It felt like we were on a West Michigan Safari on a drive home from school last week.
“Mom, what is that?! Mom! Mom! What is that over there?!” Emalene loudly exclaimed.
“Oh, it’s a gopher!” I said straining my neck at a traffic light.
“Ooooooooooooo”, she said with curiosity and amazement…just like someone might on a Kenyan safari.
At times, normal is so abnormal to our kids.
Pants are abnormal. Our kids wear pants on airplanes and when we are camping high in the mountains, otherwise it’s shorts all the time because it is rarely below 60 degrees where we live. Therefore they do not like pants, are not used to pants, and have a hard time knowing the difference between pants and pajamas…. Pants are abnormal. “I have to wear pants AND a coat?!” Yes son, I am a cruel parent.
Snow. Snow is abnormal to our kids and so they are waiting with high anticipation. The other day they were having a conversation in the car, talking about their assumption that the neighbor kids will want, and may even steal, the snow on our grass. They are concerned that the neighbors will actually come into our yard and take our snow with shovels. (You see, that is what THEY want to do, so they are assuming the other kids want to do that too.) I informed them that it is highly unlikely to happen. Snow is abnormal.
Conversely, some of our normal may appear abnormal to others. Emalene’s class was reading a text that included the guava fruit. Out of excitement she shared all her knowledge. Later that week she brought in a Thai guava to share with her class.
Today, Oct 16, has become a new normal for us. Chris had another PET scan this morning. This scan is a routine scan after all 6 rounds of chemo.
We meet next Monday, Oct 23rd, for a follow up with our medical team. This test result, as well as the consultation next week, will provide some guidance on our next steps.
The Lord holds our normal and abnormal, he knows them both and is not surprised by either!
Thank you for your prayers with us in these pieces.
Psalm 62
Power belongs to you, God,
and with you, Lord, is unfailing love
LaGrave Church and its prayer team continue to lift your family up in prayer. As Psalm 62 reminds us…may he be your rock and refuge, and may you hear another “r” word next — remission.
Becca, this was so delightful to read! Thank you for sharing your kids’ experiences and perspectives – they are priceless. And maybe it goes without saying, but also “abnormal” and “normal” at the same time. 🥹 Praying for all of you! ❤️
“for I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers nor height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
romans 8:38,39
nor long pants
nor strange fruit
nor snow, on our lawn or our neighbors
nor tests and measurements
nor being far from our home
we pray for you, we are trusting our Sovereign Lord God to hold and heal each of you
Grace and Chris xo
Rebecca – thanks so much for sharing your a d your kids journey. I remember when it was hard for our kids to understand that shoes and coats were a necessary item of clothing because of winter and they had no clue. Our daughter Kate is doing well in Chaing Mai, and it’s looking likely that your paths will cross there if/when you all return and she also makes plans beyond December. Praying you all grow in trusting our good Father on your journey in walking with Chris’ healing from lymphoma. He has good plans for you all!
I pray for normal news of the PET scan, hopefully a break in the abnormal.
Also, Michiganders actually do wear shorts in winter.
Praying for you all as you await the 23rd. Miss you so much.
May He walk with you in all the “strange,” normal situations you are going through… The more of them we face, the less frightened we are when we find God is with us, no matter the scenery.
Thank you for always giving us a glimpse of life through not only your eyes but also the kids’ eyes. Loved your ‘normal vs abnormal’ examples.
Praying for the consultation with Chris’s medical team as they share with you. That you will have a clear direction.
God bless you with peace as you await Monday’s consultation. You are in my daily prayers.
Treasure
I love this!! Sounds you are guiding them through culture discovery and adaptation. So good Emalene was able to share a bit of her world. What a gift there will be more than enough snow for everyone!
Thanks for sharing. Holding your next steps in prayer:)
Wendy
Haha I would also be fascinated to see a gopher and have snow on my lawn! Pants though- I have been wearing them for months. Bring on the summer! Love to you guys
Praying for healing and normal results!
❤️ joe and autumn
Thank you for your humorous post which has me still smiling. Stealing snow! Imagine! Let the neighbors take it all, from your driveway! Very soon the kids will be glad they have pants to wear. Glad Chris’ journey continues steadily, without setbacks. Much love and prayer.
Your post made us smile! We are praying for you in faith and love.
Praying for a normal scan for Chris, peace, strength and comfort for you all.
As always, you are all in my daily prayers. I pray that you will have good test results, for total healing
and strength to get through all this.
I chuckle at the kids’ thought process on their “abnormal” things. Tell them there is always PLENTY of snow to go around. If they were my neighbor, they could come and take all that they wanted. I even have a sign in my yard (during the winter) that says “FREE SNOW”. 😉
God’s blessings,
Beautifully written. I love your way with words, Rebecca. As an author, blogger and lover of words, I wish I’d gotten to know you better when we were in Thailand. Hopefully this can still happen down the road.
Our prayers are definitely with you on this journey!
Oh I so recall having MK and international students walk into my office at Calvin yelling in glee when they saw their first
squirrel or when the first snowfall hit GR! Thanks for sharing these great stories, Beka.
I am so hopeful that all will be well for Christopher and am so thankful for the support you have received. I know a bit about this journey and it is not an easy one for the family either.
Sadly, I leave for my trip to Thailand in a couple weeks and will not be able to see you all there. It truly was one of the main reasons I wanted to get to Chiang Mai. Last time I was there was a brief visit and I went to your children’s school and had a fantastic visit with many MKs and families there and in their homes.
It is a beautiful place and it is easy to see why you all miss it.
Blessings in abundance to you all.
What a fun read. I’m still chuckling😉. David’s girls (9, 7, 5, 2) have been with us on furlough for the summer and now in TX. They’re looking forward to Christmas in MI eagerly anticipating SNOW!! If we have a green Christmas it will be a huge disappointment.
Blessings and peace for you, prayers and thoughts your way on the 23rd.
With you, and praying for you, in the waiting.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fulness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures for evermore.” Ps. 16:11
These thoughts have excited my heart today. May his presence give you joy and peace in all the changes and challenges. May you feel Him very close to you today!
With prayers, Hella
Praying on for you all & for God’s peace as you await test results. Maryann Townley
Becca you have a gift of telling, explaining, relating making your life story come alive as you live it and we pray for all that’s going on in each of your families lives.
May the test results be what is desired for Chris and us who are praying but most of all what God has for him.