Since we have been back in the US the kids have had a chance to try different foods. Sometimes it is a gift or sometimes it is something they want to try from a store. It’s been interesting to see them taste and try what is considered normal, but that which they have never had or don’t remember trying before.
Surprise! We like it!
or
Surprise! How is this a popular food here!? We don’t prefer this….or gross…
I have had some surprises too and some “getting used to things” experiences of my own.
Surprise! I have not seen someone wear clothing like that before.
Surprise! That place I liked is no longer there.
I have said things like this to the kids: “Surprise! Welcome back to America where most people are always on time, or maybe early!” and “Surprise! The sun sets so late here your bedtimes are now much later!”
Sometimes surprises are fun (like the fish Luis has been catching), but lately some of the surprises have been harder.
Surprise! It’s time to start thinking about school! Thoughts of school have brought more feelings of loss and grief over not being able to return to Thailand as we had anticipated just 11 weeks ago. Normally, this would be the week where the goodbyes would start and the bags would be filled, but instead we are trying to muster the energy to say hello to new friends.
The Lord has been gracious to start providing opportunities to meet friends, even though our emotional energy is running lower. Chris has come out of Round 3 chemo well and regained energy to restart more activity. His midpoint CT/PET scan to determine progress thus far will be early morning, Saturday 7/29.
To our surprise and delight we got an email from someone we do not know, offering us to stay in their furnished home while they live in one of their other locations. Wow, Amazing! But why are we surprised? The Lord heard your prayers and mine. Thank you to so many who looked, and prayed and advocated for this need!
While surprises can make life very interesting, we choose not to allow the surprises of life’s race determine our joy, our peace, our purpose.
As best said by another favorite song Yet Not I
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, “All is mine”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
“Yet not I, but through Christ in me”
Gal 2:20
“ To our surprise and delight we got an email from someone we do not know, offering us to stay in their furnished home while they live in one of their other locations.” — exactly what my prayer was for you. So happy to hear of people willing to share their abundance with you!
I could never count how many times in my life I have encouraged people and myself and our children and Chris by saying that God is never surprised. He isn’t and He can’t be. So we hang on to that truth, through what often can seem like a rough ride rather than a fun ride at an amusement park.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Come, thou fount of every Blessing, tune our hearts to sing thy grace.
Hang in there friends with all the surprises that are not so much fun. Once again, I have enjoyed your writing style Becca. You express yourself so well.
Its pretty hard for the kiddos having to go to a new school. Not just a new school, but full of kids only from your home culture with lots of different attitudes to what the Grace kids will have. May God give them the courage and determination to step out that door when the time comes. Great to hear you have a furnished house to stay in! May you both find a straight path as you negotiate these next months. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t rely on your own understanding…
Thank you, Rebecca, for the update! So happy to hear about your surprise home! Praying for your kids’ adjustment to school and for healing.💕
So thankful God surprised you with a home to live in! His gifts are always good. Praying always for Chris’ complete healing. Hugs! Love Autumn and Joe
How Incredible for me to wake up today to the news housing has been provided and What an incredible adventure everyday for the kids
Thanking Our Heavenly Father for His Loving Embrace in your life
We rejoice in this good news of having a place to stay! We trust it is in the GR area. Bill is getting over foot surgery on both feet, and I have a boot on my foot (as of yesterday) for a fractured metatarsal (foot bone). But you know all about how an illness/injury can affect your lives! We rejoice that things are going so well in Chris’ favor, it is God’s grace being lavished upon you all!!!
This is my first time commenting, though I read EACH of your posts.
I LOVE God’s provision for you. Funny how those big answers to prayer take us by surprise. BUT OH WHAT JOY they bring! Praying that you see and enjoy more of God’s good surprises in the days ahead.
Lieber Chris, Ich denke oft an dich und Deine Familie und an die schlimmen Zeiten, die Du schon mitgemacht und mit großem Gottvertauen überstanden hast. Glaubst Du, dass man Dich einmal in GR besuchen kann? Ich würde das gerne machen. Mit ganz herzlichen Grüßen an Dich und die Familie, Barbara C.
Praying for good news from the CT/PET scan!
I’m amazed at how God is using Chris’ Journey and your posts to minister to me. Continued prayer for Chris’ journey to healing and the well being of each of you!
Thanks for your post! God is using you!
I am praising the Lord as I read your update. My prayers for each of your dear family are with you as you share this journey, helping us know how best to pray. I want to share a Corrie ten Boom quote: “FAITH is a Fantastic Adventure In Trusting Him”, So thankful for the assurance that Jesus is walking right beside you! The picture of Luis with the fish reminds me of the first fish I caught, and my grandfather fried it for me for breakfast. I am praying for Chris’ scan on the 29th. Also for Luis, Lucas and Emmalene as they prepare for school.
So happy to hear that your prayers are coming true!
Your family are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Praising God! I love the picture of Luis!
Rebecca and Chris,
I’m following your family through this cancer journey with many prayers and thanksgiving for God’s presence and provisions. Thank you for posting updates!
Praying for your emotional energy as you and your family approach all the “surprises”. For peace, strength and comfort in all things.
Thank you for reminding me of the words of this beautiful song and to look for the surprises along the way! As I read this post, this line jumped out at me….”Normally, this would be the week where the goodbyes would start and the bags would be filled, but instead we are trying to muster the energy to say hello to new friends.” I have been praying a classmate friendship for each of them and will continue talking with God about this for them. To God be the glory, great things He has done and is doing.
Praising God with you for His provision of a furnished house. Praying for good results for Chris & complete healing. Praying for great friendships for the kids this fall & for supportive teachers & staff. May the Lord go before you with His provisions & faithfulness!
Thank you for faithfully sharing; we are so grateful for the updates and we are continuing to pray for you all with love, trusting God to surprise you with joy and all you need.