My Favorite Europeans

I wanted to share a few pictures I took while I was in Bogi from 25th til 29th of March. Unlike most of the pictures I've taken before, I concentrated on my friends this time (as opposed to nature or architecture). So, here below, are some of "my favorite Europeans":

Ewelina (pronounced "Evelina"; SM from Poland). She's a very sweet and beautiful person: always a joy to be around her.

Alexander and Daniel (SMs from Ukraine). These happen to be the 2 guys who picked me up from the Munich airport when I arrived. These guys can always make me laugh (then again, that's not very hard either).

Heidi (SM from Sweden) and I. She's like a sister to me. Heidi is one of the most serene people I've ever met (seriously, this girl emits tranquility), but by no means does this mean that she doesn't know how to have a fun time; on the contrary! I can't count all the times we've laughed together!

Christian Graf (Theo student from Egypt/Germany). I can say so many things about this guy, but I'll limit myself to this: I am eternally grateful to God for allowing me the opportunity to meet, get to know, and befriend this man. He truly is a Godsend; especially during the last 3 months.

L to R: Christian, Russlan (an SM from Ukraine), and Daniel. When Russlan found out that I wanted to learn Russian, he offered to teach me (he was already tutoring a few other people). My problem was that I was trying to better my German (and I was also just picking up French), so this just wasn't the time for me to try.

These guys are all caring and sweet men. They are just great: I truly love them.

Nargiza (SM from Uzbekistan) and Christian Henzel (SM from Germany). Nargiza, I just met in this trip; but from the few interactions I've had with her, she is a truly sweet and altruistic person.

Henzel has been in Bogi for a while (he was there my 1st time back in 2006). He is a very hard worker and a "happy-go-lucky" kind of guy. He's a lot of fun to be around.

Apparently, he was anxious to devour the delicacy set before him. :-P

*For the record, "SM"="Student Missionary".

I really do love these people. I cannot be reunited with them too soon.

God, thank you for the gift of friendship you've given me through these people. I feel as though I got a taste of heaven through them. I don't deserve friends like these . . . but then again, this just goes to show how truly amazing Your grace really is. Thank you, my Father and my God.

An Update

Well, it's been almost 3 weeks since mom's death and a lot has happened since. Let me give you the basic update:

Mom: Mom died on the 15th of March and was cremated the 20th. On the 25th, dad received her ashes. We have an idea of what to do with them, we just need to finalize the plans.

Dad: Dad is still working as a truck-driver. He was able to request his 1 (or 2) week vacation just in time for me to fly back to Bogi and back to the States. During the time I was gone, he set to go through all the papers and stuff mom has collected during the years. I think he became an archaeologist, 'cause he found stuff dating back to when mom was in middle-school (I kid thee not). He also went and visited Julia everyday while she was in respite care and took her out for a while. In short, as I was away, dad was not bored.

Julia: Julia has been her same-ol' self. On the day before I left for Bogi, dad and I dropped Julia off at the place she was gonna receive respite care. This is a house owned by an organization dedicated to offering services to the mentally-disabled (children as well as adults). This house was part of their respite care; in which they take care of a person on a temporary basis (I believe a week is the maximum). So, Julia stayed there and attended their day-services program (all sorts of activities) during the day (9 or 10 til 15).

From what dad told me, Julia got upset when dad returned her to the house; but after the 3rd day or so, she was fine and returned somewhat happily. The day after I returned, dad and I went to pick her up. She even gave the lady who was taking care of her a hug and kiss! This was a major relief; praise God that all went very well!

On April 1st, Julia was supposed to move into a house where she'll be receiving total care in a more permanent basis . . . only she couldn't. I found out that her budget wasn't approved yet . . . among other steps. We should be receiving word (hopefully) by at least Tuesday.

me: Me, well, I've had full responsibility of Julia since mom was admitted into the hospital--a week before she died. I bought my round-trip ticket to Munich around Feb. 20-something, not knowing what was going to happen within the month . . .

On March 24th, I flew back to Bogi to pick up the rest of my stuff, as well as take care of whatever else I needed to take care of (i.e. return the room keys, officially check-out of the dorm, get my deposits back, etc.). The next morning, I arrived to Bogi's campus and stayed til the morning of the 29th. Those were the best days of my life, since before finding out about mom's diagnosis. I am eternally grateful to God for allowing me to meet and befriend these Godsend of a people: they have certainly made the difference. I love them with all my heart.

After returning to the States, I was immersed under the whole situation and stress of caring for Julia and the household. All I ask of God is for the strength and patience to endure until this time is over (when Julia is in residential care and I'm in whatever is next).

A cousin of mine, Omelia (her mom and my mom were sisters) and her husband just visited Julia and I today. We spent the whole day together, talking and getting to know each other a little better (we've never had much contact before). They flew in last night and will be flying back tomorrow morning. I am glad they came: it was very thoughtful of them and appreciated. Godspeed to them as they fly back to San Antonio.

. . . well, that's it. If there is anything more, I'll let you know.

It's Over

On March 15, 2010, at 22:40, my mom passed away.

I got the call about 10 minutes later. The nurse said she died peacefully. I thank God for that.

The battle is over, she is at peace,

but most importantly, she died in the LORD--and we will see each other again.

"The LORD gives and the LORD takes away; blessed be the name of the LORD!"

Amen.

Brace yourself

Today, before getting ready and taking Julia with to visit mom, dad called me. He said mom's doctor called him and said she has deteriorated: when he went to see her, she was lying on her bed and breathing heavily. She is really weak. According to how mom appears, the doctor is giving her between hours and a few days . . . although she could always have a nose-dive at any moment. All this may be true, but that doesn't dismiss the fact that God always has the last word.

Dad has to leave a load somewhere close by Miami. He's gonna pick one up for New Jersey and stop by here on Wednesday. Lord willing, he won't be too late.

If there is one thing I hate about dealing with cancer, it's the roller-coaster of emotions. One day, mom appears as though she were almost back to her normal self; the next, she looks like she's about to go any second. Our hopes and feelings are constantly played with and teased. Now I can say, I have experienced torture, for this is what dad and I are going through.

Oh God, please have mercy on us and work quickly! . . . but again, above all else, may Your will be done.

Looking better

Just got home about 30 min. ago from visiting mom in the hospice. This is the third day mom has been there, and I must say . . . I've seen a lot of progress!

When I went to see her on Thursday (her first day there), she had not vomited at all, though she had diarrhea instead. As far as I am concerned, this is better. This means the food actually made its way to the stomach and was processed--maybe not very much, but a whole lot more than if it were regurgitated!

Since yesterday (Friday), mom hasn't had any more diarrhea! Granted, they haven't been giving her a lot of food (mostly soup, tea, ice cream, pudding, etc.), but still, that is progress! Mom seems to be one of the stronger patients there and appears as though she will be able to go back home, although I'm gonna have to wait 'til Monday to have a better idea (the doctor wasn't there today, but he will be on Monday).

I've got an appointment with the county's Department of Health to see what we can do for Julia on Tuesday. Also, I'll be able to speak with one of the social workers at the hospice on Monday. So yeah, things are picking up and we'll see what I can find out, starting Monday.

God, thank You for all You have done til now: no matter how it turns out, may Your Name be praised.

Another Turn

Mom has just been transferred from the hospital to the hospice. There, they will try to control mom's symptoms (vomiting) while keeping her comfortable. Once the symptoms have been controlled, then she can go home.

Things are not looking good at all. In the 5 or so hours I was with her today, she vomited 4 or 5 times. Every time she tries to eat, this is what happens--even when the only thing she has done is drink water, but for the water, it takes longer for her to vomit.

We were informed that the cancer has also spread to her right lung. They found a soft tissue there about 2 days ago and it was not confirmed until this afternoon. It's really getting tough--wait, make that tougher. We're looking into who can take care of Julia--another challenge in itself. Well, like a song I heard once, He's (God) never failed me yet! No matter how hard things get, I know He won't.

Yes, we're still alive . . . for now, at least

Sorry for the delay, but there hasn't been much to say or report lately.

Mom was supposed to begin her chemo today, but she's being hospitalized right now.

She had her consultation with the doctor in charge of the chemo 2 weeks ago. At that time, the doctor told mom she hasn't completely cured from the surgery yet--and she also needed to gain weight (Mom is 5ft. 4in. [1.61 m.] tall and weighed 127 lbs. [57.6 kilos] that day).

In 2 weeks time, mom lost 15 lbs. (6.8 kilos).

It has been really difficult for mom to keep food down. It's been scary.

We were told of a place in Mexico (close to Monterrey) that has a cancer treatment center. A lady from the Hispanic church in Baltimore told mom about it. This lady had breast cancer, went and stayed there for about 6 weeks, and left completely cured. We want to see if mom can go there, but she needs to survive the month first. Oh Lord God, whatever it is, may Your will be done!