Update # 12 on Jewel

Today we continue to process the news from yesterday.

We began the day early, with Justin, Natasha and me sitting around Jewel’s hospital bed with two of the surgeons who conducted the surgery yesterday. We appreciated so much their compassionate and sensitive approach as they shared again the results of yesterday’s operation.

While we know little more than yesterday, the next steps seem a little clearer. They are now working with Jewel to recover from the surgery. Her post-surgical pain is presently under control. She does experience some nausea. However, the nurses have already had her up and out of bed for a short walk.

Until the reports from the pathology are available in about 10-14 days, the Cancer Clinic will not determine the full course of treatment. The doctors believe they got “everything”. However, only research will confirm that observation. As part of the treatment it will mean chemotherapy, which means among other things a loss of her hair. (Jewel later thanked me for all the silk scarves I have bought her because she will now be able to make good use of them!)

We continue this journey, one day at a time and sometimes one hour a time. We continue to be buoyed up be the prayers and offers of support by so many people.

· I am grateful for the WEA staff members who have stepped up to the plate to take on some of my responsibilities.

· I am grateful for our dear friend Joan who came and lived in our home to help in the days leading up to Jewel going into the hospital.

· I am so appreciative of our close family friend, Dr. Mitch, who drove for over an hour to the hospital last night after his busy medical practice just to be with us. Like a loving uncle he sat for a long time answering Natasha’s and Justin’s questions and just encouraging them.

· I am thankful for our church community who are coming alongside us to pray, provide meals and offering lots of practical help.

· I am indebted to my brothers in Christ, Mike, Dave, and Mitchell for being just a cell-phone call away from me.

· I am grateful to our family members both near and far for their expressions of love and concern.

· I can’t tell you how much I love my kids, Justin and Natasha for walking with me through these days.

· I continue to be amazed how my dear Jewel in spite of her pain and uncertainty continues to live out her faith and deep trust in the Lord.

Today I have been encouraged by Hebrews 13:20

“May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole, Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant, Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd, up and alive from the dead, Now put you together, provide you with everything you need to please him, Make us into what gives him most pleasure, by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah. All glory to Jesus forever and always! Oh, yes, yes, yes."

We continue on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 11 on Jewel

This has to be the most difficult communication I have ever had to write. We sat, waited and prayed during Jewel’s surgery. Within less than two hours of the surgery starting the lead surgeon spoke to us. While the surgery itself went very well we were told that the outcome was different than the results everyone had hoped for.

The initial diagnosis is that Jewel has Stage II Ovarian Cancer. While at the moment the cancer seems to be limited to one ovary they are doing further testing. We will know more results when the pathology has been completed. The surgeon went on to tell us the Cancer Clinic will determine the next steps of care but it would include chemotherapy.

While we knew these results were a potential, it is hard to actually hear them spoken to you.

In the midst of this hurricane we feel the presence of God. Our pastor came to our side within a short time of us hearing this news. We prayed, we cried, we hugged and we read scripture.

In some ways the most difficult part has been sharing the news with family and friends.

You need to know that while we feel overwhelmed by the news we are not without hope.

Since I heard the news an email that our friend Kay Warren of Saddleback Church (who has twice been diagnosed with cancer) wrote us has been ringing in my heart and mind. It is a promise that I am believing for Jewel.

Kay wrote:

“The verse that came to my mind as I lay on the radiologist’s table during the breast biopsy was job 23:10: “He knows the way I take, and when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” The comfort of that verse was immense that day – the God of the vast universe knows the way I take, and that must mean He will have everything I need prepared for me ahead of time. He did. He knows the way Jewel is taking, and He will take care of all the details she needs to fulfill His purposes for her life. The two of you have known Jesus intimately for many years, so I have no doubts that He will produce something lovely and beautiful – “gold” – from the fires of this trial in your lives. Praying that you know His peace in the middle of the anxiety, and praying for her complete healing.”

Again let me underscore our depth of appreciation for the support, love and encouragement we have been receiving during this time of trial.

On the journey,

Geoff for Jewel, Justin a Natasha

Update # 10 on Jewel

We have now been told that Jewel is on the surgery slate for tomorrow (Tuesday) at approx 2 p.m. We have been so very encouraged by the care she has received in the hospital today. Three specialists as well as several other doctors have seen her. We are also grateful that they seem to managing her pain and nausea.

We sensed the hand of the Lord in so many ways today. We know many people continue to pray. Thank you.

You need to know that Jewel has great peace in heart and mind as she faces this surgery. Justin and Natasha are also staying strong. Personally I have felt the Lord’s grace and mercy as He as given strength for the journey.

As Jewel comes to mind we would ask you to pray that she rests well tonight in preparation for the surgery. Also please pray for skill and wisdom for the medical team that will conduct the surgery. We continue to pray for healing for Jewel.

Today I have thought about this quote from Frank VanderZwan

“After the initial greeting in beginning the second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul bursts forth in a joyful praise with a Jewish benediction usually offered in Jewish prayer and worship: “Blessed be the God”. Paul then makes the ancient blessing a Christian one when he adds “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”. To this he adds the description of God as the loving Father from whom flows compassion and comfort. God has tender love for those who are hurting and he comforts them in their time of need. Paul writes “the God of all comfort.” Wherever hardships may be, God proves to be near.

One of the most important truths is that the God of Comfort doesn’t come and go as our needs change. He is there all the time in and through all circumstances. God is the Comforter who is always with us.”

Thanks for walking this path with us.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 9 on Jewel

This morning Jewel was in significant pain. Therefore we took her to the ER. The ER is now managing her pain. However, the Oncologist Surgeons agreed that she should be admitted into the hospital. So Jewel has now been admitted into the hospital. We are just waiting for them to transfer her from the ER to a ward. She has also been told she will be on a fast from midnight which means they will be attempting to get her on the surgical list for tomorrow. We are grateful for easing of her pain and we pray for the right time for surgery.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer.

On the journey,

Geoff

Update # 8 on Jewel

Last night we had a great visit with our local Church Pastor and his wife. They had just returned to town and this was the first time they had seen us since Jewel became ill. They encouraged with the words of 1 Peter 1

“ 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

What a great hope!

They also shared with us a profound lesson about scuba diving from their recent vacation. While Pastor Mike was diving, he noticed while the waves very rough on top once into the depth of the ocean he observed the complete calmness of the environment.

Knowing the truth of the verses in 1 Peter, we are reminded that no matter how turbulent life may seem we can have a deep peace as we rest in God’s grace. This is certainly been part of our experience.

We are a grateful that the pain management changes recommended for Jewel seem to be providing a greater degree of comfort. We are now waiting for her Tuesday pre-operation consultation at the hospital in preparation for her scheduled surgery on Friday.

We ask you to continue to pray for healing of the tumor, wisdom for the doctors and daily strength for our family.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 7 on Jewel

What a joy to see Natasha walk out of the Customs Hall at Vancouver Airport. It was a long four days of travel for our daughter from Rwanda. It’s wonderful to hear her laughter echoing in the rooms of our home again.

Listening to Natasha I really sense the Lord has taught her some deep lessons. Her Rwandan housemate Dora wrote me a wonderful little letter. She writes about Natasha, “It was a great blessing to know and stay with your daughter, she truly is a gift to all who meet her.” I agree.

In the last couple of days Jewel has felt physically weaker. She has a lot of dizziness and some increased pain. The doctors have made some adjustments to her medications to see if they can make her more comfortable until she gets her surgery.

Jewel has been contemplating how good God is while at the same time realizing the severity of illness. She has come to a deeper understanding that when life digs holes with a spade of sickness and confusion, God fills up the hole with joy and hope.

We continue to be so very appreciative of the love and encouragement of so many people.

Yours on the journey,

Geoff

Update # 6 on Jewel

Today we received a call from the hospital to say that Jewel is now on the surgery schedule for next Friday (Oct 2nd). While we are appreciative of the fact she is now on the schedule we continue to pray for an earlier date for the surgery.

The weight of the growing tumor continues to cause Jewel discomfort. Please pray that Jewel will be able to get some rest and nourishment from her limited food intake.

This morning we heard that our dear friend Barb passed on to heaven. (She was about the same age as Jewel.) Barb has struggled for the last several years with cancer. Both Jewel and I were inspired in our faith as we sat with Barb and her husband Phil during our last visit with them. We grieve the loss our friend. We pray for Phil and their two daughters.

Justin also received word that Marie, his girlfriend in Thailand, continues to struggle in the hospital. While on MSN with Justin, Marie collapsed. The nurse in Thailand was able to pick up the MSN messaging a little later and let Justin know what had happened.

These matters are heavy on my heart.

In the midst of this heaviness I have been reminded of:

(Ephesians 3: 17-19)

“17 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Pastor John Ortberg in unpacking these verses writes:

Paul fell to his knees as he thought about how incredibly much he was loved by God every moment of every day. For Paul it didn’t matter what he had to face, he knew that he could face it all, having God’s love continually poured into him. Paul was always in peace because he knew he was always loved by the Father. Paul was filled with the love of God and the knowledge of that love.

If there is one truth we can take away as we face the challenges of this week it is this:

• God’s love is wide enough to embrace every corner of our lives.

• God’s love is long enough to last forever, and see us through this life and into eternity.

• God’s love is high enough to secure our place in heaven; our final destination in his love and this truth gives us peace.

• God’s love is deep enough to meet us at our lowest point, which reminds us that we are never alone.

The key to peace in our lives is love, the love of God for us. In all the circumstances of life we need to hang on to the truth that drove the apostle Paul to his knees.

May we have the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ for us.

One last note. As I write this Natasha should be boarding her plane from Cairo to Frankfurt.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 5 on Jewel

September 23, 2009

Today we went to the Cancer Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. We were impressed by the efficiency, care and compassion of the medical personnel at this first class facility.

In our meeting with the oncologist surgeon, he reviewed all the medical reports with us. The bottom line is that the analysis is inconclusive as to whether it is cancer or not. It will take surgery to answer this question.

Jewel has now been placed on an urgent surgery list. The surgeon told us (at the outside) this surgery would happen within two weeks. However, given the urgent need they will be looking for cancellations or changing schedules. They want to do the surgery as soon as possible. We are grateful for their willingness to do all they can to speed up the process.

So now we wait. We trust. We hope. We feel held securely in God’s arms.

While Jewel is exhausted from the activities of the day her spirit remains strong.

Sometimes in circumstances like these we ask: “Where is God?” It seems like the prophet Isaiah has answer for us.

In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. (Isaiah 63:9)

I spoke to Natasha in Cairo today. She will begin the next leg of journey home to Frankfurt on Friday 4:30 am (Cairo time.) Thank you Hala and Andrea for taking such good care of our daughter.

Thanks for travelling this journey of faith with us.

Geoff

Update # 4 on Jewel

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

This has been a roller-coaster day. We waited until mid afternoon to hear that Jewel could not get an appointment at the Cancer Clinic for another week. Our hearts sank. With Jewel’s fast deteriorating condition a week seemed like an eternity away. We prayed for God’s grace and mercy.

Within an hour three doctors intervened on Jewel’s behalf. We received a call from the Cancer Clinic to say she now has appointment tomorrow (Wednesday) in the early afternoon. We are so grateful. Praise God for answered prayer.

As we walk this journey, we feel supported by God’s people around the world. Emails are coming regularly from every corner of the earth. We feel blessed.

Today we have been reminded of the words of Annie Johnston Flint:

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;

To added affliction, He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed e’re the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father’s full giving has only begun.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure,

His power has no boundary known unto men,

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

These words truly reflect what is on our hearts today.

As I write this Natasha is checking in for the second of four legs of her flight home from Nairobi to Cairo. Lord please give her a deep sense of your presence.

On the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 3 on Jewel

Monday, September 18, 2009

Today as been a day of waiting. All the reports from the Specialist and medical tests have been forwarded to the Cancer Clinic. We now wait their analysis and the setting up of appointments at the Clinic. The doctor is helping her manage her pain while we wait.

We continue to be encouraged by the phone calls and emails. It is has been wonderful to hear from people we have not heard from for years. We have been deeply touched by the stories of those who have taken similar journeys.

The Lord is teaching us to live in the moment.

Here is a quote from Jewel’s journal today.

“Living in the Moment…

This is my key to survival. In the midst of the struggle of trying to understand what is wrong inside my body, God is there soothing me. In the painful MRI, God is there comforting me. Through my friends, I see God loving me. Through the Elders coming to pray over me, I see God’s deep grace covering me, like a warm quilt. In all the tasks I see my loving family doing for me, I see God holding me ever so gently, loving me securely.

If I don’t live in the moment with God, I miss the hope and security that He gives. It means I would have to face the huge hurdles alone. I cannot imagine doing this. So I seek out God. I long after Him. And he is faithful and every present.”

We also talked to Natasha in Rwanda today. This is her last night before she begins her four-day trek home. Even though she is only 19 years old, I feel she has grown leaps and bounds in her faith. I am really proud of her.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers

Geoff

Update #2 on Jewel

We are overwhelmed with God’s goodness that has been expressed by so many people from all over the world as they have learnt of Jewel’s sickness.

As we wait for the first visit to the Cancer Clinic we sense God’s peace. While Jewel has times of discomfort and pain her spirit remains positive. The Lord has given her a sense of deep joy, which is inexplicable in human terms. This does not mean either of us is oblivious to the potential serious nature of the fast-growing tumor. We simply affirm that God is good.

Tonight our local church elders will come an anoint Jewel with oil and pray for her. (James 5:14)

It was a great joy to speak to our 19-year-old daughter Natasha in Rwanda this morning. She is now making preparation for her sooner than expected departure home. Lot’s of tearful goodbye’s with her friends, the AIDS infected moms and kids to whom she has ministered. She also led the worship band for the last time in Church today. (At the end of worship she gave her most prized possession, her guitar to the church.) More prayers, tears and hugs. Given the fragile nature of life and the closeness of family in Rwanda people are extremely supportive of her return home to be with her sick mother.

Natasha will begin her long trek home on Tuesday. She has to overnight in Nairobi and Cairo. We are so appreciative of dear friends in both those cities who will lovingly care for her as she travels through. We would appreciate prayer for her safe travel.

Our son Justin has cancelled his trip to Thailand to visit his girlfriend. It was heart wrenching to learn that his girlfriend (who has Leukemia) has been admitted back into hospital and receiving radiation treatments. She is now in ICU. Justin is learning to trust God in difficult circumstances.

I am reminded of this verse in Colossians 1:11

"God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient."

Thanks to everyone for standing with us.

On the Journey,

Geoff

Update #1 on Jewel

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I have an urgent prayer update for my wife Jewel.

While visiting our daughter in Africa, Jewel began developing some pain in her pelvic region. Upon returning home the pain steadily increased. This led to some visits with her doctor.

Well these past 48 hours have been a whirlwind of doctor’s visits and tests. On Wednesday Jewel had an appointment with her family doctor who discovered a “mass” in her abdomen. She was asked to get an ultra sound immediately. This confirmed there was a growth. However more tests were ordered. So today Jewel had an MRI and then we went to the specialist to hear about the results.

The MRI while revealing the size of the tumor it was still inconclusive as to the nature of the tumor. So Jewel has now been referred to the Cancer Clinic where they will determine when the surgery will take place. We anticipate the visit to the clinic early next week and the surgery soon after.

The surgery will reveal whether the tumor is cancerous or not. The specialist today indicated that this was a very serious situation and gave us the full spectrum of potential outcomes. The doctors are concerned about the size, shape and the rapid growth of the tumor. (It appears to have grown an inch in the last 48 hours.)

As you can imagine this has been quite a shock to us. We are still trying to get our minds and hearts around this situation. We look to Lord for His Grace and Peace. We would ask you to join us in prayer. Please pray that the Lord would give the doctors wisdom as we take this journey in the next few days. Please also pray for God’s healing touch for Jewel.

We are very appreciative of the love and care that is already being shown to us. We particularly appreciative of a good friend who helped Jewel get her tests and visit with the specialist at lightening speed.

Thanks for standing with us at this difficult and uncertain time.

Love in Christ,

Geoff