A Friend with Lymphoma Shares His Understanding on Healing

Mike Crow's STRUGGLE WITH MEANING AND MYSTERY

(from his email prayer letter in November 2004)

Disease seems to hit Christian and non-Christian alike. Healing also occurs for some, but many are not healed. Some see illness as simple randomness and genetics. Others say God heals everyone who comes in faith. People take various positions between the extremes of meaninglessness and oversimplified meaning.

Position #1	Position #2	Position #3
If you’re pleasing to God, He’ll heal you! Medical help is a cop-out, a failure of faith. Everything has a 1:1 significance, a fixed meaning and purpose. Illness is either: (a) a result of personal sin, (b) a generational curse or (c) Satan’s attack. Just repent, refuse & resist!	God is all-powerful, good, sovereign and wise. We live in a fallen world with fallen bodies. Christians are not exempt from the consequences of Adam’s sin. God can & does intervene with healing. But He is hard to pin down to any hard and fast formula. Somehow, amazingly, He seems to bring glory to Himself both through healing and through our facing suffering with His grace and peace. Often it seems that we only come to this place through severe personal trial, being Biblically faithful yet embracing cold, hard realities. Get the best medical help you can trusting God through it all.	Illness occurs randomly & genetically. It’s all chaos & chance. Get the best medical help you can, then grin and bear it. The naïve attribute random junk & medical help to God. But there is no higher purpose or meaning. Faith is an obstacle to scientific advance
Tends to deny painful facts contrary to faith. Tends to simplify life and faith. Sees medicine as nice but unnecessary. Tends toward aggressive prayer.	Tends to struggle with integrating faith and suffering. Acknowledges God’s sovereignty in the mystery of life, even life with pain. Embraces medical advance as a gift from God to suffering humanity, made possible because of His image in man (compassion and intelligence). Tends to be more tentative in prayer (If it be Thy will).	Denies God and looks only at “the facts.” Tends toward skepticism, cynicism and / or hedonism. Medical advance is human ingenuity. Prayer is pointless.
God heals all who have faith, so lack of healing is a lack of faith. My faith releases God’s power. God is not in control; I am.	If God heals some but not others according to His will, then it does not depend so much on my faith as on His mercy. The stress is not on my faith but on God’s sovereignty. I am not in control; God is.	There is no God or miraculous healing. “Healings” are psychosomatic or a fraud. God is not in control; I am and so are my doctors!
Simplistic Meaning and Pat Answers	Meaning & Mystery	Meaninglessness, Cynicism, Despair

I’ve found myself struggling at every point along this continuum, trying to integrate faith with lack of healing. I’m now circulating around the middle area, embracing both the meaning found in faith and the mystery found in lack of healing. I am leaning heavily on the mystery of God’s mercy and rejoice in medical advance.

Indeed, I see my entry into the National Cancer Institute as a wonderful answer to prayer. I’ve jumped to the head of the queue! I’m at the cutting edge of research on lymphoma treatments, which other cancer patients will benefit from years from now.

Thank you, God, that I can be a part of Your work through human beings, to extend Your healing to any suffering person, regardless of their faith. This is truly Your mercy in action towards suffering humanity.

The cover of a newly published book. Our chapter of infertility is inside. 

Highly Recommended reading. I'm living the life I only dreamed of...How about you? 

In Praise of Rich Swingle

Rich Swingle is not only a winsome and talented performer, but he's also deeply committed follower of Jesus with his head on firmly and straight.

Last summer when I told him the one the thing I admire most about him, he got tears in his eyes. It was something no one has ever complimented him on, and yet it is something that he admitted to having had to really work at.

It is not is talent or his intelligence, or his love and dedication to his wife, or that he has the ability to make everyone around him feel special by making sure they are introduced and included in conversation. No, the thing I admire most about him is that he obviously has made a personal commitment to speaking only positive words. Even in very difficult circumstances where everyone around is grousing, Rich will refuses to join the crowd and will find positive uplifting things to say. I've never known anyone else in the arts like that and it has a big impact on my will to guard my tongue.

Booking: 864-294-9500 or info@Savidge.com

Re: A Letter from a Financial Supporter

Thank you for your gracious and open letter. A letter like this makes us have a stronger than ever sense of your partnership. It is a great encouragement to me to have you share like this. As Americans we tend to be very private about our finances. Rarely would one "spell it out," like you've just done, in order to let us know where you stand in regards to being our partners in ministry with your finances.

We are so blessed to have friends and supporters like you who trust the Lord in how He's going to provide and lead in using us all in small ways for the sake of His glory!

Praying for your blessing and Joy from Singpaore today,

K!Mberly

----- Original Message -----

From:

To: K!Mberly Creasman

Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 11:10 AM

Subject: Expanded ministries

Dear Jim and Kimberly,

Thanks for your regular reports as well as your special, personally written letter from Jim. We like the reporting of activities and prayer requests related to calendar events for yourselves, the ministries, and the kids. And we thank God that we can participate in a small way and share your vision for reaching CHINA. What a wonderful calling!

I know that you are looking for supporters to back your ministry expansion, and we have every intention to continue to support you in prayer and via semiannual contributions. However, I guess its time for you to become aware of our financial situation. I, ____ have been retired for 12 years and this is the main reason we have reduced the rate of our giving to twice annually for all of our charities. We give once in the springtime in anticipation of God’s blessings and once in December, reflecting the state of our finances. The money comes from our IRA’s.

____ is also retired, but she works from time to time when she has a special request from a known former associate, primarily to provide her with some discretionary money, spending money for gifts. We both drive OLD cars.

So, the bottom line is, don’t expect additional resources from us unless the Lord does something extraordinary with our finances. We are largely dependent on second guessing the stock market with our IRA’s and can report that God has kept things relatively constant for us over the last decade while things in the financial markets were going up and down rather dramatically.

Although our contributions may not seem like much, we consider you both, and your special gifts and ministries, as one of our favorite investments, along with five other missionary families and other outreaches. We love you and desire God’s blessings for you, your family and your ministries.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Cameron and I had a rare chance to see this group come through Singapore on tour last night. According to his birthmother, Alvin Ailey is Cameron's great-grand-uncle. Cam wore his suit on this date with mom and he was pretty impressed by how strong the men were! I was especially moved by the last section REVELATIONS, a selection of pieces danced to traditional spirituals. One duet called "FIX ME JESUS" was breathtaking and deeply moving. Three of the 4 segments for the evening we went were choreographed by Alvin Ailey. God is good to lead us to going last night, as the other 2 performances only had 1 segment of Ailey choreography.

To a Friend Who's moved to a New City

Jim and I have been travelling a lot this past month and I really miss him (He's shocked and is loving it that I'm needy! Usually he comes back from a trip and I say, "Home so soon?" This time I'm up late at night watching COLD MOUNTAIN and saying when he calls, "If you are fighting, stop fighting. If you are marching, stop marching. Come back to me. Come back to me. Come back to me." I think he must have been so happy to hear me say that, that he may have recorded it in his palm pilot as a date to remember! "Kimberly NEEDED me!")

And as for you to be in Las Vegas with no long time friends to be your support system. Another sigh. I just had news that our only American friends here are looking to move back to USA. I hope you have some friends, or family that call or come to visit...

Did you ever find a church or "alpha course" there that seemed a good fit?

Thank you for even thinking about the support bit at the bottom of the email...

But we are in good hands. And so are you...

I asked for your prayer requests and will be praying about your home sale, and getting you all in the same city again soon.

The Boys' School Experience Here

(to another American looking into options for their children when they move here)

We've been in Singapore nearly 5 years after 2 years in China. My husband
and I both caucasian Americans and we have had our 2 boys in local schools
the whole time (since they were 3 and 7). We will probably switch the middle
of next year and are considering other options. Both boys are happy in
the system (now 11 and 7) but we also feel they should have a chance to
experience another style of schooling. The system here has its good points
and drawbacks (as does any option). Since we came to Singapore hoping to
make it home, we wanted to immerse ourselves in the life here, and you can't
really understand or relate to Singaporeans unless you are intimate with the
school system. But starting with your girl as a 12 year old may be tough
unless she is confident adaptable, and pretty bright (you can opt out of
taking "mother tongue" as a foreigner, so the 2nd language studies won't be
a problem for her).

You can find a wealth of information and links at the Singapore Ministry
of Education website (they call it MOE). While living in China, we found
nearly everything we needed to know from this web site.

Year round schools here start a day or two after new year. Ends
mid-November.

All that said, I still haven't met any other caucasian American family who
has made the same schooling choices we have. It was an unusual conviction
we've held to, and it has worked for us, and been a blessing in many ways. I
am on the homeschooling egroup so that I can be inspired by them, get ideas
for supplementing my children's education, and stay connected to their
activites. It's nice to have occassional contact with other
foreigners/parents. I am bored to tears by chit chat with the local mothers
who only seem to care about knowing my children's exam scores and how much I
pay for rent.

News to Jim in Atlanta

Tyler and I watched Van Helsing last night after Cam was asleep.

I've been really tough on them this week. They're shocked that I can really administer the LAW!

Tyler wasn't keeping track of time on the computer so I made him read a book on internet guidelines for kids and tell me about it. Now he knows the word Pedophile. Cameron lost his priviledge to sleep in my room last night because of losing his temper and being rude to me. HE WAILED and BEGGED for another chance. I'd already given him two, so I was merciless. He's in his room now cleaning up the toys he threw around when he was mad last night!

I went through toy junk with Cameron and he has until tomorrow to put zoids back together or the pieces get tossed on Saturday. We had a "gluing party" yesterday for the ones he'd repaired. I think he's pretty proud of himself for making some sense of the pieces! So their room is getting pretty organized now.

Both boys are doing their chore charts with the threat of a swat for every blank square. What a mean mom!

X&X came over yesterday. That was interesting. What fun. I think they like me to be straightforward with them. So I was. Told them their relationship will never go the distance unless she bridled her tongue and stopped belittling him (and disrespecting him) and unless he started putting some effort into making her feel special, take her on a date, and do something together without her setting it up, even if it is deciding to go to church and him taking the leadership to follow through with the plan. They have to tell me next week if they were successful at their attempts for these few days. If they can't make any improvement in a week, when they are focused on it, then it will never get better and they might as well give up now. They were taking notes! Imagine!? Taking advice from me!!! LORD help us all!

I finally dared to go in my office this morning. Yikes. What a black hole...I've been staying in the bedroom with my computer just 'cause I don't want to face the chaos in my office. Got to get on top of it...almost time to turn in the receipts...

I think I've got the post China/Australia blues. It was so exciting this past month running around doing drama stuff. Now I'm putting around at home working at boring administrivia - paying the price for my outings and fun. Do you know how many envelopes come back eachnewsletter mailing with a change of address to update???!!

Okay, enough whining. I'd better get to it while the boys are quietly doing something else!

Love you and hope you're feeling better. Bet its a great experience!

Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation - 2004

Wow. We're really Jet Setters for Jesus this month! Jim's off again this morning to the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation. Check out the link to see what this Congress has identified as most important issues. The congress has identified 31 issues to discuss at this stage in the history of the church and sharing the good news of Jesus to the world.

It's been a tag-team month of traveling in this half of the world. The first 2 weeks of September were in Sydney, then Jim was off to China. He was one day back and then I was off for a week in China too. Another Sunday family day yesterday, and Jim is off again to Thailand for 2 weeks! We're missing each other terribly, but it's also terribly exciting to be involved in this work!

I'm wishing I could be at the Congress this year. There is an issue group on Redeeming Culture Through the Arts. I've had stimulating discussions with both Colin Harbinson and Mary Jones. Here's a quote from the site:

Overview: The rapidly increasing numbers of Christians in nonwestern nations is challenging the Euro-centric understanding. With this dramatic change comes new ways of characterizing the faith. The Western emphasis on (abstract) reason is being overtaken by an emphasis on (concrete) embodiment. The neat clean logic of propositions is being replaced by the more fuzzy-edged accounts of narrative and the communal nature of these other cultures challenges the individualism of the West. Moreover there is an upheaval right within Western culture that calls for change. Postmodern discontent with Western modes of thought is offering new openness to "spirituality" and widespread attention to the aesthetic side of life. It appears in both these situations the language of choice is one that leans towards the arts. The power of the arts to communicate is unquestionable and its presence is everywhere. Unlike the West, the other parts of the world have not relegated the arts to galleries, theatres and concerts halls, but have allowed it to permeate ordinary life and nurture the human spirit in a more consistent way. We are in a transitional moment in history and these important changes must be considered as we seek to give shape to global evangelization.

Blogs Blocked in China!

I've just come back from a week in China and learned that the government has effectively blocked access to viewing or creating blogs! Wow. And I thought the country was really opening up! Guess not!

But that is the only bad news from an amazing week! It's been 3 years for me since I've been to the city where we lived from 1997-99. The first time I've been without my husband and children. I really missed them being there with me to remember all the wonderful experiences and places we discovered while we were there studying Chinese.

I not only was delighted to work all week on a recording project with local believers but they were reading translated copies of scripts I'd written! A first for me to have my background as Bible student, Missions Pastor's wife, Chinese Language student, and Dramatist all come together for an exciting Kingdom project.

I had sweet happy times at nearly every meal and overnights with two of the Chinese women who came to be like sisters to me in the two years I lived there. Neither really understand how much God loves them and I've still not the language ability to talk about such things on a deeper level. I have prayed so much for their salvation but until this week never with tears. They both have had some big changes in their lives this year which have introduced them to intimacy with loneliness. I had one morning to be alone for a couple hours, and listening to a song of Psalm 27 I wanted so badly for them to understand how true it is that He is our Stronghold...

I have to believe that for now, in His timing, it was enough that they saw this emotional side of me for the first time. I'm usually expressive, but never have wept in front of them. I admitted crying while praying for them. Then I felt I should just leave it at that. It is truly a season of silence for me. God keeps whispering to "shut up and watch how I work things out."

Besides the taping work and fun meals with these friends, I had a terrific time talking and sharing a bit of my testimony with a large high school English class.

I love China. Can't wait to go back again in December with the family.

Finally cashing in on frequent flyer miles, we went to Australia! Stayed in Darling Harbor, Sydney. Such a great family vaction for little boys!

Featherdale Wildlife Park.

WILD AUSTRALIAN KING PARROTS. Just another morning feeding in the woods of the Blue Mountains.

MAKING FRIENDS WITH A WILD KANGAROO."Do your children even know that they have a very unusual and exciting life?" - My mom when I told her about some of our adventures while in Australia.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE. "The Marriage of Figuero" I've now seen my first opera! What was I waiting for? I know: Growing up with a natural vibratto I was always teased that I was an opera singer. Learned early to assume that this was not a desireable quality in one's voice. After seeing this recent production in Australia, I could care less what others think. They are stupid uncultured morons to belittle opera. Opera is AMAZING! I think I'll start taking voice lessons again.

QUOTES ON JOY

2 years ago I began signing emails, "Blessing and Great Joy" because that was my most earnest prayer for myself. I wasn't experiencing joy and knew that it was my birthright as a child of God. By signing my emails with this wish for others it was a reminder to pray for this desire for myself and for others. Today I read some quotes on joy that I don't want to forget:

“Joy is God’s basic character. Joy is his eternal destiny. God is the happiest being in the universe.” - John Ortberg, The Life You’ve Always Wanted

“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” - C.S. Lewis

“Never let the pain of this world obscure the joy of loving Jesus.” - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” - Jesus of Nazareth, John 15:11

Permanent Residence

To Jan Charlin

We were awarded permanent residence last week! Yeah! PR! That
means we can buy property (instead of throwing money away on rent). We
need God's wisdom and heart about that investment...and when to move.
Spent some time looking this week at a great new development that our
boys were just crazy about...and it's 5 minutes from the International
Christian School, and in town (we live in the suburbs so it's hard to
get people to come over when they take public transportation). I
started teaching a drama class at the International school this
week...so I'm winning brownie points with them! They even offered
scholarships to the boys if I'd take on the class every day. We're not
ready to make the switch and commute yet...so I'm just volunteering
once a week for this semester. Got too many other things going anyway!

Blessings!

Dragons Will Dance in Scotland!

Singapore represented at Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

I saw DANCING WITH DRAGONS earlier this year. It's a wonderful children's show and great opportunity to expose the world to Asias rich folklore! This is the company I've had a chance to perform with before and Joni of my "5stars" group of Christian artists is in the cast (for the Asian Children's Festival last year she was in both DRAGONS and the one woman show SINCERELY ANNE FRANK).

My friends at itheatre are raising $50,000 cash to get there! Just this week the National Arts Council agreed to $10,000, and a few individuals gave between $50 and $1000. If you have some disposable income and want to support a children's show representing Asian culture through folk tales, send $ to:
i theatre
112 East Coast Road
#03-23 Katong Mall
Singapore 428802
(65)63444840
more info at itheatre's website.

SPIDERMAN II

Of course my little boys loved the fight scenes. I was AMAZED how real the effects were.

(You mean that some of it was FAKE???)

Jim and I thought this one was a bit pedantic and that the plot for the first one had more interesting sub-plots and character development (kind of like THE MATRIX ...nothing like the newness of the first one). It reminded me of how I felt after Star Wars Episode 2: way too much close-ups of good looking leads feeling hurt, misunderstood, confused, or just plain brooding. We got tired of looking at Kirsten D and Tobey so much - and they are attractive people, but ENOUGH already!

I guess I'd been set up for a let down after reading such raving reviews. Even the online reviews from focus on the family were glowing, and for a PG-13 that saying something!

Nevermind, it is a comic book genre, and there were aspects that were marvelous at capturing that feel. As we left the theatre, Cameron looks up to me and says, "Promise me mom that we can get the DVD to THAT one! It was awesome!"

Our Stories of Infertility and Adoption

I recently submitted the article below for a book that will be published in Singapore later this year.

We were married June 1985 and were infertility patients for approx. 5 years. We saw a specialist for 2 years. We now have 2 children.

Tyler, our 1st child is our biological son conceived thru IUI, born January 1993 (after 7 ½ years married). Our second is Cameron our bi-racial son adopted 4 years later, December 1996, through Bethany Child Services in USA through private adoption.

Our Story
It was 1996 and our first child, Tyler was turning three. We’d been through the ups and downs heartaches of five years of infertility the first time around, it was an emotional roller coaster we didn’t want to get on again. Starting on another journey of infertility treatments was too much of a gamble. We would surely spend too much money and emotional energy on the process and still not have any success in conceiving and delivering a second child.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” The desire of our hearts was to have a second child, and that our first child, Tyler, grow up with the blessing of a sibling. We had always prayed through our years of infertility, “God grant us the desires of our hearts, and if our dreams are not in your plans for us, please change those desires.” So, again we put our faith in Scripture. We focused our hearts and minds on delighting in the Lord, and we were confident that he would, in His way, satisfy our desires.

Another thing we were sure about was that there are many unwanted pregnancies and orphans in the world. We have strong convictions about abortion and caring for underprivileged. It was not a difficult decision for us to begin the procedures to adopt our second child.

Toward the end of 1996 we drafted and sent a letter to the Heath Clinics of all the Christian Colleges in USA, and hired an adoption attorney. We also had registered with a private agency working with women in crisis pregnancies. What follows is an excerpt from the letter we wrote to introduce ourselves to women who were considering giving their baby up for adoption.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:28

For our first 7 years of marriage we were eager to be parents. We wondered why God was not granting us the desire of our hearts. Month after month we worked with an infertility doctor. It was a time of disappointment and discouragement, but we had confidence that God always knows what is best. Finally God answered “yes” just before Mother’s Day in 1992.

Four months into our long awaited pregnancy, Jim’s father was diagnosed with terminal cancer that would quickly take his life. Through Dad’s last months of pain and discomfort, God, with perfect timing, had provided a great source of joy: his first grandchild. We hadn’t known through the years of waiting for a child, that God’s timing would be perfect for us. Rarely this side of heaven do we get answers to our questions of why God is slow to answer or silent. In this situation, he was gracious to show us his reasons for answering “wait.” As a newborn baby, our son Tyler was still small enough to be held safely in grandpa’s weak arms in the few months before he died.

Now, here we are, four years later. This little Tyler prays every night that God would give him a baby brother or sister; the desire of our three hearts. Being parents has been the greatest experience of our lives and yet our infertility problems have worsened. Wherever you are, you are reading our letter because you are wondering what the future holds for you and the child you are carrying.

God is a good God, and he cares so much for you, for us, and for your baby. Our prayers are with you as you make these important decisions in the days to come.

With hope for a bright future,

The Creasmans
Jim, Kimberly & Tyler

Two months later, our Christmas cards were delayed in the sending. Here’s the letter we sent out with our cards a few weeks after Christmas:

January 13, 1997

In late August, when we decided to pursue a domestic adoption, we began praying that it would come together quickly; specifically, that a birthmother would choose us by Christmas, December 25th, and that a baby would be in our home early in 1997. Not that God needed a date, but we thought it couldn’t hurt to let him know our desires….

We left December 3rd for a two week mission trip to Asia (we were exploring options for serving in Singapore and Indonesia). We had not been able to finish all of the adoption application paperwork, or the required home study. Never-the-less, while in Indonesia, we received a fax from the agency to which we were applying for adoption. They were notifying us that a birthmother had chosen us. She was due December 25th. “Are you interested?” We faxed back, “YES!”

The day after we arrived back to LA, we learned that the baby had been born early (December 14th). In a whirlwind of meetings, a rush of paperwork, and a fog of jet lag we decided that this 6 pound, 11 ounce baby boy was the answer to our prayers. Only 5 days after arriving home, he was our son! We brought him to church the day he was adopted, and our first week back from the trip. Some people thought that the pastor had brought a baby back as a souvenir! We washed all of Tyler’s newborn clothes with the laundry from our trip!

We are still stunned at how quickly this has happened, yet it is exactly what we prayed for! What a wonder-filled Christmas to hold our adopted newborn while worshipping the newborn Jesus. He came so that we might have the opportunity to be adopted as His children. We thank God for his goodness and have great confidence that He brought Cameron into our family.

More than 7 years down the road now, we thank God everyday for the joy and challenge of raising our boys. We continue to pray whether God would want us to adopt again (though we’re not getting any younger!). There is nothing in life that gives us such a clear picture of our heavenly father’s love for us than being parents. There is nothing better to help us understand and share with others the wonder of being adopted as heirs of God’s kingdom.

Our prayer for you would be that God would deepen your love for, and trust in him as you wait for him to fulfill the longing of your hearts. May He grow in all of us a yearning for him as deep and passionate as our longing to have children. May he strengthen your character and deepen your compassion for others who hurt as you walk this part of your journey.

SOUP CENTRAL Mmmm!

2002 This has been blown up poster size on a few Soup Central locations downtown.


2002 Cameron poses for pictures to use on the wall of a fast food soup restaurant (see his smashed thumb?)

Singapore: We Love This City!

Singapore's Financial District from Esplanade roof


Boat Quay from the Equinox - atop the Swisshotel


2003 A view from the Esplanade Performing Arts Centre: the big Fullerton Hotel (white bldg) and the financial district downtown.

O for Oh No!

Ohh dear. Just before I fell out of the O at the entrance to Disney's Calfornia Adventure.

Photo: Doheny Beach June 2004

All the Creasmans & Coventons. Doheny Beach, June 2004 

Mother's Day 2004

ALWAYS


(this is the song I sang for the Standard Chartered Bank commercial)

Mother's day was sweet here. Started with wrestling in bed (forget breakfast when you have 2 boys) and after church, spent time looking at pictures. We missed our moms... so a little blue, but excited about our trip to USA next month.

I always have deep heartache when they make a fuss over moms at church...I refuse to stand up. My little protest on behalf of all the single and childless wanna-be mother's who are hurting that day...I'm weird...but it's my conviction.

My mother always commanded us to NOT make a fuss over her on Mother's Day. She thought it was a commercial plot from Hallmark...said, "LOVE ME WELL the rest of the year and you don't have to make a special day for me to assuage your guilt for how you've neglected and taken me for granted!" My mom's a piece of work. I love her!

Kids are in the middle of exams...Chinese tomorrow. We've really been enjoying our kids these last few months. They are fun little terrors. So different, but they love each other. I've tricked them into extending the years they want to come in and snuggle with mom and dad in the morning: I bought a down comforter and exquisitely fluffy down pillows (even though we live in the tropics- we sleep in air conditioning!). It is so cozy they come in every morning...

Unusual Easter Weekend

Skipping school for a birthday party.

Maundy Thursday started with a 75th Birthday Party, for MICKEY MOUSE. The kids were on the local news that night, though we didn't catch it (one of Ty's friends did and called to say "NOW I know why you left school early!!!" Tyler had refused to tell his friends where he was going. He just said, "I have an appointment!")

Thursday night we had lamb ke-bobs, roti prata (flat indian bread) and grape juice in wine glasses for dinner. Tyler read the Scriptures; Cameron got food all over his clothes; and I snuck away after their bedtime to see a 9:00 showing of The Passion...where I DIDN'T cry. I could'nt for amazement. I was just so overwhelmed and thrilled as I watched: "This is being shown in the Middle East??? Muslims are hearing this by the hundreds?" Who would have ever thought that the Gospel would be preached freely and profoundly in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait because of Mel Gibson's personal spiritual awakening? I am astounded at what God is doing through this film.


Good Friday, April 2004: Tyler's first stage performance, my first time adapting a script for Singapore and directing a show for our church Grace Assembly of God. TRAVELING LIGHT.

Friday we were at church from 12 to 10! One of Ty's friends, Thomas, joined him all day at church and Loonni and Cameron came to see both shows. Tyler did a great job! He was really cute as a Singapore road worker...changing the street signs for different scenes. Lots of wonderful feedback. Glad to have done it.

April No Fooling

Our 7 year old, Cameron, came in crying from the playground last night. Only minutes before we were heading out for dinner at the mall and Scooby Doo 2 for "family night."

My tough-high-pain-tolerance-tank-of-a-kid crying hard. "Mommy! Mommyyyy." The I want you to hold me kind of crying.

He said he'd fallen off the top of the slide and landed on the back of his left shoulder. He had movement in his fingers, and mobility in his arm, and it wasn't hanging there like a dislocation...so we gave him some children's tylenol and headed off to the mall!
He was still nursing the arm and holding it to his chest at 9, so we went straight to our neighborhood clinic Dr. Tan - who has 2 girls the same ages as TY & Cam. He was just pulling out of the drive, but when he saw us he stopped, and took us back into his clinic to have a look. He did the same things I did and then suggested we, just for safety, take him for an x-ray. It could be slightly dislocated - and only an xray would show that...

Well, a trip to the Emergency Room at Singapore's Children's Hospital later, and a few jokes that if this were an April Fool, he was doing an amazing acting job; he had a very LATE night for a school boy. He's staying home today with his arm in a sling.

Cameron's shoulder is not broken or slightly dislocated...just sprained. The doctor says, "NO PE for a week." Cameron says, "Even gymnastics?" the Dr. laughed "Especially NOT gymnastics!"

I'll take him back for a re-check with an orthopeadic Doctor next Tuesday afternoon before my final dress rehearsal. Jim will be leaving for his trip to China that day...

Just another day in our mundane lives.

My Little Goofy, with his Favourite Character

2004 April: Cameron with his favourite character GOOFY at Mickey's 75th Birthday Party in SIngapore.

Cameron's teacher wanted to meet with me. She had some concerns. Uh, oh.
Then when I meet with her she tells me what last year's teacher said when I talked to her: he's a great kid in class, pays attention, and is very sweet and obedient. Still, why does he score 10/40 in both English and Math last week?
His Chinese was about the same.

She wondered if perhaps its because of big brother Tyler doing so well in school, or???? She wanted to know how things were at home with him. His sense of support or self-esteem. She didn't know that I'd asked to speak with the remedial teacher last year and spoke with the school's consulting psychologist and had Karen living with us last month for 9 days observing him (all of us)....

We talked for awhile and in the end felt like perhaps it comes down to his being a kinesthetic learner, younger than most of his classmates, and not paying attention well to reading the questions on the test. I told her about his thinking his teachers are little godesses and she ought to take advantage of that in encouraging him to write neatly etc. He really wants to please her! She sounded confident that he has a great support system at home and I got the confidence that she really cared about him and would do what she could to help him in class.


April 2003 What happens when Cameron is sent to time-out and discovers that baby powder makes good white-face.

It's Such a Hardship When Your Staff Meetings Have to Be on a Tropical Island...

Asia Coaches - CRM Asia Conference...not bad eh?

Just Back from Batam this afternoon. We had 2 queen beds (no sleeping on the floor) and the boys had A BLAST!!! A week of outdoor adventures, swimming and scouting around for little boys while parents had meetings! This all with other little boys who they get to see at least once a year the past number of years. Cameron and Tyler are very independent in this place with these people - off on their own before we're ready to join them for breakfast, etc..Cameron said one day, "Mom, I'm sorry I'm ignoring you so much, but I get to see you all the time. These guys here I only see once a year...I hope you understand...I still love you..." What a charmer.

It's a Very relaxed beautiful tropical atmosphere where we have some fun and learning and lots of good food.

This week Mike and Katie Crow brought their SWEET older boys along - in late teens, early 20's and those big boys were 4 years apart - I kept looking at them and thinking what Tyler and Cameron will be like in another 10 years....


KC loves JC: How can I be anything but happy with such a great guy?