trips there.  Since we don't all attend the same church anymore, it was nice to catch up with everyone.  There were a few that couldn't make it for various reasons, but we had a nice group of 9.  When we sent the Evites, we said we were going to provide pulled pork sandwiches, orange nutmeg sauce covered smokey links, and chips and hot cheese dip.

Pulled Pork ~ Crockpot 
pork loin
1 bottle of Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ Sauce
1 can of apple pie filling

Combine ingredients and cook in crockpot for 5 hours on high or
8-10 hours on low.  Serve on buns.  Yummy!

Orange Nutmeg Sauce for Smokie Links
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups orange juice
1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained

Combine sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg and orange juice in a small sauce pan.
Cook, stirring constantly until it thickens.  Add the mandarin oranges, drained.
Brown 2 packages of the mini-smokey links and combine.  Keep warm in
crockpot for serving.

Hot Cheese Dip
1 (25 oz.) can Hormel chili, without beans
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese (low fat)
1 small package Velveeta cheese

Microwave cheeses until melted.  Add chili and heat through.
{I put this in the crock pot for serving and for keeping it hot.
Keep crock pot on low or warm setting.}
Serve with nacho chips.

Playing Balderdash and having so many laughs.  One guest was laughing so hard, he was rolling on the floor!

New York Times Square -- HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!!

Our guests then brought their favorite snacks to share as well.  We had a great evening together playing Balderdash, laughing a lot, and watching the ball drop from Times Square in New York. 

New Years Toast!

Bob, John, Jan, Becky, Keith, Marsha, Sue, John, Gary