Dearest friends!
What a blessing it is to know that God's will for us is not a mystery. My very wise mother gave me my first copy of "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers when I was in College. This devotional has been one I have returned to over and over again. He writes 'The disciple who abides in Jesus is the will of God, and his apparently free choices are God's fore-ordained decrees.'
Peter and I have home schooled our children for 10 years now. What a blessing this has been. Andrea has just finished her Sophomore year at Arizona Christian University with four A's and two B's (the two B's were for Science and maths!, not our strength)! Daniela hopes to finish High School by the middle of next year and is doing very well in her chosen path in Fine Art. Christopher and Calvin are our two children who have embarked upon a new educational journey. We started the school year by placing Christopher into a Christian based independent School within walking distance from our home. This has been very successful and he has adjusted well. After much prayer and deliberation, I have met with the Principal of the Primary school and we have now enrolled Calvin into grade six there. There are 12 children in his class and offers so much variety that Calvin is kept challenged constantly. At the end of each day he is exhausted, but by morning he is ready for more.
My stamina is still at quite a low level, and my increasing fear was that I was not able to offer Calvin the instruction and guidance he needed academically. Both boys are very involved in sports as well, and Calvin continues to enjoy Scouts each week. I am so grateful to have been able to share our educational responsibility with this fine institution. I am confident of God's guidance and trust Him for His provision for school fees.
Peter has had a very productive time of ministry in Zambia as well as in America, but we are grateful to have him home for a while now. We are gearing up for the Summit starting June 24th, followed by the Great Commission Course for potential Missionaries. We expect people from far and wide. Andrea will be joining us for this, and in fact all of our children look forward to these Camps and Courses every year.
Christopher is doing well physically. His body seems to have adjusted to life with a graft kidney. Being immunosuppressed and now being at a school means he picks up colds and flu much more readily. He has been to the Doctor twice in the last few weeks.
Daniela has her Learner's licence now and is gaining more and more confidence on the road. She skates with the Senior Synchronized Skating Team now, and they are preparing for the World Championships next year in Sweden.
I look forward to a new Season of good health and vitality. I continue to paddle with the Dragon Boat Team, which keeps me fit and each time we paddle out into the Harbour I am reminded of what a beautiful City we live in.
Thank you to all of you who pray so regularly for us. We appreciate so much hearing from you and knowing that we are not in this alone. May God grant you many blessings as you faithfully serve Him.
Love and hugs,
Lenora
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Refreshment, Renewal and Reunions
What a blessing it was to spend three weeks with my dear parents. We were afforded the pleasure of uninterrupted fellowship and time together. This is unusual in our family, in that most visits are interrupted by travel, meetings or other items of business that need attending to while Stateside. I know it had been hard on my mom not to be a part of Christopher's Renal Transplant and my Cancer operation, so it was wonderfully meaningful to have the time to relate the stories and experiences.
The 50th Anniversary Celebrations for ACU were an incredible opportunity and I was so pleased to be able to witness Andrea singing in such a large Choir. President Bush was a moving speaker and the whole of the evening was reflective of what a Christ centered education should be all about.
Our dear friends Jan Gilbert, Susan Parks and Tammie Combs pulled off a delightful Birthday Celebration for my mother's 80th Birthday. It was a mini-reunion, as we had not seen so many of these people in so many years. God blessed us with good food, great fellowship and we are grateful to all who made this event such a success. Thank you!
My participation in a Dragon Boat Festival was an exhilarating experience. Watching so many Teams participate allowed me to realize how popular the sport it. There were 7 Cancer Survivor Teams, and a special Flower Tribute was made to us as 'survivors'. Needles to say, this was very moving and emotional. Mom and Dad blessed me with my very own paddle, which I was able to safely transport back home to Cape Town. Dragon Boat racing is the only organized sport for Breast Cancer survivors, and enjoys world wide support.
So far, there have been no serious side effects while on the Tamoxiphen. I am regaining strength, and am in the process of trying to lighten my load in other areas of my life.
Peter is on a two week ministry tour in Zambia right now. Shortly after his return home, he will be preparing for a trip to the US. Several Book projects are in the pipeline right now, and as always, we would covet your prayers as we continue the search for a publisher.
As always, thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement. You all are a treasured part of our lives.
With love, Lenora and family
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Travel and Celebrations
Amazingly, March is already in full swing, and I am in the throws of preparing to visit my parents in Arizona. My dear mother is celebrating her 80th Birthday, and Peter thought this was a great reason to go for a much overdue visit.
In all the years mom and dad travelled back and forth to South Africa, they used British Airways, and so I am able to use their miles to travel to Arizona. I am blessed with a three week visit, and look forward to catching up with my folks, Andrea and with good friends.
Andrea's Christian College has had a name change to 'Arizona Christian University', and with the name change has come an increase in the majors they can offer. So Andrea is now able to study Journalism, which is what she had wanted to study all along. She is really thrilled about this. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this College, President Bush has been invited as the speaker and this celebration takes place while I am in Arizona. Andrea will be singing in a massed choir for this occasion, and she will have very proud grandparents and an equally proud mom sitting in the congregation.
I checked to see if there were any Dragon Boat Teams in Arizona for Cancer Survivors, and sure enough, there is a Team. And, they are having a festival while I am there, so I will be able to paddle with them! It will be great to experience another Team and see how they do things.
I am very grateful to the Lord for the chance to have this break away from my responsibilities here. I would be grateful to all of you for your prayers for my family here in Cape Town. Peter will be on his own with the children and their many varied activities.
I have started the Tamoxiphen medication and pray that the side effects will not be dramatic. I have been grateful for a six week break free of treatment or drugs.
Peter and Calvin are away at the moment, taking meetings in South Africa. Among them are the Africa School of Missions, Kwa Sizabantu Ministers Conference and Jivanadi Mission in Natal. It has been a while since Calvin has had the chance to travel with Dad, and I know he has benefitted greatly from this time. Home schooling provides wonderful opportunities for this.
Christopher is really enjoying his school experience, and we are pleased with the school and the stand it takes. Daniela is faithfully plodding through her school work, and hopes to finish early next year. We were blessed by a visit from Olivia Lederle, herself an ACE home school graduate. She has been instrumental in helping us with the set up of the administration of ACE. She has also helped Daniela with planning out her year so that she can finish High School early to mid next year.
God is good, and blesses us with friends that can help us in areas we are weak. I am encouraged to know that I do not need to be able to handle it all on my own. Thank you to all of you, who pray, encourage, write letters, emails and just generally support us with love and care.
Gratefully,
Lenora
In all the years mom and dad travelled back and forth to South Africa, they used British Airways, and so I am able to use their miles to travel to Arizona. I am blessed with a three week visit, and look forward to catching up with my folks, Andrea and with good friends.
Andrea's Christian College has had a name change to 'Arizona Christian University', and with the name change has come an increase in the majors they can offer. So Andrea is now able to study Journalism, which is what she had wanted to study all along. She is really thrilled about this. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this College, President Bush has been invited as the speaker and this celebration takes place while I am in Arizona. Andrea will be singing in a massed choir for this occasion, and she will have very proud grandparents and an equally proud mom sitting in the congregation.
I checked to see if there were any Dragon Boat Teams in Arizona for Cancer Survivors, and sure enough, there is a Team. And, they are having a festival while I am there, so I will be able to paddle with them! It will be great to experience another Team and see how they do things.
I am very grateful to the Lord for the chance to have this break away from my responsibilities here. I would be grateful to all of you for your prayers for my family here in Cape Town. Peter will be on his own with the children and their many varied activities.
I have started the Tamoxiphen medication and pray that the side effects will not be dramatic. I have been grateful for a six week break free of treatment or drugs.
Peter and Calvin are away at the moment, taking meetings in South Africa. Among them are the Africa School of Missions, Kwa Sizabantu Ministers Conference and Jivanadi Mission in Natal. It has been a while since Calvin has had the chance to travel with Dad, and I know he has benefitted greatly from this time. Home schooling provides wonderful opportunities for this.
Christopher is really enjoying his school experience, and we are pleased with the school and the stand it takes. Daniela is faithfully plodding through her school work, and hopes to finish early next year. We were blessed by a visit from Olivia Lederle, herself an ACE home school graduate. She has been instrumental in helping us with the set up of the administration of ACE. She has also helped Daniela with planning out her year so that she can finish High School early to mid next year.
God is good, and blesses us with friends that can help us in areas we are weak. I am encouraged to know that I do not need to be able to handle it all on my own. Thank you to all of you, who pray, encourage, write letters, emails and just generally support us with love and care.
Gratefully,
Lenora
Friday, February 4, 2011
A New Chapter
Dear Friends!
As the year 2011 gains momentum, I am in need of updating you on what I hope will be the last chapter in my cancer story. My last chemo treatment was at the end of January, and at that appointment we were relieved to hear that no radiation would be necessary in my case. We discussed terms like 'cancer survivor', 'in remission' and being 'cancer free'! All of these terms apply to me.
After my surgery in August,I was cancer free in a very real sense. All the chemo treatments have been prophylactic in that it served to locate any rogue cells that may be in my body and kill them. This, we trust has happened. I am given a few weeks break now, and then will need to start on hormone therapy for the next five years.
One of the first things I did after my last chemo infusion on Monday, was join the 'Cancer Survivors Dragonboat Racing Team'. They are called the 'amabele Belles' and I will be taking part in my first Regatta this Saturday (tomorrow). It is very exhilarating to sit in a Boat with other Cancer Survivors in arguably one of the most beautiful Harbours in the World. Our back drop is Table Mountain with its never ceasing 'Table Cloth' pouring over the top of it. We paddle amongst the Seals, and our coach takes no prisoners. My first rowing experience left my whole body aching for days. I enjoy staying in shape, and am so grateful to be a part of this experience.
So the year 2011 brings for me a fresh hope and comfort. I know God is Sovereign and in control. He knows the days I am to serve Him on this earth, and I trust Him fully for my 100% recovery.
I pray; your 2011 will be equally filled with hope in our Lord and Saviour for your future and for your part in His over-all plan.
With love and gratitude to all of you for your prayers and friendship,
Lenora
As the year 2011 gains momentum, I am in need of updating you on what I hope will be the last chapter in my cancer story. My last chemo treatment was at the end of January, and at that appointment we were relieved to hear that no radiation would be necessary in my case. We discussed terms like 'cancer survivor', 'in remission' and being 'cancer free'! All of these terms apply to me.
After my surgery in August,I was cancer free in a very real sense. All the chemo treatments have been prophylactic in that it served to locate any rogue cells that may be in my body and kill them. This, we trust has happened. I am given a few weeks break now, and then will need to start on hormone therapy for the next five years.
One of the first things I did after my last chemo infusion on Monday, was join the 'Cancer Survivors Dragonboat Racing Team'. They are called the 'amabele Belles' and I will be taking part in my first Regatta this Saturday (tomorrow). It is very exhilarating to sit in a Boat with other Cancer Survivors in arguably one of the most beautiful Harbours in the World. Our back drop is Table Mountain with its never ceasing 'Table Cloth' pouring over the top of it. We paddle amongst the Seals, and our coach takes no prisoners. My first rowing experience left my whole body aching for days. I enjoy staying in shape, and am so grateful to be a part of this experience.
So the year 2011 brings for me a fresh hope and comfort. I know God is Sovereign and in control. He knows the days I am to serve Him on this earth, and I trust Him fully for my 100% recovery.
I pray; your 2011 will be equally filled with hope in our Lord and Saviour for your future and for your part in His over-all plan.
With love and gratitude to all of you for your prayers and friendship,
Lenora
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
A New Year....
brings so many new possibilities. It brings a chance to reflect and evaluate, to look ahead and plan, to seek God's guidance afresh for what His plans are for us. We pray you and your families had a wonderful Christmas celebration and that your New Year too, brings God's direction and blessing into your lives.
I tell my children on a regular basis that each day, they are given a new opportunity to do better, to make that apology, to focus more, to be more diligent in their work and praise Him more. So with a new year, we have even more of a chance to try and overcome obstacles that may have plagued us the previous year.
Most of you know of our obstacles, particularly with my health. Well I am pleased to say that I only have 2 more Chemo sessions left. The side effects are mild, and I have learned to pace myself so that I don't get so tired. My hair is about 2mm long now, and I look forward to the day when I don't have to wear scarves and hats anymore - especially during our hot summer days. My Oncologist says radiation may not be necessary in my case. She will discuss this with her panel and let us know what they think. We pray I will be exempt from this. I will however, be on medication for the next 5 years.
My oldest sister Debbie spent just over two weeks with us for Christmas. What a blessing this was. Her culinary skills were celebrated daily with relish and her support and encouragement to me on so many fronts was cherished. It is one of my greatest struggles that my family lives on three different Continents and that our lives seem to be filled with so many 'good-byes'. So I am ever grateful when we do have an opportunity to visit. Debbie's expertise in the field of education was tapped into by me, and I hope to put her advice into practice this year.
Peter, Daniela and Christopher are presently at our Biblical Worldview Summit Camp. We have a record number of teens attending this year and are grateful to be able to have a platform for Reformation Teaching to these future leaders. Our subjects cover everything from Courtship and Modesty to Honoring your parents, Creation Science, World Religions, the New Age and Evangelism.
Calvin completed his first Scout Camp today and will have an official Scout name now. He joins us at the Summit for the rest of the Camp. After an all too short, three week visit for Christmas, Andrea flew back to Arizona to carry on with her studies at South Western College. What a privilege it is to have her there, and we give thanks to God for the Scholarships and Sponsors that make this possible.
Thank you for your many Christmas greetings, and for the encouragement as we run the race God sets before us. May the New Year be filled with His grace and sufficiency.
With Love,
Lenora and family
I tell my children on a regular basis that each day, they are given a new opportunity to do better, to make that apology, to focus more, to be more diligent in their work and praise Him more. So with a new year, we have even more of a chance to try and overcome obstacles that may have plagued us the previous year.
Most of you know of our obstacles, particularly with my health. Well I am pleased to say that I only have 2 more Chemo sessions left. The side effects are mild, and I have learned to pace myself so that I don't get so tired. My hair is about 2mm long now, and I look forward to the day when I don't have to wear scarves and hats anymore - especially during our hot summer days. My Oncologist says radiation may not be necessary in my case. She will discuss this with her panel and let us know what they think. We pray I will be exempt from this. I will however, be on medication for the next 5 years.
My oldest sister Debbie spent just over two weeks with us for Christmas. What a blessing this was. Her culinary skills were celebrated daily with relish and her support and encouragement to me on so many fronts was cherished. It is one of my greatest struggles that my family lives on three different Continents and that our lives seem to be filled with so many 'good-byes'. So I am ever grateful when we do have an opportunity to visit. Debbie's expertise in the field of education was tapped into by me, and I hope to put her advice into practice this year.
Peter, Daniela and Christopher are presently at our Biblical Worldview Summit Camp. We have a record number of teens attending this year and are grateful to be able to have a platform for Reformation Teaching to these future leaders. Our subjects cover everything from Courtship and Modesty to Honoring your parents, Creation Science, World Religions, the New Age and Evangelism.
Calvin completed his first Scout Camp today and will have an official Scout name now. He joins us at the Summit for the rest of the Camp. After an all too short, three week visit for Christmas, Andrea flew back to Arizona to carry on with her studies at South Western College. What a privilege it is to have her there, and we give thanks to God for the Scholarships and Sponsors that make this possible.
Thank you for your many Christmas greetings, and for the encouragement as we run the race God sets before us. May the New Year be filled with His grace and sufficiency.
With Love,
Lenora and family
Friday, December 17, 2010
3 Down and 6 To Go
Dearest friends!
Mercifully, these shorter infusions have been far less traumatic than the first three. God has blessed me with little to no side effects this time around. I am told that I may still face the challenge of neuropathy, which means I might experience 'pins and needles' in my finger tips and feet. Other than still being very tired most of the time, I am able to resume a normality in my schedule again.
Our family was able to go away for a few days up the Garden Route. We were blessed by the hospitality of friends that stay just past Plettenberg Bay. The children had such fun riding on Quad bikes and enjoying the Beach. We visited Birds of Eden, The Wild Cat Sanctuary and enjoyed reading and good fellowship.
Andrea has returned for her Christmas break from South Western College. She is on a full scholarship there and has managed to earn a 3.8 GPA for the Semester. (it is the Science and Maths that keep her grades 'down'!)We are very proud of her for doing so well, and praise the Lord for this opportunity in her life.
Daniela is at this moment hiking the Outeniqua Trail with her church youth group. The first day was spent hiking in pouring rain and howling wind. We pray the next few days will be blessed with better weather. Peter and I have laughed at the fact that of all of our children, it would be the 'ballerina, ice-skating daughter' that attempts the rigours of such a hike! We are so proud of her.
Christopher is doing so well physically. He has achieved his junior black-belt in his discipline. This has been such a mile stone for him and we are proud of him for persevering.
On December 24th we anticipate the arrival of my oldest sister Debbie. We are all looking forward to her spending Christmas with us. Debbie is not only an excellent cook, but has the ability to just fit in anywhere and muscle in. I remember the very first time she visited, we had just experienced a terrible oil spill on our Coast, and our Penguins needed cleaning and feeding. Peter took Debbie with him to help with this, and she became very able at handling the slippery birds.
We have just sent out our family news, so you should all be receiving this update on our family soon. We are so blessed to have you as our friends, and are encouraged by your friendship, intercession and support.
May our Heavenly Father bless you this Christmas Season as we celebrate the greatest gift of all - the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Lenora and family
Mercifully, these shorter infusions have been far less traumatic than the first three. God has blessed me with little to no side effects this time around. I am told that I may still face the challenge of neuropathy, which means I might experience 'pins and needles' in my finger tips and feet. Other than still being very tired most of the time, I am able to resume a normality in my schedule again.
Our family was able to go away for a few days up the Garden Route. We were blessed by the hospitality of friends that stay just past Plettenberg Bay. The children had such fun riding on Quad bikes and enjoying the Beach. We visited Birds of Eden, The Wild Cat Sanctuary and enjoyed reading and good fellowship.
Andrea has returned for her Christmas break from South Western College. She is on a full scholarship there and has managed to earn a 3.8 GPA for the Semester. (it is the Science and Maths that keep her grades 'down'!)We are very proud of her for doing so well, and praise the Lord for this opportunity in her life.
Daniela is at this moment hiking the Outeniqua Trail with her church youth group. The first day was spent hiking in pouring rain and howling wind. We pray the next few days will be blessed with better weather. Peter and I have laughed at the fact that of all of our children, it would be the 'ballerina, ice-skating daughter' that attempts the rigours of such a hike! We are so proud of her.
Christopher is doing so well physically. He has achieved his junior black-belt in his discipline. This has been such a mile stone for him and we are proud of him for persevering.
On December 24th we anticipate the arrival of my oldest sister Debbie. We are all looking forward to her spending Christmas with us. Debbie is not only an excellent cook, but has the ability to just fit in anywhere and muscle in. I remember the very first time she visited, we had just experienced a terrible oil spill on our Coast, and our Penguins needed cleaning and feeding. Peter took Debbie with him to help with this, and she became very able at handling the slippery birds.
We have just sent out our family news, so you should all be receiving this update on our family soon. We are so blessed to have you as our friends, and are encouraged by your friendship, intercession and support.
May our Heavenly Father bless you this Christmas Season as we celebrate the greatest gift of all - the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Lenora and family
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tough obstacles
Dear Friends.....I am back! It has taken me a good two weeks to surface again and to feel able to put onto paper a summary of this most recent journey. The last of the big infusions started on a very emotional note. The poor nurse struggled to get any straight answers out of me as I just burst into tears at each question. I am not sure what came over me, but I felt such a deep sense of despair and hopelessness as I sat in the chemo chair for over 4 hours. I should have felt relief at it being my last 'long session', but instead felt completely overwhelmed.
My reaction this time was the worst of all three sessions. For some reason my body took a good 10 days to even feel a semblance of normality and strength. It was a recovery filled with obstacles and road blocks, and I must confess that I was not sure I had the strength to continue. I felt I had been involved in a marathon race that seemed to have no finish line. I was quite certain I would not be able to face any further infusions and that my body had taken all it could.
But what a wonderfully patient God we serve. Day by day, He lifted me further and further out of the depressive thoughts that threatened to overwhelm my recovery process. My family was patient, and Peter especially helped me to gain better perspective and continued to stay positive. My parents kept close tabs on my progress with regular calls, and I was grateful to have so many friends show their care and concern.
At times like this it is easy to think that coping with daily family responsibilities is more than one can cope with, but in actuality, they are what keep you going. Dealing with the daily chores of family life, help keep you focused on the 'Martha tasks'. Satan threatens to take you out of the race we are all called to run. I am thankful for my family, and for the fact that life does go on despite my Cancer. Daily, I must continue to keep perspective and 'see the big picture'. No matter how many days God grants me on this Earth, His plan for all of us is one that is victorious and it will serve His purpose. My goal is to stay faithful, and to run the race.
Thank you to all of you, who have so faithfully held my hand during this race. Without you, things would be so much more difficult.
I face nine more weekly infusions now. They are to be much shorter, and with less side effects than the first three. I must confess that I dread going in for these, but trust our heavenly Father for victory in this area.
The school year is winding down here in the Southern Hemisphere and so many year end funtions are happening. It is good to be busy and to stay focused on other things. We all wish you a blessed Thanksgiving celebration. I know we all have so much to thank God for. I certainly give thanks for all of you.
Gratefully,
Lenora and family
My reaction this time was the worst of all three sessions. For some reason my body took a good 10 days to even feel a semblance of normality and strength. It was a recovery filled with obstacles and road blocks, and I must confess that I was not sure I had the strength to continue. I felt I had been involved in a marathon race that seemed to have no finish line. I was quite certain I would not be able to face any further infusions and that my body had taken all it could.
But what a wonderfully patient God we serve. Day by day, He lifted me further and further out of the depressive thoughts that threatened to overwhelm my recovery process. My family was patient, and Peter especially helped me to gain better perspective and continued to stay positive. My parents kept close tabs on my progress with regular calls, and I was grateful to have so many friends show their care and concern.
At times like this it is easy to think that coping with daily family responsibilities is more than one can cope with, but in actuality, they are what keep you going. Dealing with the daily chores of family life, help keep you focused on the 'Martha tasks'. Satan threatens to take you out of the race we are all called to run. I am thankful for my family, and for the fact that life does go on despite my Cancer. Daily, I must continue to keep perspective and 'see the big picture'. No matter how many days God grants me on this Earth, His plan for all of us is one that is victorious and it will serve His purpose. My goal is to stay faithful, and to run the race.
Thank you to all of you, who have so faithfully held my hand during this race. Without you, things would be so much more difficult.
I face nine more weekly infusions now. They are to be much shorter, and with less side effects than the first three. I must confess that I dread going in for these, but trust our heavenly Father for victory in this area.
The school year is winding down here in the Southern Hemisphere and so many year end funtions are happening. It is good to be busy and to stay focused on other things. We all wish you a blessed Thanksgiving celebration. I know we all have so much to thank God for. I certainly give thanks for all of you.
Gratefully,
Lenora and family
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
