The Unexpected

As some of you know, the past couple of weeks have been filled with some surprising health news. In prep for my trip, I visited the dentist, who told me I had a lump in my neck and to go to my doctor.  So I went to my doctor who confirmed the lumps, and said she didn't know what they were so off I went to an endochrinologist who told me I have four growths on my thyroid.  Two weeks ago I had a biopsy on three of the four growths to check for thyroid cancer.  Yep, that's right, I said cancer.  Yesterday, my doctor called and told me the biopsy was inconclusive - some things suggested they were benign, others suggested malignant.  The only way to tell if it's cancer or not, is to remove the growths and my thyroid.  So on June 9, I have an appointment with a surgeon to talk about the timeframe/plan for surgery, treatment, etc.  

Whew! Just writing the quick synopsis of the story feels crazy, but there it is.   I still can't believe I'm unemployed, supposed to be leaving for Africa in 22 days and wondering if I have cancer or not.  It's been a lot to think about, worry about, freak out about, etc. but my friends and family have been unbelievable in their support and love for me which I am so grateful for.  

Here's what I think know for certain:

(notice that 'think' is in bold - because really what I'm learning these days is to take one day at a time and rest in God's sovereignty) 

- I am going to Africa regardless of cancer or no cancer, maybe just a few weeks later than I had originally planned. 

- I am going to have my thyroid and growths removed, most likely within the next couple of weeks.

- God is in control, I'm not, and that's okay because really, if I was in charge, I'd be in a lot more trouble than I am in now:)

I'll covet your prayers in the next couple of weeks and will keep you updated on any developments.  

-Kristen

Unemployment

Today, I am officially unemployed, and so far, it's not so bad. I'm amazed at how many thing I have to do in preparation for just a few months in Africa, so these next couple of weeks will be spent packing, preparing and scrambling for my departure date which is only a month and a half away!

Yesterday at church, we have a guest from World Vision with us as we packed Caregiver Kits to send to Africa. Lister, a pastor's wife in Zambia, joined us in worship and during out kit build, where I discovered she knows a lot of people with CRWRC in Lusaka, where she lives and where I will be based. She gave me her phone number to call her when I arrive - praise God for a new friend in Lusaka! I am continually amazed at how all the pieces are coming together for this trip.

That's all for now - I'm off to the post office to mail in my visa info. Thanks for reading
Kristen