It has been good, but somewhat of a whirlwind of settling into our new place and supporting the kids through this big transition to a new school and new routine. There have been a few tears, a few mentions of “I don’t want to go to school”, but mostly positive attitudes and a willingness to do their best in the midst of something they did not choose.
We took the kids to their first high school football game, and wow, what a cultural experience for all of them, especially Emalene. She was in awe, near obsession with the cheerleaders. She had never seen anything like it (sorry we don’t watch many sports except for the Olympics, an occasional Tour de France, maybe an Ironman!). She never watched the game…sorry boys.
“What ARE they doing?”
“Can I go cheer with them?”
“Can I do that?!” (be a cheerleader)
“Will I ever see that again?” (mentioned as we were leaving)
I was in a bit of a shock seeing her delight and immense interest. So…as the Lord would have it there was one more spot in the “side line” elementary cheer program, so we now have a little cheerleader in the family. Please pray that this would be an encouragement for her as she has struggled to find her place at school and adjust to the changes.
Emalene was in awe. What am I in awe of? What makes my eyes so transfixed as hers? What commands my attention as though I miss the game happening right in front of me? What is so enthralling that I want more of it, to experience it again?
Chris and I had the pleasure of hearing a new young preacher, Daniel Batarseh, speak on the fear of the Lord. It was encouraging and convicting. And as he shared about fear, it is not simply the cultural sense of nailbiting, corner hiding, call-your-mother kind of fear, but to revere, to be in awe of the Lord – who is he, what he has done, what he is doing, and promises to do.
Psalm 33:8 NLT
Let the whole world fear the Lord,
and let everyone stand in awe of him.
As far as we can tell, Chris has had no additional decline in neuropathy since his 5th chemo round. He has had nearly two good weeks of recovery since his 5th chemo week and we are getting ready for the last, and hopefully final round on Monday, Sept 18th. We stand in awe of God’s mercy that Chris’s symptoms have not declined further and his health has sustained this difficult time during treatment.
Samuel 12:24 NIV
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
If you would like to watch a sermon from Daniel Batarseh check this out: starting at 39:40
Daniel Batarseh, Friday Night, Sep 1 2023 (this is a link to view)
Great news! Thanks for sharing! A little bit of an insight into your TCK Emalene’s cultural, spiritual and emotional world. Well written, Rebecca! Great news about Chris!
Hugs, Ken
Praying for Luis, Lucas& Emalene as they continue to adjust to school here in Michigan.
Special prayers for Emalene to connect with some friends!
So thankful Chris does not have worse symptoms!!
Love you all so very much ❤️🥰💕
Dawn & Doug
Good to read this update
What a gift to hear about Emalene’s sweet, innocent delight in seeing cheerleaders and there be a spot open for her, sure does sound like the Love of her Heavenly Father at work.
She can teach us a lot about Keeping Life Simple
Hugs and Prayers to you all
Dear Chris and Rebecca,
Thanks for sharing your Awe and your struggles. I am praying for you and your children. May Luis, Lucas and Emalene continue to find reasons to rejoice in their new home and their new schools and grow in their awe of their Heavenly Father’s guidance and provisions for them. May you have eyes to see his faithfulness every day. May He give Chris continued healing back to full strength. May He give you the faith, wisdom and strength you need to face each day with its surprises and challenges.
Love in our Loving Lord, Hella
Hope today went well for all!
Let’s pray it is truly the final round for Chris 🙏
Our oldest, Cora, became a cheerleader in her first year of high school and it boosted her confidence so much she received the Most Improved award and was made captain of both football and basketball cheer squads for the next 3 years. She created a little cheer squad for the elementary coed sports and spent many a Wednesday before Awana and Saturday before, during, and after the games teaching and cheering with and for each of them. Those little girls are now in high school and still cherish those memories. They went on to be young leaders in their classes, youth groups, so many things. We hope Emalene finds joy and inspiration in her new endeavor 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
What a precious story. I love the delight and awe. Holding you guys in prayer. Missing you and so thankful to hear the Lord’s daily provision of grace for each member of your family.
Love you
Continued prayers for you and your family as you walk through this journey. It is wonderful how you keep proclaiming Christ through it.
Standing in awe and thanks with you. I continue to pray for Luis, Lucas and Emalene as they find their way in the newness of their schools. As well, praying for Chris’ healing and your balancing it all. Regarding Emalene, “she never watched the game…” made me think of Ashlyn and the number of times she was at Colson’s games….usually reading a book. 🙂 I’ll be praying this cheerleading opportunity is an encouragement for Emalene. And the reminder to stand in awe of God…thank you.
Thanks for your beautiful words. I love reading your posts and continue to pray for you & your dear family. Your faith in this journey is such an encouragement to me. Hugs from zeeland!
We’re continuing to pray for you and with you all in these big adjustments. Even though none of it is what any of you would have chosen, may God continue to ground each of you in His love, identity, truth, awe, peace, and presence.
Great post – we were just talking about the fear of the Lord in our family, too, when Gwyneth was asking about wisdom.
So interesting that Emalene was transfixed by the cheerleaders! I never would have thought! I hope she has a great experience. Is she going to let you put her hair back 😀
You wrote of your children that they have “mostly positive attitudes and a willingness to do their best in the midst of something they did not choose.” How willing am I to do my best in the midst of something I didn’t choose? Thank you for this indirect exhortation! May these many new experiences — like cheerleading — bring joy in spite of the hard adjustments that all of you have had to make in this unexpected season. And of course I rejoice in the news of Chris’ body’s continued good response to the chemotherapy!