Yesterday was the dreaded day.

Mark shaved my head for a second time.  Thankfully, it wasn’t as traumatic as last time.  I had been preparing myself since Wednesday when it began to slowly shed.  We were walking out the door headed to the airport and it just seemed like too much trouble to pretend it was going to last.  He gave me a quick clip, I put on my wig and we were off. (I apologize in advance for the giant photos you are about to see…I am tech handicapped.  I don’t know why they are resizing so huge.  )

We are in Hilton Head, South Carolina for a few days.  Mark is attending an adjusters conference and I am just hanging out.  Here’s my view from the patio this morning.  As you can tell, I’m not suffering too much.  We hope to walk the beach right after lunch. In addition, we had home made ice cream sandwiches last night for dessert.  We are living it up!

I will return from our trip and immediately sit back down in the chemo chair.  I’ll go straight from the airport to the doctor’s office on Thursday.  I’m still waiting on a positive report about my blood work.  My numbers are resistant.  It’s time for this stuff to yield  and die.  Would you pray with me this week that my tumor markers descend rapidly and consistently?

I have a song that has been carrying me for months now.  It’s called God of Miracles on the album Everything and Nothing Less by Chris McClarney of Jesus Culture.  If you or someone you love needs a miracle, this song will help you.  It opens with these lyrics:

Let faith arise

In spite of what I see

Lord I believe

I choose to trust you

No matter what I feel

Let faith arise

For my champion is not dead

He is alive

And He already knows my every need

Surely He will come and rescue me

God of miracles come

The whole album has been challenging me to just believe.  This morning I looked in the mirror at my shiny head and reminded myself in spite of what I see, I believe.

Here are some family updates.

Ashley traveled to Ecuador with Compassion International and had an incredible experience.  Compassion is a new sponsor for Pink Impact and I can’t wait to share with you more about the incredible work they are doing to rescue children from poverty and how they partner with the local church to accomplish this lofty goal. They skyped with me on Tuesday and I got to hear this amazing single mom’s testimony and then she prayed for me. It was almost as good as being there.  Thanks to Compassion for their hospitality.

John came home this weekend from WTA&M and brought his fraternity brother Koryie (I hope I spelled that correctly.)  They were attending a Kappa Alpha conference in Dallas.  We had an awesome visit and some great food.

Luke is doing well at A&M at Corpus Christi.  He’s a science major so he’s deep into biology and chemistry this semester.  He looking for a job and we are hoping he gets hired at a local beach front resort.  We’re dreaming about a summer vacation with a staff discount. (Is that even real?  Probably not.)

Matthew takes his driving test on Friday afternoon when we return.  I can’t believe the last one is about to embark on this adventure.  I’ll be glad because it’s a pain to pick him up from football practice everyday.  On the other hand, I’m sad.  I kind of enjoy when he needs his mom to come and get him.

Mark started a new project this week with Trigg General Construction.  They are working out of Stephenville, so he’ll be on the road a lot the next few weeks.  This is a big job and will be a big blessing to those involved. I stopped by the Trigg offices last week for the first time.  It was fun to visit and see the guys.  Scott, Brandon and Mark greeted me at the door.

And finally, I saw a new quote about courage last week that inspired me.  My friend Rachael Gilbert shared it.  She’s pretty courageous herself.   I know she won’t mind me sharing!

Thanks for all the love and support.

Jan