The big "C" and God's grace

The girls have been doing well. They enjoyed camp and made some new friends. They seem to be more interested in their Bibles and follow along during church. Rebekah keeps talking about her upcoming birthday and everything she wants. It should be fun.

We had a pretty big trial this past week, but God's grace was smothering it. I had been having some issues since Russia and after ruling out other things, I went in for a colonoscopy last Friday. Well, it turns out I have colon cancer. They did a biopsy and it was cancer. I had some other lab work done and a ct scan and found out yesterday that the ct scan did not even see the tumor. And my CEA was 0.8 (normal is 0-2.5, above that indicates a tumor). So I will have surgery on Thursday and no radiation or chem0, unless they find something else during the surgery.

God has given me such a peace about this. Even before yesterday, I just knew it would be fine and whatever happened was good because it was God's plan and His way is always the right way. I cannot even describe the peace.

The timing was incredible. I would not have a colonoscopy normally until 40, being that I am 38, I was not even due yet. I needed symptoms to know there was a need. If God would have allowed symptoms last year, my girls may still be stuck in Russia. Instead, right after we finalized and I was in Russia, I started having symptoms. It was like God was saying, "Ok, your girls are safe, now I have something you need to know!"

I pray for God to be able to get glory through this and that through my testimony, someone might be saved (physically, spiritually, or both!)

Happy Forth of July!

The Forth of July has so much more meaning to me this year. My son is serving in the Marines and I think of him when I see the videos of all the men and women in uniform. I have a new grand baby this year. This was his first forth celebration. I was told he liked it. I missed it. I wish he were here.

This year our girls were able to celebrate their first Forth of July as citizens of the United States of America. I know they did not understand the significance of today, but it was very exciting to see them watch the fireworks waving an American flag.

Our church has a wonderful fellowship and great fireworks display. We even had some new friends we met through a mutual friend that are Belorussians and speak Russian. It was a wonderful day.

Rebekah was a little sad that she was unable to jump on the Jupiter jumps due to her broken elbow, but it soon disappeared when our Russian speaking friends came. She also loved the fireworks and when they were over asked if there were more!

I am so blessed that God has given me such a wonderful family, extended family, and friends that fulfill my life! I think this time last year, Susha (Rebekah) was here on a Russian Lighthouse trip. We did not know when she would come back and were already terribly missing Leah. There were many doubts that we would be able to be approved because of our income being so borderline. I knew God was in control, but I had no idea how He would fix it. Now I am sitting here typing about our girls (and being interrupted to go pray with them). I can't imagine life getting any better than this.

Thank you Lord and thank you to all of you that have prayed for us!