Update 5/8/25: Keep Swimming

Psalm 89:1 "I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness to all generations."

Life never stops in our home. We have been busy with the end of the school year programs and events. "Keep swimming" from Finding Nemo is my theme right now! I wanted to give a brief update.

Update: Wayne

Wayne continues to do amazing. His walking pace has even improved over the last few weeks. Naomi told me today that when they went to the store, she didn't have to walk extra slow with him. He just doesn't give up! His palliative nurse comes next week for a checkup. I know she is always amazed when she comes and sees how well he is doing. It is crazy to think that a year ago we thought it was the end. God wasn't done with Wayne.

Update: Rebecca

My rash finally cleared up after taking two weeks of a high dose of steroids. I have an oncologist appointment tomorrow and a follow up pulmonologist appointment next week. It will be nice to get these appointments out of the way before our trip. I will discuss it with my doctor tomorrow, but the plan is to wait for anymore immunotherapy until I return from my trip. I don't want to take a chance of my body having a negative response.

Micaela and I attended a mock trial with her Classical Conversations class. I was a juror and she cheered on her old classmates. Micaela has loved being part of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) at school this year. She is excited to join the archery team this next year!

Micaela and Joella participated in the Beta Club talent show. Joella sang "Daddy's Hands" and Micaela sang and signed "King of Kings". They both did a great job, especially since Joella overcame her fear of the stage. Micaela won first place!

Wednesday we were able to attend the awards program at school. Joella received honor roll for the year and also was awarded the "Prayer Warrior" character award. Micaela earned Principals List for the year and received the "Philippians" character award. School has been such a blessing for both girls. Although I miss homeschooling them, we have always taken the approach of one year at a time and making a school decision that is best for each kid. Sending them to school has been a huge blessing and we've enjoyed watching them rise to the occasion and grow.

Beauty and the Beast. Above is a picture of my gorgeous iris that a friend gave me last year. Below is a "nope rope" that we spotted in our creek. The girls and I think it may be a poisonous snake, Wayne isn't positive about it. I figure to be safe, we assume it is poisonous. It was a huge snake and a big NO from me!

Packing for six weeks means a huge mess of organizing and double checking lists. We are almost done packing with just over two weeks to go. The kids and I are getting very excited about China.

Our community all came together and helped gather these medical supplies for us to deliver to a medical home in Beijing. Thank you to everyone who donated supplies and money to buy supplies and cover the extra luggage fees!! 

Our plan will be to post at least a few photos and videos every day from our trip and give a brief update. More detailed posts will be shared after our trip. Make sure to check in each day to travel along with us in China!

Prayer Requests:

- Wayne: pray for his therapy to keep working so well and that he keeps improving.

- Rebecca: pray for my appointment tomorrow and next week that everything goes well. Praise - my mammogram and other tests have all looked great.

- Naomi: please pray for her as she gets ready to leave in June for Ireland for two months. Pray for her as she serves there.

- Please pray for our trip to China and all the last minute details that we need to work out. Pray that we (Shan, Micaela, Joella, and I) all stay healthy.