A look back at January...

(This post is a bit retrospective!  Just wanted to share a glimpse into the last quieter months as we haven't been posting much.)~Elizabeth

Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, for you have been my Refuge. Psalm 61:2 

This past December and January were difficult months for me (Elizabeth).   In early December, I finally made an appointment to see our mission doctor about an ache in one of my armpits that had gone on for months.  He heard the history, asked careful questions and did an exam, and then recommended that I go to Australia in the next month or so to get checked out for cancer (lymphoma).

Many of you have walked similar roads and remember the following days of waiting and praying.  We had difficult decisions to make...should Nate come as well?  That would mean uprooting our kids from school or finding a place for them to stay here in PNG.  We asked our families to pray for wisdom.

Blessing of blessings, my sister was able to come and meet me in Australia. Appointments were made, tickets were purchased and I made my way to Australia.  A wonderful missionary guesthouse was available.

The Lord went before me in so many ways on the trip.  Unbeknownst to me, the doctor I was able to get an appointment with was one of the top in his field.  His offices were located in a hospital that had everything needed - radiologist, infectious disease specialist, laboratory facilities, etc etc.  Within four days' time I had some answers:  no signs of cancer.  Thank You, Lord.  And a positive answer for a disease that is treatable.  Not fun, but treatable.  And speaking of fun...my sister and I had some special times together in Australia!  We both were so thankful for that unexpected gift!  Within a week we were both back with our families.

Nate and I still aren't sure what is causing that armpit ache, and the swelling that I have in one of my legs.  But the specialists had a few theories, and I'll be trying several different things over the next months.  One potential culprit is a tropical parasite.  Please pray with us for complete healing.

And thank Him with me for our wonderful mission doctors, and for His provision for the trip.  He is so good!