Lightening isn't supposed to strike twice.
I thought Trevor was our lightening. Our cup. Raziki yetu.
But a little over a week ago the second strike flowed through invisible phone lines from half a world away. And burned into our hearts. Knocking us to our knees.
******
Our passion for Tanzania sparked after a honeymoon visit to Jonathan's family. We were married (with their blessing) before they'd ever had a chance to meet me. I like to tease that by the time they laid eyes on me...I was non-refundable!
::smile::
At that time they were nestled in the Uluguru mountains. Learning Swahili. Involved in ministry. Pouring their lives into serving the people of the region. That two week African immersion radically changed these newlyweds. We returned to life in America...only for the purpose of preparing to spend our lives in Tanzania.
If you've followed Trevor's blog for any length of time...you most likely know that we spent two years living our honeymooners dream. Before lightening struck. And our life course was Changed...
*****
But Jonathan's parents (and sibs until they all scattered for college) have spent the better part of 15 years in Tanzania. Not just talking about how to serve humanity. How to bring Hope to those desperately needing it. But actually living it out loud!
They've served in SO many ways...offering Hope...financial aid...counsel...unconditional love...
Launched an English medium school where over 200 children are being given a chance to have an education that is usually only granted to the Elite!
And this summer were making plans to open a medical clinic!
We've always been so proud of them. Of the way they've chosen to use their lives.
We are SO proud of you!
*****
We couldn't shake the feeling. That something wasn't right. They had FB-ed us that Dad wasn't feeling well. And that they were heading to Nairobi Kenya...where the "real" doctors can be found.
After a week of testing...but little communication...they called with the news. The crushing news.
Jonathan's dad had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. And encouraged to be on the earliest flight back to the States if he wanted to seek treatment here. And be close to family.
*****
They arrived last week. In MO. Close to the twins. The youngest of their children. And immediately began a battery of testing. With Jonathan & I (and a whole slew of prayer warriors) praying...hoping...that the equipment in Kenya was old. Faulty. Wrong.
It was not.
And our hearts are crushed under the heaviness of the diagnosis.
*****
Babu (along with Bibi...and the rest of the family) will begin the fight of his life this week. Chemo is being arraigned. As well as travel plans for Jonathan...and Toby...and possibly Bristel...to spend a weekend Chicken Soup of the Soul-ing them. All of us giving love. Prayers. Support in any way we can.
And if you're a believer in the comfort of prayer. I'm sharing this with you so that you'll join us.
*****
I thought Trevor was our lightening. Our cup. Raziki yetu.
But a little over a week ago the second strike flowed through invisible phone lines from half a world away. And burned into our hearts. Knocking us to our knees.
******
Our passion for Tanzania sparked after a honeymoon visit to Jonathan's family. We were married (with their blessing) before they'd ever had a chance to meet me. I like to tease that by the time they laid eyes on me...I was non-refundable!
::smile::
At that time they were nestled in the Uluguru mountains. Learning Swahili. Involved in ministry. Pouring their lives into serving the people of the region. That two week African immersion radically changed these newlyweds. We returned to life in America...only for the purpose of preparing to spend our lives in Tanzania.
If you've followed Trevor's blog for any length of time...you most likely know that we spent two years living our honeymooners dream. Before lightening struck. And our life course was Changed...
*****
But Jonathan's parents (and sibs until they all scattered for college) have spent the better part of 15 years in Tanzania. Not just talking about how to serve humanity. How to bring Hope to those desperately needing it. But actually living it out loud!
They've served in SO many ways...offering Hope...financial aid...counsel...unconditional love...
Launched an English medium school where over 200 children are being given a chance to have an education that is usually only granted to the Elite!
And this summer were making plans to open a medical clinic!
We've always been so proud of them. Of the way they've chosen to use their lives.
We are SO proud of you!
*****
We couldn't shake the feeling. That something wasn't right. They had FB-ed us that Dad wasn't feeling well. And that they were heading to Nairobi Kenya...where the "real" doctors can be found.
After a week of testing...but little communication...they called with the news. The crushing news.
Jonathan's dad had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. And encouraged to be on the earliest flight back to the States if he wanted to seek treatment here. And be close to family.
*****
They arrived last week. In MO. Close to the twins. The youngest of their children. And immediately began a battery of testing. With Jonathan & I (and a whole slew of prayer warriors) praying...hoping...that the equipment in Kenya was old. Faulty. Wrong.
It was not.
And our hearts are crushed under the heaviness of the diagnosis.
*****
Babu (along with Bibi...and the rest of the family) will begin the fight of his life this week. Chemo is being arraigned. As well as travel plans for Jonathan...and Toby...and possibly Bristel...to spend a weekend Chicken Soup of the Soul-ing them. All of us giving love. Prayers. Support in any way we can.
And if you're a believer in the comfort of prayer. I'm sharing this with you so that you'll join us.
*****
Comments
Know that I will keep you all in my prayers and my heart while this battle rages. Sending lots of love and warm hugs...
Tell Jonathan and the kids to travel safe, and well be thinking of you all.
Tell Babu to fight as hard as Trevy as fought!
Thankfully they are back in the US where they are much closer to family.
Prayers for all.
M
Hugs
Melanie
This is just totally unexpected. J's dad is only in his 50's. J is the oldest of the four siblings...and the only one with children. The twins are still in college...with their whole lives ahead of them. You can imagine how crushing this is to all of us.
We have a realistic streak...so while we're praying for healing...we're preparing for the reality that is Pancreatic Cancer.
My personal request is that you would pray for wisdom...and comfort. My heart is breaking for my husband...and children. Right before the call we were telling Toby & Bristel how when they were 13 they could spend a couple weeks in Tanzania helping Bibi & Babu. I can't even count how many times these days I've just held Jonathan and told him I don't know what to say...or do.
And sometimes the only thing you can do is hold eachother...and cry...
...danielle
xoxoxox,
sharon
Barbara
(shoot me an email at katie @ twintasticmom . com when you get a chance...of course I don't mind if you follow Lily's blog! :) )
Love Karen