Greetings friends and family,
Hope this finds you enjoying the beautiful season of Christmas and celebrating our Savior’s birth.
Are you surprised to hear from us so early? Why, it’s still December—don’t Hereford newsletters usually come in January or February? Well, I figured I’d start early since we skipped last year.
Last year was a tough one for us, as I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2009. For those of you who didn’t already know, and for others a recap, here is the somewhat short version. Underwent surgery in mid-December, recovered well, and learned that one out of 16 lymph nodes was affected. Met with oncologists, read lots of related material, talked with people, prayed, and then had to make some serious decisions. We eventually decided to not go the chemo route (though I am still being monitored by a surgeon), but to pray for healing and use a biochemist/nutritionist to balance my body to the point where cancer cells would hopefully not be able to survive. I feel that I am much more aware of my body’s need for rest, proper diet, etc. I already had a very healthy diet, but have learned that certain foods, supplements, nutrients, etc. work better (or worse) with each individual’s body make-up. I also learned that I had an acidic pH environment (which is very prone to helping cancer cells thrive), and now can monitor that, and take measures to balance it myself to a more alkaline/neutral environment. As for rest, I try to gauge my body’s need for it and take a short nap during the day if I need it and get to sleep earlier at night if I feel more tired. (As opposed to the former way of just burning the midnight oil, doing this or that—I have come to acknowledge “this or that” can wait til another day!) Many dear friends and family members served us in so many ways and I again extend my thankfulness to each of them. Some brought meals, some took me to appointments or watched children during appointments. Some came to stay here and help watch children while I was recovering from surgery. There were cards, calls, e-mails, and many, many prayers. NOTHING was a small deed—every single word, whether on a card, e-mail, phone, or in person, was extremely huge and appreciated beyond words. God heard and He healed me! He remains big and in the business of healing!
We continue to home school the children and they continue to delight us as they learn and “grow up”.
Marianna enjoys helping Mom cook, doing her school books, and playing with her brothers and sister. Liam played soccer and scored several goals for his team this year. He also enjoys playing different sports with his brother. Kathryn has started back up with gymnastics, can prepare several dishes on her own, and helps out with her sister in many ways. Josiah still enjoys geography, football, tennis, and chess and has participated in several tennis and chess tournaments throughout the year. Liam, Kathryn, and Josiah all still take piano from Mom, and are doing very well. Also, all 6 of us have been going through the Rosetta Stone Spanish language program, (some more speedily and thoroughly than others). Josiah and Kathryn have been involved the longest, and are doing very well in learning the language. Josiah, Kathryn, Jim, and I are also involved in helping teach the large group K-1st grade Sunday School class twice a month (the class in which Liam and Marianna attend).
For some time, Jim has prayed for an opportunity for us to travel as a family to a Spanish-speaking country, and feels that God has opened doors for that to happen in the near future. He was approved for a sabbatical for the 2011 spring semester, and has found a contact person in Barcelona, Spain, who is open to have Jim come work with him. SO, we are planning to all go to Spain next year around the “March through May” time-frame. We are excited (and maybe a little nervous, too) about our adventure, and are thankful that we have the opportunity for such a memorable learning experience.
May God bless your household abundantly in the new year!
Deborah, for the Herefords
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