5 Months and a Trip to China Later...

Less than 5 months ago, we were told my dad would probably live another 11 months, and that was if he did chemo treatments. I remember when my mom called to tell me my dad's cancer recurred. I was with Carrie in NYC, sitting in a theater, waiting for a Broadway show to start.

So much happened in the past few months. My parents had so many tough decisions to make, and despite lots of doubting from well-meaning people around them, were able to make a decision to go to China after lots of praying. God worked a miracle, answered our prayers, and now the experiences of the past few months seem like they're all over, just like that! My dad's just back to normal. It seems strange to just be done. When it all began again, I think we expected to all be emotionally invested til the end. But now, it's another beginning.

It's funny how China has such a bad reputation. Of course it probably comes deserved, but it amazes me how much we all trust in the US health system too. The numerous recalls in the US should be enough of an alert that things aren't always fine and dandy just because it's been approved in the states. Even after my dad's CT came back clear in China, I think some people were waiting for the US CT to be done, just to make sure. It's as if the US CT scan was an official stamp, the proof that this was all real.

I have to say, I had some questions right after my mom called me from China to say everything was good. But immediately, I said a prayer, and told God "I don't want to be a doubting Thomas. It is a greater blessing to believe without seeing. Help me believe now, even though my mind wants me to doubt and I have lots of questions." It has been such an experience for me, learning to pray so much more through all of this. The whole praying-for-healing thing leads to many questions in my head too. Obviously there's a natural course in life, in which we all die eventually, so at what point do we decide to pray for healing, vs. just accept that it's time to go? All of these questions are still unanswered for me, but I prayed for a simpler faith. He has answered that prayer, and it has been refreshing to be able to come to Him in prayer with whatever I'm thinking about.

So what are my parents up to now? Well, they're still busy! They're meeting up with lots of old friends from church. They've spent some time relaxing at the beach. They still have some doctor's appointments to go to. My mom's cooking for all of us. Basically, it's back to the daily grind. Except that we have never ending thanks to give to God for giving my parents an amazing testimony to share, and hopefully many more years to spend together.