Update 3/31/25: Disappointment

Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Many of us face disappointment in life. It can show up in many different forms. For me, disappointment lies in a canceled trip. I was supposed to be boarding a plane 12 hours from now to head to Istanbul with my sister. She had a work event and invited me to tag along. Wayne and I decided it was too amazing of an adventure for me to pass up. Last week though, my sister asked if I had heard about the protests in Istanbul. I don’t watch the news, so I had no clue what was going on. After doing some research, we were comfortable proceeding with the trip…until we saw pictures from Saturday’s protests that had grown from hundreds to hundred of thousands. Some estimated as many as two million! Suddenly, two women in a country facing many uncertainties seemed unwise. I had all the sites planned out to visit. I love studying history and couldn’t wait to visit the country where so much history has taken place. Constantinople to Istanbul, Hagia Sophia turned into a mosque, etc. But, as the verse above says, I may make plans, but ultimately, God directs our steps. So, I will trust that He has something else for me. Maybe one day I will see this beautiful, historically rich country.

Meanwhile, I purchased our tickets for our trip to China! That has helped distract me from this disappointment. The kids are getting excited. Micaela and Joella worked hard this weekend to earn some money for our trip. Let me know if you have any other jobs you need help with! 

After working hard, we headed to a baby shower for a sweet friend. 

Update: Wayne

Wayne is doing great. He went to the gym with me tonight and he just putts away at working out. His therapies continue to go well. He was a little discouraged this week after meeting with his neuro oncologist. He hadn’t seen Wayne at his worse, since we have been seeing his NP. Wayne was telling him how much better he was doing and the doctor said Wayne looked worse to him. 👀 Thankfully, we know that he has made improvements over the past year. 

Wayne and I enjoyed a date night as well. It was nice to escape for some quiet time alone. I still cannot thank God enough for our health and all the extra time He has given us. Wayne is a miracle!! 

Update: Rebecca 

My doctor prescribed me steroids to help with my inflammatory response to my immunotherapy. It seems to be helping, which is great. We made a plan to have my next infusion a few weeks later than normal to give my body time to not have a reaction while I’m in China. I do have a follow up CT scan 4/14 for my lung nodule. Please pray that it is completely resolved and that no other follow up is needed. 

I finally had success with my sourdough!! I watched a video and was able to tweak a few things. After China, I want to attempt gluten free sourdough bread. Wayne is loving this new baking adventure. 

These are custom pieces of art work that I commissioned from a friend. These are a gift for my friends I’m visiting on our trip. We have been practicing English while studying the Bible. I wanted to create something special the represents our special friendship. The writing in Mandarin is verses from Acts 8: “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him…then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the Good News about Jesus…the Eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”

 

Even though the disappointment of my Istanbul trip is fresh on my mind, I am thrilled with the opportunity God is giving us to travel to China. Please pray that our crazy world stays sane long enough for us to make this trip! 

Prayer Requests:

- Wayne: pray that he stays encouraged and keeps working hard at therapy. 

- Rebecca: for my inflammation to heal up completely and for this reaction to not happen again. Please also pray for a clear CT scan.

- Please pray for my dad. We are still waiting to hear when his radiation will start. Also for Wayne’s dad as he starts radiation in a few weeks. Have I ever said I hate cancer?!?

- Please pray for a special family member who is sick. I am planning a trip to see them. Would you mind joining me in praying boldly for their healing and also for a safe trip?