I’m writing this update from 38,000 feet half way to Los Angeles. For the first time this month I have been able to web chat with Missy using Facebook. God knows we needed this as we are in the midst of one of those hard decisions that parents have to make. Our son Tiernan has been sick for some weeks with a strange tummy bug. Silas hasn’t been well either. Our field doctor is concerned and wants to examine the boys and make sure they are okay. Only the doctor is stationed in another town which is nearly a two hour flight away by mission plane.
There is an opportunity for Missy and Tiernan and Silas to fly up to see the doctor on Monday morning (the day I arrive home) so we’ll miss each other by 3 hours! As I left to begin my journey home we weren’t really able to settle on a decision over the phone – but a few minutes online at 38,000 has given us the opportunity to decide together what’s best. Be praying for Missy as she takes the boys up to see the doctor. Our full family reunion will have to be delayed for a few days more. Missy will come home on Wednesday, but Judah and Gianna will be there to welcome me!
Saying goodbye to my Mom and Dad wasn’t easy, but with a heart this full of gratitude to the Lord there is little room for sorrow! This month has been such an incredible gift – from the tremendous generosity that has underwritten the cost of the travel completely, to the calm on the day of the surgery, and God’s amazing grace every day since.
Yesterday we sat through our final follow up appointment and consultation with the doctor in charge of Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan. They have confirmed that James has a very rare cancer of the liver that has a high recurrence rate. They have recommended treatment that includes both chemo therapy and radiation, and we are very thankful that it sounds like it will be very manageable with slight fatigue and nausea being the worst of the symptoms he’ll face. This treatment regimen will likely begin in January. Between now and then James needs to continue to gain weight and exercise so that he is as healthy as possible, as quickly as possible.
Thank you so much for your faithful prayers said in support of our family. We’re continuing to pray for joy in suffering, an eternal focus, a passionate and useful present, health and healing, opportunity to serve, and the hope that comes from a developed Christ-like character, that comes from enduring and persisting with thankfulness under the God ordained trials of this life. As the cancer has left a mark on my father’s body we are asking the Lord to leave His marks on our souls; He is answering this prayer already!
Exciting days lie ahead of us in PNG. We’ll take time to share all the details with you soon – after the reunion!!
Thank you will never be enough,
Benjamin and Missy