A beginning sketch for dalia watercolor…to be continued.
As I was chatting with a new friend, Laurie, about going on the trip to Thailand, I happened to mention I have stage 4 breast cancer. Being a nurse’s aide, Laurie recounted patients of hers who had cancer. They weren’t nice stories. I sat listening carefully. I like listening carefully these days.
“How am I going to explain, I feel fine?” I thought to myself as Laurie chatted. Laurie may be one of many who can’t quite understand how I can be feeling so well and still have cancer, stage four to boot AND be planning a trip to Thailand to tell others about Jesus’ love for them. This is my work; this is what God has called me to do, I think to myself.
I joined the YMCA today so I can add upper body training and core training. (I don’t really know what I am talking about, but that’s the gist of what I was told today during my first one-on-one session.) I lifted a bunch of heavy stuff with my arms and my legs, I walked an indoor track, I rode a bike to nowhere and I treaded on a moving rubber belt. I also walked my 3.76 miles. In the rain. Of course. I live in Seattle.
I guess I am telling you all this so you might think I am perfectly fine to go to Thailand. I don’t need your permission, but I don’t want anyone to worry about me. Then, I think; when are any of us absolutely fine, with all our ducks lined up neatly, to be ready to go to Thailand? Sometimes, we just have to go smack in the middle of life, in the middle of cancer or kids or business deals or projects, and join God in what He is already doing. Even in Thailand.
As I finish a second Vitamix-made carrot/apple smoothie, I begin thinking about the call I had from my friend from Ulanbatar, Mongolia. My friend, Duya, and I are dreaming and praying for us to get to serve Jesus, one day, together in her country. In the meantime, I’ll keep praying, exercising, eating well and taking my pill. So, who wants to go to Mongolia?
