Joy at church, at home, with improvements

Sun 03/09/08
Today was Super Soul Sunday at Emmanuel’s Noon Service, our annual celebration of worship in the African American tradition. Pastor Larry’s promise of a hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’, finger-lickin’ good time did not disappoint. We were privileged to have Pastor Rafer Owens of Faith Inspirational Church in Compton deliver the sermon at all the services. He greatly encouraged our church for the work we’re doing to lift up the City of Compton, confirming that the flame of renewal we were hoping to help ignite has caught on in the city. I wept to hear this man of God testify to the reality that the one American city that has symbolized violence, corruption and blight like no other has begun to turn. It’s real – over the next 40 years, Compton will move from being a byword to being a model for urban transformation. We are beginning to witness a move of God that will bring Him great glory.

Listen to Pastor Owens' sermon online: http://www.erc.la/staying-focused-on-the-road-less-traveled-luke-131-35-rafer-owens

Tue 03/11/08
Susan made dinner tonight – the whole meal. It was significant because we’ve needed to push further toward me doing less and her doing more. Many nights in the past I’ve just done the whole thing in the interest of time since it takes longer to teach and do than it does just to do. But last night I was busy and turned her loose to do the cooking. I had to help out only a couple of times. She made baked chicken breasts smothered in tomato sauce with cheese (call it pizza chicken), steamed broccoli, and a delicious romaine salad. It was a great meal and an important step in shifting our roles back into balance.

Tue 03/19/08
We had our 4th consecutive monthly trip to UCLA today for MRI and neuro-oncology clinic visit with Dr Nghiemphu. Great results! What we've been praying for - the tumor site across the midline got smaller since February. We felt a great sense of relief with her good news! As she continued, the doctor also noticed more swelling in the cavity where tumor was removed last summer. Both the shrinkage and the swelling are the effect of radiation, in her opinion, enhanced by the temodar chemotherapy. She said radiation effect can be progressively noticeable for up to a year and a half. We were all very encouraged by this MRI - certainly moving in the right direction. Aside from continued monthly chemo, Susan will return to the two-month MRI cycle, so we'll revisit in May.
On a cautionary note, Susan has developed an infection in her big toes, more so on the right foot. My guess it’s from ingrown toenails since her feet have been swollen from being on steroids. She’ll see the podiatrist tomorrow for treatment. Infections can be troublesome for cancer patients like Susan, as we’ve seen in the past. We continue to pray for overall healing.

We had a break of several hours between Susan’s MRI and clinic visit, so we ventured down Sunset Blvd and visited the Will Rogers State Park. We had a personalized tour of the home since there were only two other guests and had lingering comments from our guide, lots of time for questions, and a peek at the many lumps of chewing gum Will Rogers stuck under the table when he sat down for meals. Susan and I enjoyed our time together strolling the grounds, soaking in the springtime sun and fragrant breezes, and having fish tacos in Santa Monica for lunch. This was a memorable day.