Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Last 3 Months

Hello dear friends-
If anyone is still checking my blog on a regular basis, I think you are amazing. I have been seriously delinquent in keeping up w/ this. Time has flown by so fast--I can't believe it's been 3 months. Anyway, please forgive me and thank you for reading.

Some of my "excuses" for not writing sooner is this:
Our pastor took a 3 month sabbatical from Sept-Dec. During that 3 months I preached 6 sermons at our church; spoke at an elementary school; spoke at a senior citizen's lunch; spoke in a university class; and spoke at 2 other church services. I also was keeping up with my weekly counseling ministry; leading my LIFE group weekly; and leading/participating in a myriad of meetings and planning sessions to keep our church moving forward while our pastor was gone. Whew! I was busy and having a blast! I love my ministry, my church and my pastor...and I was so thrilled that he and his wife were able to take some much needed time away.

Aaron has been quite busy as usual. My busy-ness contributed to his as he is also my chauffeur! I found other drivers when I needed to, but usually Aaron cheerfully took me where I needed to go. Aaron always has such a good attitude about everything. He still the same cheerful, silly and goofy Aaron. We get along so great and I'm so thankful every day that God gave me such a great husband.

We also were able to go to Omaha for almost a week at Thanksgiving. We had a great time with my parents, my brother Dustin and neices and nephew. We actually were able to be at Dustin's graduation from the Omaha Police Academy. He is officially an OPD officer! I was so proud of him.

And next week Aaron's mom and brothers and Desiree are coming to California for Christmas! We are so excited for them to come out here. Yesterday was the 2-year anniversary of losing our precious Bryan...it will be good to be together with family next week.

I wanted to give an update on Sarah. Sarah was diagnosed w/ Stage 4 pancreatic cancer around Aug. 1. She has been through extensive chemotherapy and radiation that have produced very little results. The cancer also metastasized to her liver and abdominal wall. They had to stop treatment several weeks ago b/c her body could not handle the drugs. However, 2 weeks ago her team of oncologists decided to perform an "experimental surgery" where they basically go in laproscopically (sp?) and suck out some of the cancer w/ a vacuum. Anyway--the surgery actually worked! They were able to remove the cancer from her abdominal wall, the lower lobe of her liver, and about 2cm from her pancreas. It was enough to put her into partial remission. The doctors were so amazed. They are planning on trying more chemo in a few weeks. Sarah was very encouraged. Even if they can't put her into full remission (which we of course hope for!), they can at least buy her some more time. She left yesterday to go a cruise to the Carribean with her mom and grandma!
So please keep praying for Sarah. She still needs a miracle. Pray for her joy and encouragement.

Well- that's about it. If you want more daily type updates you can check out my facebook page! I'm on there all the time.

Many blessings to whoever reads this. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!
Merry Christmas!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas, to you and Aaron! That is really wonderful news about Sarah's surgery. At least it is a glimmer of hope from all the pain and suffering she has already faced.
How nice that Aaron's family is coming for Christmas; I know you will cherish the time with them.
Love you,
Heather

Anonymous said...

Hey Kari:

Yes...I still check it pretty regularly and your excuses are just fine with me!! Ha. It's good to hear you are helping out while your sr. Pastor was gone...I can relate! I always knew the flock was being tended well whether it was you, Emily and now Wayne. God is good, all the time. Blessings to you and your family! Merry Christmas!

Derin, Shona, Ben, Jess and Kinsey Fowler

Unknown said...

I was thinking about you both and Bryan recently since it is December...The joy you show despite such a difficult year that year is amazing...

Lots of love,
Christina & Scott

Anonymous said...

I am still checking too. Love you

I will look for you on Facebook.

Susan

Anonymous said...

Dear Shining Kari! I still check in and pray for you, your family, Sarah & Amy. I'm about to check in on Amy's site, I hope that she is doing well too. It brought tears to my eyes to hear that their is continued hope for Sarah!

And their is no doubt, God is being glorified in your body!

Gal. 6:9 - Zeph. 3:17

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year'09

love and blessings from a sister in Christ- Wendy:)

Anonymous said...

Hi dear Kari,
I also still check regularly, and was delighted to find an update this morning! I was so glad to hear you have enjoyed the time your pastor has been away being renewed and refreshed, and not surprised at all that Aaron has cheerfully gotten you where you needed to go :-)

And SO happy to read Sarah's news, and that she is on a cruise with family relaxing and getting what I'm sure is a much needed break from all of the treatment.

Wishing you and Aaron a most joyous Christmas with family surrounding you,
Much love and many hugs,
KT

PS: I don't have a clue about how to use Facebook, now that I know you're on it all the time I'll have to ask one of my kids to show me. Us older folks can be a bit technologically challenged at times :-)

katie bean said...

You've been on my mind!!! I hope you and Aaron are enjoying Christmas season. love,katie

Anonymous said...

Kari and Aaron,
Of course we still check up on you. As KT, I have no idea how to use facebook, but it is Shelly's newest "toy".
Praises to you - how lucky your church is to get to hear you preach. I had the "girls" from church at the house, as we listened to your concert of several years ago - it was so good!!
We will keep praying for dear Sarah.
We wish you a blessed Christmas.
Love,
Jan and Bob

Anonymous said...

kari. i read your blog weekly to see if you have anything new// please continue praying for sarah, she had a great time on the cruise she looked very relaxed when we were there/. margaret