September 2, 2008

It's been a busy few days since we arrived home. Unpacking, stocking the shelves with food, laundry, getting the kids ready for school, baking, visiting with friends whom we've missed so much, and getting reorganized at home has taken much time and energy. It's been so good to be together as a family again, in our home, and being in our own territory!

We also have had an emotionally overwhelming week with a couple of unexpected happenings. The first surprise was a joyous one! Several businessmen in town arranged to provide us with a newer, more reliable vehicle...a Dodge Caravan. We were moved to tears, overwhelmed and felt so very undeserving and humbled by this extreme gift of generosity. As I was driving it off the lot, shrouded in disbelief by it all, we were once again struck with a deep sense of God's presence in our lives. For the past three and a half months, we have been surprised by joy as God has been blessing, providing, and taking care of us. People we know well, acquaintances and even complete strangers have touched our lives in significant and wondrous ways. One of our children commented that it seems like, at times, we have had "angels" surrounding us and providing for us! We don't know how to adequately express our gratitude and thanks for this gift...but to those men and families who made it possible, we offer our deepest and heartfelt THANK YOU!

Yesterday, I took Sam to the Prince George Regional Hospital to officially register him as an pediatric oncology patient. He needed to get some blood work done so we could find out his latest counts and proceed with the next big phase in his protocol. We were expecting for his counts to be good, after an additional one week delay, but they were not. This was a big surprise for us, as in the past his counts have always recovered after one week and he can proceed with his chemotherapy. So instead of returning to school for his much anticipated first day, he is home with me today. I think I feel worse for him than he does for himself! After a good cry and time spent reading my Bible, I feel better. I was just now interrupted by a call from BC Children's hospital and it was our Primary Nurse, Monica getting back to a me. She said not to worry, his body needs more time to rebuild, and that it is not surprising. Whew, what a relief and comfort to talk with her...the staff is so great there! So, once again, just when we think we have our days and week planned out, things happen and everything changes. We will not be heading to Vancouver this week for Sam's lumbar puncture and chemo. We will be here in Prince George, perhaps Sam will spend a few hours each day at school, and we will have to begin his home schooling sooner than anticipated. What a journey!

My bible readings reminded me in Psalm 20 that God answers on the day you crash, he sends reinforcements, dispatches fresh supplies, celebrates our sacrifices, and will accomplish His plan, not ours!

It is in His strength we carry on,
Blessings on your day,
Debbie