Risk

The evening before we brought Jeremy with us to Charlotte, he got his first opportunity to wakeboard. He did great until this moment. You can see by the expression on his face that he knows there's nothing he can do to prevent a "face plant." I'm wondering if he's feeling similar emotions now after nearly two weeks of orientation at SIM: looming cultural faux pas; the frustrations of trying to communicate in French, Hausa, Songhai or all three; unheard-of diseases; and especially the spiritual challenges of wanting so much to bring the love of Christ to a very poor and strongly Muslim society. He's having a wonderful time, and I'm sure that God, who called him to do this, will keep him from going under. We love having him with us.

I was sorting through some stored papers, and I found some things from the time of my mother's death 2 1/2 years ago. I read again the large stack of beautiful cards, and realized that about three quarters of them were from members of our Sunday School class--the same people who are now impoverishing themselves by sending endless showers of encouraging cards to me during this battle with cancer. Do you see why I can't stop bragging about that class? Well, they're not the only ones. A dear friend in Michigan hand-crafts a card every week. Yes, hand-crafts! They are true works of art. And there are many others in many places whose ministry of encouragement (by cards and e-mails) keeps us going. The fellowship of friends and family is surely one of the greatest delights of life on this earth.

A full day of writing yesterday (working at home) put me well on track for completing the first draft of the next SIM magazine before the weekend (and before next week's chemo gets a chance to limit my work for awhile). I'm praying that it won't, but I have learned that those "still" times are good for me too.

Lisa and her cousins will be driving from Washington DC starting about 2:00 this afternoon. We pray for their safety.

Grandson Justin told me last night that he has injured his leg (torn muscle?) and the pain is intense, especially at night. He can't see his doctor until Monday. I spent time during the night praying for him.

Note: This is actually Friday's post. I made a draft on Thursday to upload the photo, and I see that blogger insists on using Thursday's date. Sorry.

Blessings,
Carol