I just wanted to send the latest news from Marko for our praying friends. He had the most terrible time getting to Houston, had to spend the night in Chicago...and ended up missing his first appointment time but we are trusting the Lord's timing in all of this. Here's what Mark just sent me,
So far, so good. Dr. Patel assured me that this cancer is nothing to lose
sleep over. He said what I had 25 years ago was level 3 -- a big problem,
but by comparison this would be a level 1 -- not a problem. He also thinks
my shoulder issue is unrelated. He went on to say that there are treatment
options, starting with surgery to make sure they got it all. Another
option if the surgery is difficult or too extensive for the area is
radiation. He also said there is a fairly new drug (I believe he said some
sort of chromosome therapy) that is also very effective. He thinks surgery
is the cleanest option for me, but will have to confirm that with the
surgeons.
So I'm now going through all the preparatory tests -- X-rays, blood work,
and another CT scan. Hopefully these will yield no surprises and the next
step will be to meet with surgeons.
So it's time for a big prayer of thanks. But don't stop praying til it's
over!
I'm liking the sound of that email!! Please do keep praying for the new CT results, that they would also be found clear as they were in Thailand. I'll let you know when he has a definite plan and surgery date.
Much love to each of you!
JoRonda
Friday, May 28, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Only Child
Dustin and Nathan's school exchange may be harder on Ethan than any of us. He has been terribly lonely here without his two brothers. He turned 12 in March and is such a big guy physically but still our little guy in so many ways. There were tears at the airport after seeing Dustin and Nathan off to their destinations. The first night he moved into our room stating that the upstairs is just too lonely and quiet without his brothers. He is now camping out at the base of our bed until Nathan returns on June 5th. The upstairs feels vacated, quiet and just wrong! Ethan has always had an affection for stuffed animals but it has been some time since he had played with them until now that he is the only child. I don't know if he is regressing some or has totally felt the freedom to play with his stuffed animals again knowing that no older brother is around to give him a hard time. It has been fun watching him playing make-believe with his beloved stuffed animals that had been put on the closet shelf until now. You hear people noting the 'firsts' with their children. Their first tooth, their first step....I once read how we would treasure the 'lasts' if we knew they were happening. The last time they sat in our laps, the last time they kissed us at the bus stop....this must be the 'last' of the playing make-believe with the stuffed animals and I'm treasuring it!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Pray for Thailand
Short and quick today just asking for prayer. Yesterday the Prime Minister of Thailand took all of his concessions 'off the table' as the Red Shirts haven't budged from blocking many important districts in Bangkok after he had agreed to many of their concessions. He made a mark in the sand yesterday saying the Red Shirts must be out of the city by today or there will be repercussions. It seems like things are really starting to come to a head here in Thailand, please pray for this nation that we have come to love. Things seem to always heat up on the weekends. We will be avoiding Bangkok at all costs for a while now until we see how these latest events shake out.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Thailand's Troubles
Some of you have inquired about Thailand and the political situation and I thought I would fill you in from our perspective. Yesterday the Prime Minister agreed to free elections in November based on 5 initiatives and the Red Shirts, (the political party of Thailand that seems to be predominantly made up of farmers and supporters of former PM Thaskin who was exiled from Thailand after a coup about three years ago) Hopefully that will foster a peaceful resolution without any more violence. For the most part we have not been too affected by the demonstrators but over the last couple of weeks our lives have been altered some because of the political skirmishes here.
We live 1 1/2 hours south of Bangkok but have to travel into Bangkok on occasion, over the past few months we have just avoided the areas that demonstrators have been camped out in and at all costs we never wear a red or yellow shirt! The airport has been under increasing military protection with tanks and troops posted at all the highway entrances to the airport, it's a bit of an inconvenience when flying in and out because only a couple of doors are available to enter the actual terminals. Airlines have been advising 3 hours check-in time because of the added security.
While we were on vacation in China, a State-of-Emergency was declared and that required Mark being on the phone frequently, working while away. At one point all trucks carrying diesel fuel were prohibited from driving into Bangkok, for fear that the tankers would be used as moving bombs, so that took some unusual planning in the refinery. That was soon lifted when the fuel ran out at the BKK stations. It's been a tough time for the refinery because of that and the decreased jet-fuel demands with the volcano over Iceland. There are far reaching affects of natural disasters that most people don't even consider.
Dustin who plays in a weekend basketball league in Bangkok has had several practices and a game cancelled because of safety concerns. Last week I received a call asking me to please donate blood as there was an emergency need for RH negative blood. (Asians do not have Rh negative blood and it is a concern for ex-pats. There is a Rh negative blood club here in Thailand)I am a universal donor (O Negative) and my blood type can be in demand here in Thailand. I requested to donate in Pattaya but they had a specific facility they wanted me to donate at in Bangkok, our driver refused to drive into that area because of reported skirmishes. That made me sad to think some man had an emergency need for blood and I was unable to help. Our school was to host a sporting event for several countries in a couple of weeks, teams started dropping out because of safety concerns for their students and thus the event was cancelled. Our school headmaster reported today that prospective teachers for the coming year have backed out of contracts because of the political unrest.
EM will not allow their employees from outside of Thailand to travel here at the moment. Because of that Mark has to travel outside of Thailand for important meetings, he will leave for Hong Kong on Monday because of this mandate. Traffic was horrendous in Pattaya last week because of people trying to escape from Bangkok over the long holiday. Our missionary friends that live in BKK (the quilt lady) has relocated to a nearby town because of the disruption to their lives. They live right in the middle of the worst areas. They have had to listen to loudspeakers all night and rarely have been able leave their townhouse because of fear.
When we start assessing life here, yes, we have been affected in some subtle ways but it is the Thai people I feel the most compassion for. Tourism is so low at the moment, countries are prohibiting travel and people are choosing safer destinations. Thailand depends heavily on the tourist industry and that is being hit hard at the moment. We are hoping this 'olive branch' that the Prime Minister has handed to the Red Shirts will help peace be restored here in Thailand.
We live 1 1/2 hours south of Bangkok but have to travel into Bangkok on occasion, over the past few months we have just avoided the areas that demonstrators have been camped out in and at all costs we never wear a red or yellow shirt! The airport has been under increasing military protection with tanks and troops posted at all the highway entrances to the airport, it's a bit of an inconvenience when flying in and out because only a couple of doors are available to enter the actual terminals. Airlines have been advising 3 hours check-in time because of the added security.
While we were on vacation in China, a State-of-Emergency was declared and that required Mark being on the phone frequently, working while away. At one point all trucks carrying diesel fuel were prohibited from driving into Bangkok, for fear that the tankers would be used as moving bombs, so that took some unusual planning in the refinery. That was soon lifted when the fuel ran out at the BKK stations. It's been a tough time for the refinery because of that and the decreased jet-fuel demands with the volcano over Iceland. There are far reaching affects of natural disasters that most people don't even consider.
Dustin who plays in a weekend basketball league in Bangkok has had several practices and a game cancelled because of safety concerns. Last week I received a call asking me to please donate blood as there was an emergency need for RH negative blood. (Asians do not have Rh negative blood and it is a concern for ex-pats. There is a Rh negative blood club here in Thailand)I am a universal donor (O Negative) and my blood type can be in demand here in Thailand. I requested to donate in Pattaya but they had a specific facility they wanted me to donate at in Bangkok, our driver refused to drive into that area because of reported skirmishes. That made me sad to think some man had an emergency need for blood and I was unable to help. Our school was to host a sporting event for several countries in a couple of weeks, teams started dropping out because of safety concerns for their students and thus the event was cancelled. Our school headmaster reported today that prospective teachers for the coming year have backed out of contracts because of the political unrest.
EM will not allow their employees from outside of Thailand to travel here at the moment. Because of that Mark has to travel outside of Thailand for important meetings, he will leave for Hong Kong on Monday because of this mandate. Traffic was horrendous in Pattaya last week because of people trying to escape from Bangkok over the long holiday. Our missionary friends that live in BKK (the quilt lady) has relocated to a nearby town because of the disruption to their lives. They live right in the middle of the worst areas. They have had to listen to loudspeakers all night and rarely have been able leave their townhouse because of fear.
When we start assessing life here, yes, we have been affected in some subtle ways but it is the Thai people I feel the most compassion for. Tourism is so low at the moment, countries are prohibiting travel and people are choosing safer destinations. Thailand depends heavily on the tourist industry and that is being hit hard at the moment. We are hoping this 'olive branch' that the Prime Minister has handed to the Red Shirts will help peace be restored here in Thailand.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
School Exchanges
Psalms 127:3-5 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Yes, it is hard to believe that both Dustin and Nathan have been given the opportunity to participate in amazing school exchanges. It all started a few months ago when the boys came home talking about a friend in their year going to Australia on a school exchange. The school had mentioned an opportunity for students to exchange with a Round Square school in Peru. Both Dustin and Nathan expressed interest because of the opportunity but also to work on their Spanish skills. Mark and I both agreed that Peru was just too far but would consider other locations if they wanted to pursue it with the Exchange coordinator. Both of the boys approached Mr. Miller and expressed interest in a possible school exchange.
We filled out the extensive paper work, the boys had to both write an essay about why they desired an exchange, get teacher references, and give a history of their school experiences thus far. One question asked about religious beliefs and practices. It was interesting to read the boys applications. Dustin explained that he felt an exchange would be beneficial for him to be independent of his brother and his parents. I thought it was interesting that he listed his brother first, I don't think I realized until now how much they depend on each other. Nathan depends on Dustin to challenge him academically and keep him informed about specific school classes. Dustin depends on Nathan to keep him socially plugged-in.
Mark and I have really prayed about this entire process trusting God to open and close doors and really show His will to us regarding these exchanges. Almost immediately Nathan received an invitation to Armidale College in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Both Dustin and Nathan received invitations to Mowbry College outside of Melbourne, Australia and a small school in Alice Springs, Australia. They also were offered a school in India which we declined. It was a step of faith just knowing that Dustin had a 2 hour layover in Mombai, India!
Nathan was really excited about Armidale as they have a very active shooting program. He has missed shooting very much here as it is illegal in Thailand. We were excited that it is an Anglican campus with weekly church services and also has a very reputable music program. We accepted and began all the planning. Nathan had a really funny reaction when he realised he would be living at an all-BOYS school for six weeks. Armidale offered Nathan free room and board and we only had to pay for his airfare and a petty cash fund-which is quickly being eaten into with ammunition!! He also would be able to participate in all the Anzac celebrations (one of Australia's most celebrated holidays) and take a week long trip to the capitol-Canberra with his year 10 class. (But he's only a freshman, that is a weird British thing!)
We ruled out Alice Springs pretty quickly-it's in an extremely isolated part of Australia, small and didn't have an impressive music program. Dustin was excited about the potential of going to Mowbry-it has an outstanding music program and he has a good friend here in Thailand that moved from Mowbry. Mowbry is not a boarding school so he would have to live with a family. We were really praying for a Christian family but no volunteer was coming forward. In fact, Tyler (Dustin's friend)had approached some of his friends, one of my dearest friends, Shivani from that area was looking for a host family and we had a young lady from Melbourne visiting our church for about 3 months that was here obtaining her scuba guide certification and she had become a friend. Carly's Dad is a youth minister in Melbourne and he was looking for a family. Nothing came up-nothing. God just closed that door. We were a little disappointed because we really wanted Dustin to have this opportunity to help him learn some independence but were trusting the Lord.
In the meantime out of nowhere a school in Johannesburg, South Africa sent an invite to Dustin. A Christian school with a great music department. The very next day a family offered to host Dustin. We continued to pray and just hoped that this generous family would be Christians. Within 48 hours we had been in email contact with this family of 5. The father is in the worship team at their church and the mother has been over all the prayer ministry of the large school!! They have an 18 yr. old daughter, 15 year old son, and a 13 year old daughter. They have been praying that God would send them an exchange student as their son will be going to Armidale(remember that is where Nathan is!!)in June!! Is that an amazing coincidence, such a God thing!! The family has been so generous and is hosting Dustin for free. They already have World Cup tickets for Dustin and will be travelling to Durban, South Africa (on the East Coast of SA) with the family for a family celebration later this month.
We're thankful for a family for Dustin, it is a stretch for him to venture out to a new school without his brother. Nathan, our social son, seems to be happy in a room with 10 other guys and was a great encouragement to Dustin when they have corresponded and Nathan stated, "Exchange is great!"
It's hard for some of our friends to believe that we have sent both of our oldest sons away to other continents. One friend asked, "How do you go from homeschooling to school exchanges in other countries?" So here is some of the explanation I sent him.
"We never homeschooled to isolate our boys from society but because we truly believe that homeschooling can provide a better educational foundation and time for them to get a strong spiritual foundation as well. I think it gives one a strong sense of family. As far as socially, I think they are more social-meaning they can converse with all ages and I don't agree with just peer socialization anyway. Plus, I have little faith in the typical school system in America-isn't that sad? When our guys were ready for kindergarten in Louisiana it was an easy decision-we were so far in the country and had few acceptable school options. The private school was a form of paid segregation from what we could tell and the academics weren't that great. We felt that God made it clear that we should homeschool at that point and we poured ourselves into finding the best available curriculum, following the governmental testing requirements, and searching for outside things to enhance their basic education. God continued to lead us to homeschool, providing amazing resources and opportunities along the way until we moved to Thailand. We had thought that we would put them in some sort of school setting for sure when they entered High School-a testing of their wings of sorts before they were out of our homes and in college. When we moved to Thailand we realized there would be no resources, no support groups for homeschooling...and felt like this would be a good time to put them in a typical school setting (If an International School can be considered 'typical'?)
I am so grateful for the time we had homeschooling mostly because of the fact that I was with Abbie every day of her life, what a gift that is to us. Our boys have done very well in both the American and British International Schools, I think they got a very good educational foundation, they have a love of reading that most of their classmates do not. They have a respect and appreciation of their teachers that few of their classmates have. Because of speaking conferences/workshops we attended, Dustin and Nathan are especially good at public speaking. We were able to give them tutoring in a second language much earlier than most schools and placed much emphasis on musical training. I also feel that homeschooling allowed us more concentrated time on their spiritual training and their character training.
Now that we have felt God has closed the homeschooling door for us at the moment we want each of our boys to be leaders in their school taking advantage of any opportunities that arise. They attend a Round Square, IB International School. There are only a handful of Round Square schools in the world, you can google them but they place a strong emphasis on serving others. At the Regent's school we have had several exchange students from all over the world. Being a British system, year 10, which Dustin and Nathan are completing is a relatively easier year, year 11 they have to take the major British exams that determine if they will be accepted into the IB program.
We didn't ask for a Christian school for either, even though we did state that we were committed, evangelical, Christians. At times here in Pattaya, I've questioned God bringing us here where the boys are faced with so much language and other sinful things. We want our boys to be in the world but not of the world. How wonderful that they both will be attending Christian schools for 6 weeks and experiencing other cultures. It is quite difficult for white, males getting into some colleges, which I realize they will be accepted where ever God wills for them but also feel like this exchange experience will be another thing that will make their college application 'stand-out'.
It makes Grandmamma nervous to send them so far away and I know others question letting them go so far. Can you believe they will both be 16 this summer? No one knows more than we do that no matter how hard one tries to protect and shelter their children it is all futile. We can't take the credit for their welfare in the past and it is God who is protecting and watching over them in their exchanges. They both have a strong foundation built on God's Word. We're a doing a 'test' shot, if you will, to see if our first two arrows are ready to fly straight and hit the target for the Lord! Please be praying for our two guys!!
children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Yes, it is hard to believe that both Dustin and Nathan have been given the opportunity to participate in amazing school exchanges. It all started a few months ago when the boys came home talking about a friend in their year going to Australia on a school exchange. The school had mentioned an opportunity for students to exchange with a Round Square school in Peru. Both Dustin and Nathan expressed interest because of the opportunity but also to work on their Spanish skills. Mark and I both agreed that Peru was just too far but would consider other locations if they wanted to pursue it with the Exchange coordinator. Both of the boys approached Mr. Miller and expressed interest in a possible school exchange.
We filled out the extensive paper work, the boys had to both write an essay about why they desired an exchange, get teacher references, and give a history of their school experiences thus far. One question asked about religious beliefs and practices. It was interesting to read the boys applications. Dustin explained that he felt an exchange would be beneficial for him to be independent of his brother and his parents. I thought it was interesting that he listed his brother first, I don't think I realized until now how much they depend on each other. Nathan depends on Dustin to challenge him academically and keep him informed about specific school classes. Dustin depends on Nathan to keep him socially plugged-in.
Mark and I have really prayed about this entire process trusting God to open and close doors and really show His will to us regarding these exchanges. Almost immediately Nathan received an invitation to Armidale College in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Both Dustin and Nathan received invitations to Mowbry College outside of Melbourne, Australia and a small school in Alice Springs, Australia. They also were offered a school in India which we declined. It was a step of faith just knowing that Dustin had a 2 hour layover in Mombai, India!
Nathan was really excited about Armidale as they have a very active shooting program. He has missed shooting very much here as it is illegal in Thailand. We were excited that it is an Anglican campus with weekly church services and also has a very reputable music program. We accepted and began all the planning. Nathan had a really funny reaction when he realised he would be living at an all-BOYS school for six weeks. Armidale offered Nathan free room and board and we only had to pay for his airfare and a petty cash fund-which is quickly being eaten into with ammunition!! He also would be able to participate in all the Anzac celebrations (one of Australia's most celebrated holidays) and take a week long trip to the capitol-Canberra with his year 10 class. (But he's only a freshman, that is a weird British thing!)
We ruled out Alice Springs pretty quickly-it's in an extremely isolated part of Australia, small and didn't have an impressive music program. Dustin was excited about the potential of going to Mowbry-it has an outstanding music program and he has a good friend here in Thailand that moved from Mowbry. Mowbry is not a boarding school so he would have to live with a family. We were really praying for a Christian family but no volunteer was coming forward. In fact, Tyler (Dustin's friend)had approached some of his friends, one of my dearest friends, Shivani from that area was looking for a host family and we had a young lady from Melbourne visiting our church for about 3 months that was here obtaining her scuba guide certification and she had become a friend. Carly's Dad is a youth minister in Melbourne and he was looking for a family. Nothing came up-nothing. God just closed that door. We were a little disappointed because we really wanted Dustin to have this opportunity to help him learn some independence but were trusting the Lord.
In the meantime out of nowhere a school in Johannesburg, South Africa sent an invite to Dustin. A Christian school with a great music department. The very next day a family offered to host Dustin. We continued to pray and just hoped that this generous family would be Christians. Within 48 hours we had been in email contact with this family of 5. The father is in the worship team at their church and the mother has been over all the prayer ministry of the large school!! They have an 18 yr. old daughter, 15 year old son, and a 13 year old daughter. They have been praying that God would send them an exchange student as their son will be going to Armidale(remember that is where Nathan is!!)in June!! Is that an amazing coincidence, such a God thing!! The family has been so generous and is hosting Dustin for free. They already have World Cup tickets for Dustin and will be travelling to Durban, South Africa (on the East Coast of SA) with the family for a family celebration later this month.
We're thankful for a family for Dustin, it is a stretch for him to venture out to a new school without his brother. Nathan, our social son, seems to be happy in a room with 10 other guys and was a great encouragement to Dustin when they have corresponded and Nathan stated, "Exchange is great!"
It's hard for some of our friends to believe that we have sent both of our oldest sons away to other continents. One friend asked, "How do you go from homeschooling to school exchanges in other countries?" So here is some of the explanation I sent him.
"We never homeschooled to isolate our boys from society but because we truly believe that homeschooling can provide a better educational foundation and time for them to get a strong spiritual foundation as well. I think it gives one a strong sense of family. As far as socially, I think they are more social-meaning they can converse with all ages and I don't agree with just peer socialization anyway. Plus, I have little faith in the typical school system in America-isn't that sad? When our guys were ready for kindergarten in Louisiana it was an easy decision-we were so far in the country and had few acceptable school options. The private school was a form of paid segregation from what we could tell and the academics weren't that great. We felt that God made it clear that we should homeschool at that point and we poured ourselves into finding the best available curriculum, following the governmental testing requirements, and searching for outside things to enhance their basic education. God continued to lead us to homeschool, providing amazing resources and opportunities along the way until we moved to Thailand. We had thought that we would put them in some sort of school setting for sure when they entered High School-a testing of their wings of sorts before they were out of our homes and in college. When we moved to Thailand we realized there would be no resources, no support groups for homeschooling...and felt like this would be a good time to put them in a typical school setting (If an International School can be considered 'typical'?)
I am so grateful for the time we had homeschooling mostly because of the fact that I was with Abbie every day of her life, what a gift that is to us. Our boys have done very well in both the American and British International Schools, I think they got a very good educational foundation, they have a love of reading that most of their classmates do not. They have a respect and appreciation of their teachers that few of their classmates have. Because of speaking conferences/workshops we attended, Dustin and Nathan are especially good at public speaking. We were able to give them tutoring in a second language much earlier than most schools and placed much emphasis on musical training. I also feel that homeschooling allowed us more concentrated time on their spiritual training and their character training.
Now that we have felt God has closed the homeschooling door for us at the moment we want each of our boys to be leaders in their school taking advantage of any opportunities that arise. They attend a Round Square, IB International School. There are only a handful of Round Square schools in the world, you can google them but they place a strong emphasis on serving others. At the Regent's school we have had several exchange students from all over the world. Being a British system, year 10, which Dustin and Nathan are completing is a relatively easier year, year 11 they have to take the major British exams that determine if they will be accepted into the IB program.
We didn't ask for a Christian school for either, even though we did state that we were committed, evangelical, Christians. At times here in Pattaya, I've questioned God bringing us here where the boys are faced with so much language and other sinful things. We want our boys to be in the world but not of the world. How wonderful that they both will be attending Christian schools for 6 weeks and experiencing other cultures. It is quite difficult for white, males getting into some colleges, which I realize they will be accepted where ever God wills for them but also feel like this exchange experience will be another thing that will make their college application 'stand-out'.
It makes Grandmamma nervous to send them so far away and I know others question letting them go so far. Can you believe they will both be 16 this summer? No one knows more than we do that no matter how hard one tries to protect and shelter their children it is all futile. We can't take the credit for their welfare in the past and it is God who is protecting and watching over them in their exchanges. They both have a strong foundation built on God's Word. We're a doing a 'test' shot, if you will, to see if our first two arrows are ready to fly straight and hit the target for the Lord! Please be praying for our two guys!!
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