Ups and Downs

Sorry it has been a while since my last posting but life has been a bit crazier than usual, including coordinating missions teams that recently went and whom are planning to go to Haiti, dealing with the riots and skyrocketing food prices and an attempted kidnapping in Haiti of our dear friends the Hojaras. Please keep our MDL kids and the Hojaras in your prayers and for the Lord's protection over the homes.

Even though i am here in Southern California, i still remain plugged in to what is happening over there (although the Hojaras are carrying the brunt of the burden). i try to keep Susette out of the loop when possible to avoid stress on her end but she's always asking, "What did you hear? How are our kids?" and many more questions -- those of you who know Susette know what i mean.

Overall, she is doing well. We are still praising God for her negative PET/CT scan! Susette just completed her 7th chemo treatment -- only 5 more to go! Praise the Lord!

Unfortunately, the chemo continues and with the treatments comes the horrible side effects and the constant wear and tear on Susette. The result is a general overall lack of energy, increased nausea, more aches and pains and, more recently, hot and cold flashes. We don't know if the hot and cold flashes are a result of what some literature says can occur with chermo therapy -- actual forced menopause. We will be asking our doctor on the next visit if this is the case.

i feel so blessed to have Susette as my wife. She continues to bless me as she handles these trying times so much better than i. Her attitude is excellent 99% of the time. And when she's alone and drawing close to the Lord, she's been known to turn up the worship music and dance praises to our Lord for hours. How can you not love her?

Since i'm on the subject of how incredible my wife is... i must also say that even without hair she remains more beautiful than ever. Those of you who have seen her know what i mean. She looks strikingly beautiful. Those big beautiful green eyes just hit me right over the head every time i see her. i really don't know if i even want her to grow her hair back now. i want to put a picture of her in the blog but she's not quite ready. i understand but wow! she's a knockout. Snead O'Connor can't hold a candle to little Suzy Manassero!

Sorry to get off track... that's just me...

So, overall, she's doing o.k. but we really need prayer for the new set of physical discomforts and challenges. Also, please pray that she does not catch any colds, etc. while her immunity is so low.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your continued prayers, blessings and encouragement. It means more than Susette and i could ever express. May God bless you abundantly.