Well, I keep hoping for a good time to update this blog, and I’m not having a whole lot of good moments just about now, so I’ll type a bit and then head for bed.   I’m so humbled to know that dear friends from all over are hoping on my blog and checking for updates, and I’m not posting.... sorry everyone!

I started the additional chemo at the beginning of last week, and my poor body has had quite a time trying to keep chugging along.   I had a couple really rough days until I figured out that if I take it before bed I don’t get so sick.   I got steadily stronger after that, until Tuesday of this week and I hit a low again that I’m trying to work back from.

I think the chemos combined with radiation are really fatiguing me.   I am so tired all the time and sleeping a lot, that’s why I’m not getting emails answered and even getting a chance to visit with friends.   If you have sent me an email in the last little while, please know that I so treasure everyone’s words of faith and encouragement, and I WILL get them answered some day!

I’ve also had a lot of extra doctor’s visits the last two weeks, checking problems with my thyroid and a possible ovarian cancer due to a debris-filled cyst that they found.   As of today, I have gotten word that BOTH of those issues are not as they had appeared and all is well.   I LOVE GOOD NEWS!

These days have been difficult on everyone, I think, but God allows so much fun and laughter as well.   Like the time I was making brownies with Wesley.   He soberly watched me break the eggs into the bowl and then toss them into the sink in front of him.   I walked over to get the oil from the cupboard and turned just in time to see him just as soberly smashing the egg shell halves he had fished out of the sink and dropping them into the pan... just like Mommy!

Then there was the time Shaina and I were working on her math and she is learning about graphs.   The book instructs me to fill a bag with toys so we can graph the contents.   I’m thinking that there must be an easier way... “Shaina, we are going to graph the mess on the floor that we haven’t cleaned up.”   Four shoes, one sippy cup, two scarves, and three dolls later, Shaina had cleaned up nicely and learned about graphs at the same time.   I love home schooling! :)

I am truly surrounded by reasons to rejoice!   We’re really missing Nathaniel in Alaska, but he is doing well and being able to accomplish a lot on his end of things.   Just knowing he got through the pile of mail is a relief to me!    Noah, Shaina, and Kate are spending the week with their cousins in PA, and the resulting quiet around here has been odd and wonderful.   Wesley misses them but is also rather delighted with his new role as top kid at the house!

I’ve been pondering the term “well-digger” over the last week or so.   I met with a pastor from an area church, and as we prayed together, he thanked the Lord for giving me a deep well to draw from in times of difficulty.   The phrase really struck me, and I realized that I DO have a deep well.   It’s no credit to me, but a tribute to the many people who have been well-diggers in my life.  Investing truth and purpose that can be drawn from in times of drought and devastation.   How blessed I am with so many who have invested deeply into me!

And I’ve realized that it is the deep longing of my heart to be a well-digger for others.   I’ve been reflecting on our ELT (Emerging Leaders in Training)  youth team from Alaska.   How I miss them!  I think the happiest times in recent years have been when Nathan and I have been able to disciple those beloved souls, hopefully adding to the depth in their wells.

There is so much I want to be doing, and it vexes me to just feel like I’m dragging through each day.   I want to accomplish something!   But, maybe by blogging this journey I can shovel out a bit of the muck of life and make room in your well for a bit more living water.   That would be a treasure found along the way. 

And even though I’m feeling a bit lonely for my blue eyed sweetheart, and tired, and queasy, and weak... I’ll dip back into that well dug for me by those who have valued what is eternal... just enough for a cup of tea before bed!