Update # 29 on Jewel

It was really good to have Jewel’s sister and father visiting from California this week. Time spent with family doing familiar activities, like doing jigsaw puzzles, is always fun and encouraging. One challenge this week was to keep Jewel’s dad warm. His Southern California blood circulation his just not used to the cool Canadian fall weather. Cranking up the heat, a woolen poncho from Paraguay and a warm toque seemed to help.

Today was a pretty big day for Jewel. Since the chemo is now beginning to have an impact on her hair, Jewel asked Justin and Natasha if they would be willing to shave her head. So the deed is now done and Jewel looks lovely in her red stocking cap.

Jewel is getting stronger every day. This is good news as she prepares for her next chemo on November 6^th.

This week, I was also able to take my first trip since Jewel became ill. I had the privilege of speaking at the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s Presidents day gathering held in Montreal. This is annual gathering of the heads of Canadian denominations and ministry agencies. Many of these folks are good friends so it was a great safe place to have my first speaking engagement in almost 2 months. It was especially encouraging to connect with our former pastor from Ontario, as well as Brian Stiller and Gary Walsh, two of my life mentors.

While the trip was just for one night it was pretty hard to leave Jewel. It was a great comfort to know her Dad and sister, as well as our kids were with her. It was good to be able to test the waters of travel again. It helps in getting our minds set for a much longer trip next week.

We continue to be encouraged by so many friends from around the world. Jewel was deeply touched, as was I, by a special website that was developed by colleagues in San Francisco and New York. The website is filled videos, photos, music and prayers to help comfort Jewel during this time of trial.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff