2-21-07

It’s been awhile since we blogged and there have been some changes. Joe is still feeling about the same but our daughter Karen has checked into a doctor in Phoenix that is oncology, homeopathic alternative medicine. We have decided to go and spend some time with him. Therefore we are leaving Bonaire on the 9th of March instead of in April and will probably be in Phoenix for a month at least. He is a strong proponent of raw vegan diet, getting your immune system built up and getting you body in an alkaline state. He uses insulin therapy and then very low dose chemo to attack the cancer cells directly. We will go to Chicago for a few days and get a P ET scan done and some blood work and then drive to Phoenix. We will stay with Karen for a few days but hope to rent a house or condo for the remainder of the time. When Karen mentioned coming sooner than the end of April Joe thought about it and prayed for a sign from God that this would be the right decision. The next day I asked Joe if I could talk to him about something and said maybe we should consider going back early. When we went to switch the airline tickets and make dates for the tests everything went so smoothly, we just feel this is the right decision. We will arrive home on the 9th of March and hopefully leave for Phoenix the following Tuesday or Wednesday, stopping in Kansas City at the international House of Prayer and spend some time w ith Kelli who is on staff full time there now. For those you who don’t know, she was Karen’s missionary friend in Russia and has continued to be part of the family since then.
We have had a wonderful time in Bonaire for these two months and missed some awful weather in Chicago. We have spent time with our friends from several European countries, Roland and Renata, Peter and Segrid, Rudy and Josiann, and our stateside friends, Ed and Jayne, Bob and Diane, Steve, Lorre and others that have made our stay so worthwhile. Of course our island friends will be staying here, and if all goes well we hope to use our third month in the fall. We did start a small group with our church down here and that has been a great experience. Joe has been able to lead worship twice while we were here so he hasn’t gotten out of practice.
Our prayer needs now are that the tests will not show any further deterioration in the organs, that Dr. Lodi will be able to help us put this disease behind us, and that we can find suitable lodging in Phoenix. We also need prayer for Joe for courage to go through these tests again and know that whatever the outcome, it is in God’s plan. Thanks you again for all your concern and prayers and we will keep you updated on any changes. God Bless all of you. Our church’s verse for February is very fitting. Phil 4 6-7
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace that transcends all understanding will guard your minds and hearts in Christ Jesus.