Smiling Eyes

So many memories came flooding back.  Just 8 months ago, in that same bathroom stall, I was trying to avoid hyperventilating and passing out on the news of Chris’s sudden health diagnosis.  It was like I was weak all over again but my husband is well.  Just remembering was exhausting and overwhelming.

Sitting on the same bright blue vinyl waiting room couches, more memories.  

It was the eyes of the doctor and nurse who cared for us in those early days that broke through the memories.  

Behind their masks were smiles, though I could not see them I knew they were there.  Their eyes could not hide their feelings and their voices in controlled Thai style shared our joy that we had returned, and Chris was well.  

In my last post I mentioned how our return feels surreal.  When we returned to our house I had so many memories flooding back, memories from last May.  It was a challenging time and we had no idea when or if we would return.  To have returned so well and so quickly is nothing short of miraculous, a gift from God, a gift only he can give.

In late December, just before we left the US, Chris had his first CT scan in Grand Rapids.  His cancer screenings will occur every three months, alternating blood work with both blood work and a CT scan.  We wanted his first check to be done before we left Grand Rapids.  It was a blessing to make all the final preparations knowing he had a clean bill of health, both blood work and CT scan came out perfect.

Once we arrived in Thailand we gathered all the paperwork regarding his treatments and made an appointment with his original Thai cancer doctor, Rattiya.  We knew it was best to meet her early before we needed future testing.  While it was not fun to revisit the space that held so much grief and fear, it was redeeming to see their smiling eyes.  

Chris will have his next blood work in March and will have his second CT scan with bloodwork in June.  

Pray for us that our return would be an encouragement to others, especially to our Thai community.  Many of our Thai neighbors had heard the news of our sudden departure, and have since stopped by to welcome us back. Please pray that our return would open doors for them to be more open to the truth of Christ’s love for them, His sacrifice, and the freedom only He can give.  

May they see Him in our smiling eyes. 

1 Cor 2:9
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—

By 22 Comments on Smiling Eyes

22 Replies to “Smiling Eyes”

  1. 1 Corinthians 15:57
    But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  2. God’s smile on you is seen in your lives and words.
    Your memories,, heart ache’s ,faith, all so evident of His love for each of you.

  3. Praise God for His mercy and faithfulness! Praying for your Thai friends and neighbors to see the Lord in you and in your family. 💕

  6. Beautiful post! Thanks for bearing witness to the smile of God on his creation and his beloved children.

  7. What a retrospect of emotions and the spectrum of God’s blessings! It has been a blessing to pray you through it, and to see you here in Collinsville. May God continue to use you as His light.

  8. Rebecca, I’m so happy for your good news! I pray this next chapter will be fulfilling in ways you cannot imagine.!

    Much love
    Joyce

  10. What happy, beautiful Sunday morning words! Only God could have made them happen. Praise Him. 🙏🏻

  11. You are very much in our prayers as you return to a degree of normalcy there in Thailand.

    Please keep us updated on the children’s activities etc. Tell them to keep running!

    Thoughtfully.

    Judie Rudolph

  12. Becca, Chris, Luis, Lucas & Emalene,
    So thankful for our time with you! Your belief, faith and courage was so evident throughout your journey!!
    Our God was your strength, your provider and most importantly your healer.
    We continue to pray for you all as you live and serve there in Chiang Mai.
    Know that you are loved and missed.

    Dawn & Doug

  13. As always, a thoughtful post!
    We thank God for your lives of enduring faith and grace. To God be the glory!

  14. It was so good to hear from you after your return to Thailand in Dec. Thank you for your updates and your Email entitled: Home. This Lenten Season may we again reflect on the great love of God for us in His sacrifice on the cross. All glory and praise be to our Triune God. Again and again I thank God for Chris’ miraculous healing. God bless you as you continue to witness and bring the good news of salvation.

  15. Such beautiful, thoughtful words. I am so thankful for the work God has done in Chris’ healing and care for your family and for the fact that your words and lives testify to God’s work. And this good reminder for all of us, “May they see Him in our smiling eyes.”…thank you.

  17. Such a turnaround from that traumatic experience in May. Celebrating with you and joining you in these prayers.

  19. What a road, Becca! I’m thankful you could ride the wave of all that bubbled up for you as you returned to Chris’ doctor here. I can imaging that was truly exhausting. With that, we are giving so much thanks for the opportunity to visit this doctor with a different purpose and from a different head/body/heart space than before. Sending love…

  20. Praising the Lord and rejoicing with you on the clean bill of health and the return to Thailand! May the Lord bless your work and give opportunities for testimony!

  21. Hey Becca and Chris. Your word ‘surreal’ describes it so well aye! Thanks for including us in your journey- the ups downs and emotions. Wish I could sit down and have a coffee with you guys.. and your kids love you heaps, Katy

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