A year ago:
Our life was turbulent and in chaos:
–Chris was in the hospital in the US. The kids and I were in Thailand, trying to grapple with the new reality that we were battling cancer again and we would be returning to the US, suddenly flipping our day-to-day life upside down overnight.
–A friend in our community in Thailand, a high school senior, passed away suddenly.
–Our city, Chiang Mai, was flooding. The water was creeping near our neighborhood, which Thai neighbors had never seen before.
In the last week:
–Our boys went to homecoming with their friends, albeit new-ish, but they are part of a community and enjoying what high school has to offer: sports, friends, fun… (that is correct, academics would probably come in last place)
–Emalene was honored as the 6th grade orchestra concert master. A year ago she had never played a violin.
We still grieve what happened a year ago. Grief can take many forms, and last week was no exception: one kid really dreading yet another sandwich asked for fried rice for lunch. So yes we made it happen, but it was fast and furious.
As I look back at a year ago, I resonate some with Gideon in Judges 6. God comforts Gideon in his concern and disbelief and says “Go in the strength you have…am I not sending you?” and then God continues to be present with him by waiting for Gideon’s humanity and speaks words of “ I will be with you” and “Peace, do not be afraid”. These are words of life for each of our days, those that are easier and those that are turbulent.
We have joy in the grief as we see God’s mercies in our day-to-day:
-increased platelet count for Chris after several months of uncomfortably lower numbers
-new friends for all the kids that they look forward to seeing and who enjoy them
-opportunities to share about God’s work of global Bible translation
-affirmation for Chris in his work as it still feels odd working remotely
Chris and I will travel to Northwestern on Oct 21 for scans and meetings with doctors. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for that time.
We continue to ask for prayers as we discern our steps forward beyond May 2026 and where the Lord would have us live and serve. May we respond with obedience as Gideon did.
Praying for good results on the 21st!
Pat
Also praying for good reports and peace for Chris in his remote work!
I offer this verse; Isaiah 41:10
So fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you:
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Keeping you in prayer….if you need a day away, you’re welcome to Indiana…
I would pick the fried rice over the sandwich any day too! Yes, what challenges you all have faced in the past year. We continue prayer for the adjustments you all are still making and for God’s healing Chris and wise, compassionate health care providers.
I put the 21st on the calendar for special prayers. We are in Kenya trying to finalize a dictionary for the people we served 25 years ago. Chris and his work often come to mind! The Lord be with you, as He was with Gideon.
You guys have been through quite an oddessy of trials and faith. May God give you His grace and strength to continue to run your race, whatever the days ahead bring. May you sense His care, leading and direction for each step.
We continue to pray for your journey, and appreciate these updates so much.
Thank you for sharing the realities of this journey! In doing so, you continue to point to God’s grace throughout. Praying with and for you!
Thanks for the update. I am praying for you all.
Praying for you all and thankful for these signs of God’s faithfulness and provision.
Praying for Gods Favor upon you and your family
May the Lord Bless and keep you,
May He let his light shine upon you,
And be gracious to you,
And give you His peace.
Praying for safe travels for you, and praying for the providers who care for you. May the Holy Spirit inspire your care team.miving forward
.and praying your scans and tests are clear
💕🙏 Sue
We don’t forget to pray for each of you. Chris, and his illness in a strange way are kind of like Moses. We know that Chris would never have chosen to lead your family to where they are now. He never would’ve chosen to become so desperately ill. We have God’s word; the only truth that there is. It’s full of countless examples of people doing what they never imagined they would be tasked to do by God. You know of them all, but it’s so good to revisit them. Then to see that your desire to trust has grown and is growing by faith in the grace we have through Jesus Christ. We know the Messiah; the Giants of faith in the Old Testament knew he was coming. And they soldiered on in faith toward that day. Joshua 1:5-9
No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
God, healer of all sickness, be with this family. Heal the body, mind and soul. Please be with the doctors and medical staff who are being used by You to do this healing. Watch over Chris and Becca as they again travel to Northwestern. And, Lord, if it is Your will, grant Chris total healing.
Glad to hear of Chris’s continued improvement in health, and I will be praying for good news and positive results on the 21st. Also, I’m so glad to hear that your kids are finding their place in school and developing new friendships. Orchestra, cross country, homecoming, fun…good memories.
Prayers for Chris and good news from his upcoming appt. ! Thankful to hear the kids are finding their people here in the US and it sounds like they are thriving!! Love these updates and for keeping us all up to date in ways we can pray over your family. Hugs Tammy🥰🙏🏻
I agree. Fried rice is better than a sandwich!!! Truly TCKs and I think they’re amazing kids. Blessings to you all. Thanks for sharing the update sober know how to pray. We head out in another week for a recruiting tour in the midwest and then a visit to baby # 6, a boy born in Dallas during furlough to David & Lisa. Mark & Brittany expecting a baby boy around Christmas time. We are grateful!!!
thank you for Gideon in Judges 6 — “Go in the strength you have…am I not sending you?” I need to hear that today. Praying for you and your whole family (including Papa and Mama Hirt).
I still have Chris in my prayer when I wake and when I go to sleep. I know about the cancer stuff as I am still going through scans and blood draws for Ovarian and Lung cancer. Cancer free right now but you know the five years mark they desire. I don’t Know how anyone goes through this without the Three in One God, The Father, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Sirit living within all those who believe in Them. You will always be in my prayers. You are faithful missionaries for God.
Praying for you guys and we miss you all!
I pray for you for the 21st and also for safe travel and good weather for that. I also pray for encouraging results from the anticipated tests. I pray also for strength and peace. Go with God and His blessing.
Once again, thank you for making time for this update. It is a reminder for me to pray for your family…….especially as I read the differences listed in “a year ago” and in “the last week” as well as doctor appointments on October 21 and what lies ahead post May 2026. As well, a reminder to read again the story of Gideon.
Thank you for the update. I’m praising God for friends and things to look forward to for the kids. Also that fried rice could happen so fast. That does sound better than a sandwich for sure. LOL
May God give good results on the 21st and beyond. May He give guidance and wisdom for the future. May His will be done!!! I know that is your wishes too and I even praise God for that. That after all you all have been through, you still seek Him and His will. He is so faithful! He’s so good! He’s so trustworthy!
Lovely flower photo… I love flowers & it gave me some sense of peace just viewing it for awhile. : )
You have such great responses above. Positive. Loving. Supportive. You are both on track. Reading the Holy Scriptures. Praying. Pondering…. And as you have been – continuing to watch & consider your children (who are growing up fast).
I was struck by Emalene. Making concert master ! Playing the violin in the school orchestra within just one year …Wow ! Impressive.
Really have not the words to express how I have enjoyed reading your blogs… They have given me much to ponder. Thank you. Thank you.
Thanks for update. Praying on for God’s best on 21st & in the transition of job & school/activities! May God continue to bless your family.
We are praying for all of you, and especially you and Chris today. We are thankful for your update and continuing to entrust you in God’s care.