I hope you're doing well... I realize it has been awhile since I posted and I hope you understand. Sometimes it's hard to effectively communicate everything that's going on and at times like those, it's particularly hard to try to compose a coherent email. Thank you for your prayers and for your support, for those emails, icqs and msn msgs, and for the personal inquiries... each and every one is appreciated. :)
My parents just returned from a week long retreat in Massechussettes. They went to a workshop on Macrobiotic diets, to learn about how changing your eating habits can positively affect your health. It was a relaxing and rejuvenating time for my parents, without the distractions and stresses of everyday life (my dad commented that he wished he could have stayed longer!) with lots to learn about and to experience.
Now that they are back, they are continuing their diet regiment which includes (to name only a few), eating no meat (except fish once a month), eating many different vegetables, brown rice at dinner (no more white rice!), no dairy, eggs, oil, sugar, salt (except sea salt!) or tropical fruits. There are many changes going on at my house (as you can imagine), including a complete re-organization of my kitchen! Although the change will be challenging, it's nice to see that my parents have something to focus on and my mom has been feeling good on this new diet. Please pray for wisdom and discernment in making the right choices about this diet, and that my family will be supportive in this decision.
My mom also went in for an x-ray and check up yesterday and everything looks good so far (we're still waiting for more details). The doctor seemed happy with the x-ray results which is good news! To update you, she is currently on the new medication, Iressa( http://www.iressa.com), which is taken in the form of an oral pill. Thankfully there have been no serious side effects so far, please continue to pray for the effectiveness of this new medication, and pray against possible complications.
The rest of my family is doing well. Karen is now graduated (yay Karen!) and looking for a job. Things are looking good with my job (hopefully I'll be able to continue here full time after my contract expires in January). My aunt should be coming back from Hong Kong in the next couple weeks, which will help in taking care of my grandmother. We're also planning a short family trip to Calgary in April which will allow for some time off and the chance for my mom to visit a long time high school friend. We are all excitedly looking forward to that (thanks Jetsgo!).
Thanks again for the love you have shown both me and my family. It is a blessing from God that we have been granted such caring and loving individuals to surround us during this time in our lives. Please remember us in your prayers and send me an email to let me know how you're doing and how I can also pray for you!
Deb
