Our Unplanned Adventure

As we sat at the airport on Sunday, watching planes take off and land, I reached over, slid my hand into Michael’s, and let the weight of everything that’s happened over the past two months wash over us. 

This is our new adventure. 

I spoke barely over a whisper. He squeezed my hand and nodded as we let the words hang over the myriads of emotions and unspoken thoughts. 

Adventure seems to be a strange word to navigate cancer treatment - after all, it’s definitely not one we would have chosen for ourselves - but we’ve both felt over and over again that this is about something more than seeking healing for Michael. From day one, our yes has been on the table, wherever or whatever God called us to go or to do during this season. We’re His, and we’re letting Him direct our steps, knowing full well He doesn’t operate on our agenda. And that’s okay. He holds all things in His hands, and He cares just as deeply about Michael’s health as He does about each person walking through the same. 

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about why would we leave - and I get it. Would Michael be an encouraging light wherever he went? Absolutely. But the Lord knows exactly where we should be and when, and He seems to have plans for Michael, here, in Tijuana, Mexico of all unexpected places. 

The Lord has constantly been reminding me to simply trust, reminding me of His goodness. After all, we sing things like, 

“Take me deeper than my faith could ever wander, where my faith would be made stronger...” 

“I will make room for You, to do whatever you want to...” 

“Take my life, and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to Thee.”

But then rationale and control rush in full force, and accompanying them is their good friend Fear.

Yet sometimes God asks you the unexpected, the unconventional. And those words become more than beautiful lyrics. They are resounding Truth. 

So here we are. A unique mission field filled with hurting souls in need of true Hope. 

Day 1

It was heavy. Yes, we had a very long day of consultations, various appointments, and he started treatment. It was tiring, but good. However, as you can imagine, there is a heaviness and heartache, too. In particular, there is a very young woman wheelchair bound who hasn’t been here long, but a palpable spirit of depression surrounds her. She’s more closed off than others, but we’re praying for an opportunity to show her love and encouragement. 

It’s an interesting melting pot - people from all over the world and many different faith backgrounds and beliefs. We met several believers on the first day as well. 

Beginning of Day 3

Michael got bloodwork back from labs on Monday morning (before he started anything) and his hCG levels (tumor markers) had risen again, but at a slower rate.

It’s only been two full days here, but Michael’s doing great so far, and the medical team has been amazing. They will be making adjustments to his plan soon.

Prayer Requests

Some very specific requests - without giving away names or information - are for a few individuals here.

• The young lady mentioned above - may the Lord give her comfort and strength but I’m also asking for complete healing over her.

• One of the women I was able to pray over - she is waiting on MRI results and praying the tumor has shrunk (we’re praying it’s GONE!)

• A man who started the same day as Michael (whom he already befriended, of course). He has had cancer for 14 years now and is trying something new.

One of us will share some more stories soon, but I’ve loved watching Michael brighten the rooms here - from the medical staff to the patients - he’s such a light. I would love it if he would share in his own words. 🙂

Also, our kids are doing great. We have the most AMAZING community surrounding our boys and our family. It overwhelms me in the best of ways because these precious relationships are a gift from the Lord - “abundantly more than we could have asked!” 

Our miracle-working Father, I thank you for unplanned adventures and the fact that we just have to simply let go and trust You, our Sovereign King. I thank You for already working in the lives of these beautiful people here with us and we ask in faith for full healing - inside and out - and for each one of them to surrender their lives to the Savior who loves them so much, He gave His life so they may LIVE. To You be all glory, honor, and power. Amen.