Easter, Mammoth, Compton

Thu 03/20/08
Susan visited the podiatrist to check out her infected toes. She had a pedicure a few weeks ago and while she hasn’t had any problems before, her toenails were cut pretty short – the doctor believes that’s how the infection started. He prescribed daily Epsom salt soaks and an antibiotic. Once again I realize Susan’s compromised immune system requires us to be more cautious about ordinary activities. It’s hard getting used to our “new normal.”

We enjoyed a marvelous weekend of worship for Good Friday and Easter services at Emmanuel including meals and conversation on the weekend with each side of our family. We receive our greatest comfort from our Lord Jesus who conquered sin, death and hell for us on the cross and rose again on the third day to make eternal life a reality. This is the very hope that gives us strength in the face of brain cancer since live or die, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. Pastor Harold Korver puts it well: “God does His best work in graveyards.”

Mon 03/24/08
Susan and the boys left this morning for several days in Mammoth with her parents and Randy & Dorothy and their sons. She’ll be taking some extra meds to reduce brain swelling in the altitude and have another med along in case she has a seizure. While she won’t be skiing this year, she’s looking forward to the family getaway and spending time with her mom. Lexie and I are staying home. We’ll each be at work this week and are looking forward to a date night.

Fri 03/28/08
The family returned safely from Mammoth and had a great week. Susan did well all week and had no complications. I arranged for her to have a blood draw at Mammoth Hospital so her monthly labs could be faxed to UCLA prior to starting chemotherapy – it went smoothly also.

Sat 03/29/08
Austin, Adam and I had a terrific time working with about a thousand other people on another memorable Compton clean up day, part of a long-term initiative to restore, renew and re-birth the City of Compton. One week ago, we were diverse people from churches, businesses, schools, and universities from Compton, Southeast LA, OC, even Santa Cruz and Iowa. Today we wore yellow t-shirts bearing “The Church of Compton” emblem and worked together to beautify Whaley Middle School, Citizens of Zion and Faith Inspirational churches, and several houses. It’s fulfilling to see the transformation that results from thousands of man-hours given in just one morning. It’s phenomenal to see people of all ages, backgrounds and races work together to help one another. And it’s awe-inspiring to witness the joy of those who work and those who receive help as the kingdom of God is being established in the city.