Friday, August 10, 2012

I'm Still Here!

It has been so long since I have posted here on my "You Rest" Cabin Blog.  "Pumzika", the Kiswahili word for "Rest" is what I have had to do because of the bout I have had with Stage IV Colon Cancer.  "Stage IV" meant that it was spreading and doctors declared it could spread quickly to other vital organs if we did not get treatment immediately.  It was discovered last October.  I had surgery in November (the week of Thanksgiving).  In January the doctors started treatment with a specially mixed Chemo-cocktail.  In February I felt the need to get out here to mow and check on things at the cabin.  I found that 3 of my neighbors had mowed the grass for me.  I finished the treatments last month and doctors now say they see no signs of remaining cancer.  Thank God!

Of course, the Lord had said to me in a dream last November just before surgery, "I'm healing you."  The book of Joel reveals that in the last days "your old men shall dream dreams" - so I guess that means I'm now "old".  I don't feel old yet - but I'm getting there.  Ha.

I think it was late June when I took my brother (Lowell) and his wife (Janis) out to the cabin for the purpose of picking blackberries.  What a wonderful time we had and together we picked a gallon and a half of berries.  On another day I took Lowell out and we dug sassafras roots for tea.  I've had two missionaries out here in July and August ... Gordon B. amd Jack M. both seemed to enjoy themselves.  So the cabin has not been sold off nor forgotten.  The main problem was that I had not the strength to compose my thoughts and take the time to write about these experiences during my time of sickness. 

Here are a few pictures.  Hope you enjoy them.

Lowell Boarding The Mule

Lowell Removing Thorns From His Hands

Janis Picking Blackberries

Treating Ourselves At The Fast-Food Place For Supper

A Black Walnut Tree Loaded With Walnuts

Missionary Jack M, From Australia Sitting On The Porch Swing

Recent Thunderstorms Meant We Had To Cut Logs Out Of The Trail