January has been Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Though January is coming to an end, the reality of human trafficking has not. In Nashville, 28 Somalians are now going to trial for the role they’ve played in child sex trafficking--transporting pre-teens and teens between three states and forcing them to engage in commercial sex acts.
In Dallas/Fort Worth area, the trafficker of a 13 year old girl is going to trial. “This little girl has been sentenced to a lifetime of horrific memories.” (Traffick911). World Vision has advocated for the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act to protect enslaved and exploited children around the world. Unfortunately, politics (US) is playing a part in preventing this Act to go through. I have posted some of these articles if you’re interested in reading more. And don’t get me started on “Superbowl Sunday” when hundreds of young girls and women will be bought and sold for the pleasure of men before, during, and after the game. If you can do nothing else, please PRAY for these children, many who have been forced, threatened, and abducted into these situations. West VA is one of 2 states with no law against human trafficking.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Surgery
January 9
The fun has begun. Woke up about 6 a.m. to get ready for outpatient surgery--a DNC and removal of a polyp. I never look forward to being “put under” but it is recommended for this procedure.
We ran in to a bit of traffic but made it just 10 minutes late. Well, now the waiting begins. The Women’s Center didn’t send over my orders and there’s no bed available for me. It’s 7:30
I’m nervous as it is and these delays don’t make me feel any better. But on the up side--the bathrooms have toilet seat covers. HA! (something you don’t normally see in the south)
Cory’s been praying Psalm 91 for me, a chapter we’ve prayed for each other over the years. Vs. 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ...He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
And another verse that was part of yesterdays sermon--Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you, he will never let the righteous fall, 23b But as for me, I trust in You.
8:18 still waiting
This is the year of writing letters to doctors/clinics here. Last week I had to write mom’s doctor because of a rude nurse. I heard right back from someone in the office, then the next day from the director of nurses of Williamson Co. Vanderbilt clinics. She wasn’t happy and was going to take action.
Next I wrote to Cool Springs Imaging (a bit late) because of the scare they gave me last year after my mammogram--saying it was abnormal then saying it wasn’t. The tech pushed the wrong button and therefore sent the wrong letter. Jim talked with 3 other people that weekend, as I waited to get that straightened out, that had similar experiences there. You don’t make a mistake like that for anyone but particularly a breast cancer survivor. Plus, I had another exam a couple of year prior that gave me a wrong diagnosis. So, I will no longer go to that clinic.
8:30--1-1/2 hrs. later--finally checking in. Thing is, my doctor knew I wasn’t a morning person, ha. Well, less time in the room, unless the surgery is moved back.
8:43--finally in my room. No coat hooks and the closet has no hangers. Hook in the bathroom for clothes though. Dressed in good and non-skid sox and layed in bed.
First person in--a young man to do an EKG and one to draw blood. Strange he had a scanner to check my wristband against his info. Then of course the nurses began coming in.
I was wheeled back to surgery at I’m not sure what time--no clocks on the walls. After a short wait the anesthesiologist stopped by and then the surgeon. I was knocked out and taken to surgery at 10:15. I had no idea about anything until I was back in my room at noon. I dozed off and on, the ceiling was moving and the trees outside--and not from the wind. The nurses were in and out every hour and I was able to leave at 3.
The hospital experience wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. I was happy with the staff and the doctor. I rested the remainder of the day.
Thursday--just heard from the doctor--the polyp was benign.
I appreciate all the prayers sent up for me. God is good.
The fun has begun. Woke up about 6 a.m. to get ready for outpatient surgery--a DNC and removal of a polyp. I never look forward to being “put under” but it is recommended for this procedure.
We ran in to a bit of traffic but made it just 10 minutes late. Well, now the waiting begins. The Women’s Center didn’t send over my orders and there’s no bed available for me. It’s 7:30
I’m nervous as it is and these delays don’t make me feel any better. But on the up side--the bathrooms have toilet seat covers. HA! (something you don’t normally see in the south)
Cory’s been praying Psalm 91 for me, a chapter we’ve prayed for each other over the years. Vs. 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ...He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
And another verse that was part of yesterdays sermon--Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you, he will never let the righteous fall, 23b But as for me, I trust in You.
8:18 still waiting
This is the year of writing letters to doctors/clinics here. Last week I had to write mom’s doctor because of a rude nurse. I heard right back from someone in the office, then the next day from the director of nurses of Williamson Co. Vanderbilt clinics. She wasn’t happy and was going to take action.
Next I wrote to Cool Springs Imaging (a bit late) because of the scare they gave me last year after my mammogram--saying it was abnormal then saying it wasn’t. The tech pushed the wrong button and therefore sent the wrong letter. Jim talked with 3 other people that weekend, as I waited to get that straightened out, that had similar experiences there. You don’t make a mistake like that for anyone but particularly a breast cancer survivor. Plus, I had another exam a couple of year prior that gave me a wrong diagnosis. So, I will no longer go to that clinic.
8:30--1-1/2 hrs. later--finally checking in. Thing is, my doctor knew I wasn’t a morning person, ha. Well, less time in the room, unless the surgery is moved back.
8:43--finally in my room. No coat hooks and the closet has no hangers. Hook in the bathroom for clothes though. Dressed in good and non-skid sox and layed in bed.
First person in--a young man to do an EKG and one to draw blood. Strange he had a scanner to check my wristband against his info. Then of course the nurses began coming in.
I was wheeled back to surgery at I’m not sure what time--no clocks on the walls. After a short wait the anesthesiologist stopped by and then the surgeon. I was knocked out and taken to surgery at 10:15. I had no idea about anything until I was back in my room at noon. I dozed off and on, the ceiling was moving and the trees outside--and not from the wind. The nurses were in and out every hour and I was able to leave at 3.
The hospital experience wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. I was happy with the staff and the doctor. I rested the remainder of the day.
Thursday--just heard from the doctor--the polyp was benign.
I appreciate all the prayers sent up for me. God is good.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Waiting.....
Over the past week I’ve been in and out of the doctors. It started with my annual checkup and I’m ending the week with a uterine biopsy. What’s going on? Well, for the past 4-1/2 years I’ve been on three different medicines for my breast cancer. This last medicine, however, has caused some problems that would be from Tamoxifen. From the beginning, doctors wanted me to go on this particular medicine but I was afraid of blood clots (a side effect). The first 2 meds that I was on caused pain and swelling in my ankles and hands; I wanted some relief from that. So about a year or so ago, I decided to give Tamoxifen a try. Well, was it worth it? I’ll never really know, though my hands and feet are better. Not only does Tamoxifen cause blood clots, it also causes uterine cancer (I’m trying to eliminate cancer). So, here I am getting ultrasounds and now a biopsy. They think it’s probably just a thickened lining but there was a 3cm mass. And now comes the waiting.....
Is cancer on my mind? Yeah, sure it is. Am I trying not to go there? Yeah, I am trying. I realize there is always a chance of the cancer monster attacking. But I try not to let it get the better of me. All this to say--I’ve been re-evaluating my life. Why do things like this start us thinking?
Since I was diagnosed with cancer, I’ve done some soul searching. Not as much or as diligently as I should have I suppose, but nonetheless. I guess you could say I’m in the winter of my life, or at least the late fall and I’m wanting to finish well. A video posted on my Facebook today once again reminded me that we should be about our Father’s business. Clayton (the boy in the video) did just that. He lived out John 3:16 during his short life of 18 years. He still blesses us, teaches us, and reminds us that God is the answer. So how am I going to finish? Will it be the way I have been for the past few years, doing pretty much nothing? Or will I be about MY Father’s business?
Is cancer on my mind? Yeah, sure it is. Am I trying not to go there? Yeah, I am trying. I realize there is always a chance of the cancer monster attacking. But I try not to let it get the better of me. All this to say--I’ve been re-evaluating my life. Why do things like this start us thinking?
Since I was diagnosed with cancer, I’ve done some soul searching. Not as much or as diligently as I should have I suppose, but nonetheless. I guess you could say I’m in the winter of my life, or at least the late fall and I’m wanting to finish well. A video posted on my Facebook today once again reminded me that we should be about our Father’s business. Clayton (the boy in the video) did just that. He lived out John 3:16 during his short life of 18 years. He still blesses us, teaches us, and reminds us that God is the answer. So how am I going to finish? Will it be the way I have been for the past few years, doing pretty much nothing? Or will I be about MY Father’s business?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A Heart for Africa
(Written a while back.)
For the past few days I have been watching videos and looking through pictures of African children. Children in the Kibera slums o Nairobi, Kenya having AWANA. Amazing the number of children that come to hear the word of God and play AWANA games. Then there are pictures of children in Tanzania and Ugand.
I’be been asked to pray for the children of Tanzania as well as all of Africa. It’s awesome to see God working throughout the continent.
Why is my heart being gripped by the children of Africa? What is it about these ids that has such a strong pull?
I think the first country I felt drawn to was Sudan. It was when I heard someone from Voice of the Martyrs speak on the persecuted church in that country. I’ve never had a particular country that I felt I was solely interested in.
When working with AWANA, we adopted a club in Zimbabwe. We corresponded with the AWANA missionary over the years and talked over the phone when he was in the states. We finally got to meet him this year when he stayed with us for a week. He is now Director of AWANA for the entire continent of Africa. (I blogged his visit several months ago.)
For the past few days I have been watching videos and looking through pictures of African children. Children in the Kibera slums o Nairobi, Kenya having AWANA. Amazing the number of children that come to hear the word of God and play AWANA games. Then there are pictures of children in Tanzania and Ugand.
I’be been asked to pray for the children of Tanzania as well as all of Africa. It’s awesome to see God working throughout the continent.
Why is my heart being gripped by the children of Africa? What is it about these ids that has such a strong pull?
I think the first country I felt drawn to was Sudan. It was when I heard someone from Voice of the Martyrs speak on the persecuted church in that country. I’ve never had a particular country that I felt I was solely interested in.
When working with AWANA, we adopted a club in Zimbabwe. We corresponded with the AWANA missionary over the years and talked over the phone when he was in the states. We finally got to meet him this year when he stayed with us for a week. He is now Director of AWANA for the entire continent of Africa. (I blogged his visit several months ago.)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
California Dreamin'
I’ve spent the past 3 weeks in CA and I must say I have enjoyed my time. The first 2 weeks were spent at the beach, the pier, Disneyland and with nieces and nephews. This past week I have been catching up with old friends in my hometown of Atascadero and Paso Robles. It has been such a blessing. I have been inspired by a few of them.
I have one friend who just amazes me. She’s battling breast cancer again and going through chemo. However, did that keep her from doing what she loves? No, not at all. She waited by the phone to see if her white blood cells had gone up at all so she could have her treatment the following day. They had and she bounced up to head for Morro Bay so she could paddle with the dragon boat ladies. 22 on the boat, all but a couple survivors of cancer. How exciting that was to watch. The team competes with other dragon boaters around the state. The following morning, before her chemo, she went to 2 exercise classes and the next morning climbed Cerro Alto before coming to say goodbye at the park. She’s such an inspiration. I think I’ll try a little harder to take a longer walk.
Next I visited S. She has been extremely busy caring for her mother, but she took the time to serve lunch. We had a wonderful time catching up and she always has a little encouraging word or food for thought. I think I’ll try a little harder to eat healthier.
I’ve struggled the past few years about what I should be doing with the rest of my life. I have been trying to figure it all out. P has an independent study program set me on the path to doing a little research and putting together some ideas for field trips and science. I think I’ll try a little harder to work on some plans.
These last 2 days I have spent with a dear friend whom I hadn’t seen in 3 years. We did some catching up, shed a few tears, went to the beach twice and took a walk through the manzanita forest on their property. The kids were amazing--a 3 year old telling me about Toyon berries and a little girl that can make a shelter. I think I’ll try a little harder to teach my little guy a more about nature and to take better care of the environment.
I also met a few more at the park. It was nice they could stop by. I got to hear some terrific kids recite their Bible verses they had memorized. Not just 1 verse, but an entire passage. Nice job C family. I think I’ll try a little harder to memorize a Scripture myself.
Thanks for all the inspiration friends. I hope I can stick with it.
I have one friend who just amazes me. She’s battling breast cancer again and going through chemo. However, did that keep her from doing what she loves? No, not at all. She waited by the phone to see if her white blood cells had gone up at all so she could have her treatment the following day. They had and she bounced up to head for Morro Bay so she could paddle with the dragon boat ladies. 22 on the boat, all but a couple survivors of cancer. How exciting that was to watch. The team competes with other dragon boaters around the state. The following morning, before her chemo, she went to 2 exercise classes and the next morning climbed Cerro Alto before coming to say goodbye at the park. She’s such an inspiration. I think I’ll try a little harder to take a longer walk.
Next I visited S. She has been extremely busy caring for her mother, but she took the time to serve lunch. We had a wonderful time catching up and she always has a little encouraging word or food for thought. I think I’ll try a little harder to eat healthier.
I’ve struggled the past few years about what I should be doing with the rest of my life. I have been trying to figure it all out. P has an independent study program set me on the path to doing a little research and putting together some ideas for field trips and science. I think I’ll try a little harder to work on some plans.
These last 2 days I have spent with a dear friend whom I hadn’t seen in 3 years. We did some catching up, shed a few tears, went to the beach twice and took a walk through the manzanita forest on their property. The kids were amazing--a 3 year old telling me about Toyon berries and a little girl that can make a shelter. I think I’ll try a little harder to teach my little guy a more about nature and to take better care of the environment.
I also met a few more at the park. It was nice they could stop by. I got to hear some terrific kids recite their Bible verses they had memorized. Not just 1 verse, but an entire passage. Nice job C family. I think I’ll try a little harder to memorize a Scripture myself.
Thanks for all the inspiration friends. I hope I can stick with it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Leavin' On A Jet Plane...eventually!
Well, here’s how my day’s been. Got up early to talk to oncologist about the letter I received Saturday from imaging saying my mammogram was abnormal and I needed followup after I was told everything was fine. (is that a run-on sentence) I was reassured there must have been a mistake. They had me fax the letter to investigate. In the mean time, I called the imaging place again and she was all apologetic saying she didn’t know how she could have made such a mistake she was so sorry. I didn’t make a big stink but I’m thinking, this was the 2nd time for me and talking to 3 other people this weekend who’ve had problems, it makes me think they need to do something about it. And of course, I’m freaking out all this time wondering “What if...” Yes, I know what I should have been doing, but still....
Then, there was the problem with my bank. The other night, Cory and I were ordering our Disneyland tickets. The site wouldn’t allow me to purchase them together so after ordering mine, we went back to order hers. For some reason it wouldn’t work, over and over again. So, she used a different account. I then received an email saying they had blocked my account because of unusual activity. They wanted to make sure it was me making purchases. I’m not sure why they couldn’t call me to ask. And of course, this happened over the weekend so had to work it out this morning. That got straightened out.
Then, I had to get temporary insurance cards in case I drive while in California. We never received our new ones. The others expired in May.
To top it all off, we get to the airport only to find our flight delayed. Well, we had an inkling when we looked up our flight status online before leaving. We were to leave at 5:35 pm and were told to be on time in case the delay was adjusted. We went through security early and I had a voice message on my phone from the airline saying we wouldn’t be leaving until 7:10. That’s fine, but that would give us little time to connect in Las Vegas. So, we talk to the attendant and the flight in Vegas would be delayed also so shouldn’t be a problem. I hope not. I really don’t want to spend the night in the Las Vegas airport. Our plane is delayed due to bad weather conditions in Florida. Don’t you think a meal voucher would be nice?
So, here I sit, starting my vacation blog earlier than intended. But no problem, I’ve been wanting something to write about.
Let’s see, what’s going on in the Nashville airport? Oh, watch your step, you might trip over one of those names dropping on the floor. And then I had to move because of the smell of collard greens and mac and cheese across from me. There is live music close by at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. You can also find a Tootsie’s on Broadway, downtown.
Okay, so we finally got to board our plane around 7:15. Cory and I didn’t have any trouble finding seats together, in fact we had an extra seat. Just hope we make it to our connecting flight on time. The flight has been okay. Only once, so far, was there some turbulence and they had to turn on the “buckle your seat belt” sign. We did get a snack and drink, though I opted not to drink my Sprite, after seeing the flight attendant smashing the ice with a can, I figured I could do without. Trying to keep my legs moving. There is plenty of leg room which is nice. The plane has 2 rows of 3 seats each.
This seems to be a long flight. Well, we arrive in Las Vegas and we’re told the next plane was waiting for us, along with several others that need to catch their flights to various places. I was told that the Vegas airport was small, so I’m thinking maybe a little bigger than San Luis. How wrong I was! I think we walked a mile from one concourse to the other. As we were trying to rush, the pilot was there telling us not to worry, they were waiting for us. Besides, there were others that got there after we did. Though quite a bit of turbulence, the flight seemed like 10 minutes rather than 45. We arrived safely, Bennett and Rachel met us at baggage and all of our bags arrived as well.
We talked awhile then I finally went to bed, it was 3:15 a.m. by then, TN time.
Then, there was the problem with my bank. The other night, Cory and I were ordering our Disneyland tickets. The site wouldn’t allow me to purchase them together so after ordering mine, we went back to order hers. For some reason it wouldn’t work, over and over again. So, she used a different account. I then received an email saying they had blocked my account because of unusual activity. They wanted to make sure it was me making purchases. I’m not sure why they couldn’t call me to ask. And of course, this happened over the weekend so had to work it out this morning. That got straightened out.
Then, I had to get temporary insurance cards in case I drive while in California. We never received our new ones. The others expired in May.
To top it all off, we get to the airport only to find our flight delayed. Well, we had an inkling when we looked up our flight status online before leaving. We were to leave at 5:35 pm and were told to be on time in case the delay was adjusted. We went through security early and I had a voice message on my phone from the airline saying we wouldn’t be leaving until 7:10. That’s fine, but that would give us little time to connect in Las Vegas. So, we talk to the attendant and the flight in Vegas would be delayed also so shouldn’t be a problem. I hope not. I really don’t want to spend the night in the Las Vegas airport. Our plane is delayed due to bad weather conditions in Florida. Don’t you think a meal voucher would be nice?
So, here I sit, starting my vacation blog earlier than intended. But no problem, I’ve been wanting something to write about.
Let’s see, what’s going on in the Nashville airport? Oh, watch your step, you might trip over one of those names dropping on the floor. And then I had to move because of the smell of collard greens and mac and cheese across from me. There is live music close by at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. You can also find a Tootsie’s on Broadway, downtown.
Okay, so we finally got to board our plane around 7:15. Cory and I didn’t have any trouble finding seats together, in fact we had an extra seat. Just hope we make it to our connecting flight on time. The flight has been okay. Only once, so far, was there some turbulence and they had to turn on the “buckle your seat belt” sign. We did get a snack and drink, though I opted not to drink my Sprite, after seeing the flight attendant smashing the ice with a can, I figured I could do without. Trying to keep my legs moving. There is plenty of leg room which is nice. The plane has 2 rows of 3 seats each.
This seems to be a long flight. Well, we arrive in Las Vegas and we’re told the next plane was waiting for us, along with several others that need to catch their flights to various places. I was told that the Vegas airport was small, so I’m thinking maybe a little bigger than San Luis. How wrong I was! I think we walked a mile from one concourse to the other. As we were trying to rush, the pilot was there telling us not to worry, they were waiting for us. Besides, there were others that got there after we did. Though quite a bit of turbulence, the flight seemed like 10 minutes rather than 45. We arrived safely, Bennett and Rachel met us at baggage and all of our bags arrived as well.
We talked awhile then I finally went to bed, it was 3:15 a.m. by then, TN time.
California or Bust!
I’m really looking forward to our trip to California. It has been 3 years too long since I was home. I know home is where the heart is or where the family is; my family is in Tennessee but my heart is still in California.
There have been some good times here in Tennessee. I’ve seen some interesting and amazing things like the Great Smokey Mountains--in the snow, going back in the fall for colors; the Natchez Trace, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Amicalola Falls in North Georgia. Seeing where the Amish live was another interesting place to visit. We enjoy the fresh vegetables in the summer.
I do enjoy the thunderstorms but the tornados are quite scary-especially the ones that hit in nearby states--taking out so many homes. When the sirens go off, it’s in to the closet we go.
We’ve also been able to reconnect with some of mom’s relatives. She’s from Mississippi and Dad was from Arkansas, where I lived in first and second grades. It was fun to see mom’s birthplace, Duck Hill, MS and we even drove through West Memphis, Arkansas where I lived. It wasn’t the same of course.
I think we’ve had more visitors here--my sister and niece came from Hawaii one Christmas, another niece and her two teens from CA and our friend from Alaska.
We got to attend the Dove Awards at the Grand Ole Opry and the after party. Saw Nickel Creek at the Ryman and Peter Andrews at Christmas. I so wish to see Emmylou Harris at the Ryman, and I’d love to see Reba and the Judd’s.
We’ve had some great times with friends Bethany and Shannon throughout the year and some holidays. And of course I’ve enjoyed having Elijah once a week for the past few years, watching him grow up.
There have been some good times here in Tennessee. I’ve seen some interesting and amazing things like the Great Smokey Mountains--in the snow, going back in the fall for colors; the Natchez Trace, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Amicalola Falls in North Georgia. Seeing where the Amish live was another interesting place to visit. We enjoy the fresh vegetables in the summer.
I do enjoy the thunderstorms but the tornados are quite scary-especially the ones that hit in nearby states--taking out so many homes. When the sirens go off, it’s in to the closet we go.
We’ve also been able to reconnect with some of mom’s relatives. She’s from Mississippi and Dad was from Arkansas, where I lived in first and second grades. It was fun to see mom’s birthplace, Duck Hill, MS and we even drove through West Memphis, Arkansas where I lived. It wasn’t the same of course.
I think we’ve had more visitors here--my sister and niece came from Hawaii one Christmas, another niece and her two teens from CA and our friend from Alaska.
We got to attend the Dove Awards at the Grand Ole Opry and the after party. Saw Nickel Creek at the Ryman and Peter Andrews at Christmas. I so wish to see Emmylou Harris at the Ryman, and I’d love to see Reba and the Judd’s.
We’ve had some great times with friends Bethany and Shannon throughout the year and some holidays. And of course I’ve enjoyed having Elijah once a week for the past few years, watching him grow up.
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