From the Eldest Son

It's interesting being back here, on YeongLife, after so long; it's been years, actually, since I've posted anything here. For those of you who have been reading this since its beginning, you know that I, Evan, the eldest, was once the one who updated this blog every Monday. Alas, life moves on, and since graduating from high school and heading off to college I no longer see my family enough to write on the events that occur in their life.

So here I am, trying to update you on my life in a brief, concise post; this will really just be about the past year and this summer.

This summer I have been working at Foundations Ministries, a Christian ministry organization which is backing one (1) Pastor Marie Miller. It's enjoyable work, though the issue is that the office is in Mississauga, meaning that my commute is two hours (only one way). I don't mind, though, as just getting a job this summer has truly been a blessing from God, and I thank him for this opportunity to both make money and further His work in the world.

I am in this picture with just 8 of my 19 cousins. Second from left, Leslie, is the cousin who raised over $900 for Eric's medical expenses. She had a "Cut It or Keep It" fundraiser, offering her long hair.

I am living with my grandparents (my mother's parents, whom she has written about in the previous post), which is nothing out of the ordinary. This year, however, I feel like I've really been able to help out more and pull my own weight. I get meals ready for them, I distract my grandmother when she's pestering my granddad, and I generally do what I can to make sure the house is running smoothly. I feel like I've become a big help in their lives, and it's actually going to be a little bit difficult moving back to college, knowing that they'll be living here without me.

Speaking of college, I am moving out of the dorm. This is an exciting prospect, as it means that seven of my friends and yours truly will be moving into a townhouse together. This change brings with it a smaller living area, a kitchen, and, in my case, a smaller meal plan. The implication of that being that I will be eating lunch in the cafeteria, but will be preparing my own dinners. Hopefully all goes well with this; if I manage to become a tenth of the chef my dad is, I think I'll do just fine.

I'm not really sure what to say about this. I don't really know what my mom has and hasn't told you about my life. She asked me to ask for prayer requests, so I suppose it would be nice if you asked God for help in my keeping my grades up (a GPA of 3.5, minimum) and my social life interesting. When my mom leaves on the twenty-second I'm back to holding down the fort myself, so hopefully I'll remember what it's like when it was just my grandparents and me, and get right back to where I left off.

As a closing note to this very brief update on my life, I'd like to keep you up to speed on how my younger brother is doing. On Monday Thai time he had a CT scan. What it's revealed is looking good. His radiation treatment will start on Thursday. Please keep him in your prayers, as I know many of you are doing. I really want to thank you for that, as it means a lot to me, and us, as a family.

Depending on what happens, I may be back to throw another update your way, but until then. Thank you for reading this blog and taking an interest in my family, my mother really slaves away (I write these in about a twentieth of the time it takes her) to bring you updates every week, and it's great that you get to read what results from her efforts.

Atop the Jacuzzi

“Lord, teach me what real love is and make me a loving person.” This week’s dare from “The Love Dare, Day by Day”

Actually, I’m on the bed but it sits atop the Jacuzzi at my parent’s house in Toronto. It’s where I’ve been sleeping since arriving here to visit Evan and my parents. It’s very comfortable as in the absence of bodies (Eng’s or sometimes Ethan’s), I’m surrounded by pillows. I just have to make sure I’ve done what needs doing in the bathroom or I’ll have to climb back down again on the chair that’s set just by the door where the bed ends. It’s a strange arrangement but it works for me. I like it better than sleeping on the couch as it gives me some privacy when the door is pulled shut.

It’s good to be here and to spend some time with Evan. Today was his day off so he bought me lunch at an All–You-Can-Eat Sushi place and then we visited his favorite book store. He’s shown me where he runs 3x a week in the morning and we saw “Toy Story 3” (an excellent movie!) last week. It’s great to see Evan again. With regard to Eric’s being sick, he’s handled it well and resorted to praying a lot for him. =)

My parents are as well as they can be. My mother is 86 and has Alzheimer’s. My father is 89 and has Diabetes. He injects himself with insulin twice a day and it isn’t uncommon for him to wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat because his blood sugar level is too low. At those times, he eats chocolate bars (KitKat) that he keeps by his bed to quickly increase his blood sugar level. Every day, I thank God for another day with him. He’s been living on the Lord’s grace for a long time.
My mother is a different story every few minutes. We never know what we’re going to get. When she has good moments, she’ll take her medicine without a fuss and would be pleasant, warm, and cheery. Her many other sides could be any of the following: anger, rage, suspiciousness, vindictiveness, fear, confusion, doubtfulness, weariness, etc. We’ve had many tense moments as she attempts to throw her pills, react furiously as to why she has to take them, or call my father names for having her do something she doesn’t want to do. Every day, there seem to be a drama yet waiting to be played. Thankfully, she still responds to music and I’ve been able to play the piano for her to dance to. Unfortunately, the music does not keep her occupied as much as it did last year. She seems to tire more easily nowadays. Evan’s friend’s grandmother has the same illness but she isn’t talking anymore and just sits all day. For what my mother is able to still do, we are grateful.
The other day I found her unsuccessful in cleaning herself after going to the bathroom. I explained to her that she needed to change and proceeded to help her. She didn’t like how I removed her shirt so she furiously yanked it from me and attempted to pull it over my head. We struggled over the shirt, she pulling it down while I tried stopping her. At one point, I wondered what I should be doing. Should I physically resist her to the point where she would feel pain? I really didn’t want a smelly stained shirt on my head! In the end, she physically stopped and resorted to verbally say what she wanted to do with her hands. The whole incident shocked and surprised me. I felt fear for what she might do next but even more so for my reaction of not wanting to care for her. Only later did I mentally choose to let go and just now, forgive. Like she’s forgotten me, she’s forgotten the incident already. She really isn’t the problem; she is ill. The Lord is obviously answering my prayer above. I have a lot to learn.

Thank you for praying. Everyone is doing well at home. Eric is getting a CAT scan on July 12th and is now scheduled to receive his first radiation treatment on July 15th at Siripat Hospital in Chiang Mai.

By the Grace of God

The last round of chemo was administered today without any glitches or complications. Our whole family was at the hospital so we could all celebrate when it was over. Ending with us corporately saying “Alleluias” and doing our clap offering, we thanked God for His goodness, faithfulness, mercy, and grace. Eric’s 4 cycles, or 8 rounds of chemo treatments, are now a thing of the past for him.
Praise God!

Ethan instantly liked Eric's doctor, Dr. Rattiya. Please keep praying for her to know Jesus. We just found out that our Christian friend started seeing her as well. A routine check up showed he had cancer also.

We came back from our vacation at the beach late Sunday night. We had a magnificent time and were all rested and tanned by the time it was over. Not only were we blessed with delicious food, good company, perfect weather, and restful sleep, the Lord continued to bless us with His love through His people. The temporary hosts of the place treated us to a delicious seafood meal on our last night and then gave us money as we left the next morning. What a gracious God we have!

Lastly, as an indication of Eric’s stamina, I would like to admit that he beat me in our swimming races across the length of the pool (twice!). On our last race, I even started a few strokes ahead of him but he beat me anyway! It was several years ago but I did use to swim for the school team. I don’t get where he gets all his energy! It isn’t his own but God’s.

I actually wanted a rematch of our swimming pool basketball game since he and Eli beat Eng and I in our game. I told him I couldn’t believe they beat us. I said, “Aren’t you supposed to have cancer? How could you beat us?” Although initially amused, he then took on a serious look and said, “By the Grace of God, Mom.” And that there explains everything.

Eli wore the hospital garb just for fun. While waiting, they spent time watching T.V.

Thank you for praying. Two to three weeks from now, Eric's 3-weeks’ radiation treatments will start. The half hour treatments will have to be done in the evenings so it works perfectly with Eng being able to do it after work. What excellent timing. =) Thank you, Lord!

I am leaving for Canada tomorrow for a 3-week visit with Evan (our oldest son) and my parents. Evan has been living in Toronto with my parents while he works there during the summer. He has been studying to become a writer or editor at Houghton College in Western New York for the past two years.

Deeper Than Any Ocean

Yesterday, I managed to take an hour long walk on the beach. It was so satisfying. The early morning breeze coupled with the right combination of magnificent sky, glorious clouds, soft lapping waves, and powder fine sand on my toes made it perfect. The waves weren’t numerous. At one point the Lord said His love for me was as many times the waves hit the shore and they were coming frequently then! So this time when I saw the waves, my first question was, “How come there isn’t much?” asking God. Then I noticed the sand and He reminded me that His love was as numerous as the sand on the shore. The song that was playing on my randomly playing phone sang, “Your love is deeper than any ocean” and as I looked at the vast body of water beside me, I couldn’t help but feel loved abundantly. Then the waves felt like soft caresses and gentle kisses from God. I wish to be as aware of this great love in the absence of His creation. Surely He is always telling us how much He loves us! If only we always had eyes to perceive and hearts that understood His love easily.

We are now in Prachuab Kirikhan staying at ‘The Pines’, an OMF vacation home. Thanks to a donor who helped us with our airfare, we are here for a week long vacation. It is wonderful to be here! Along with the realization of His love on the beach, I noticed my lone footprints in the sand and remembered the “Footprints in the Sand” poem by Mary Stevenson (http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/index.php?page=Poem/Poem.php). I know we’ve had trying times in the last few months with Eric’s cancer but the Lord carried us and is still carrying us. Thank you, Papa God, you are so good.

Eric’s last chemo treatment was scheduled for this Friday but we asked to move it to Monday (June 28th) so we can stay here until Sunday. Just the thought of staying here that long makes me sigh with relief already. =)

Eric hasn’t been wearing his mask since he got here. He’s breathing in the fresh air and swimming and eating lots! Yesterday, he and Eli beat Eng and me (Linda) in a game of basketball in the swimming pool. We played them hard until I was panting like crazy and could feel myself sweating even though I was in the water! Still, we lost badly! Yes, they’re young but he’s got cancer! Even though there probably should be, there is no sign of weakness in him. He is definitely doing very well.

A prophetic friend prayed for him today and declared that Eric will be healed of his cancer through his treatments and it will never recur again in his lifetime. We said a resounding "AMEN" to that! Thank you again for praying.

Worth a Kidney Stone

We were at our mission’s conference last week from Tuesday to Sunday (June 8-13) so it was a little strange going to and back there from the hospital on Friday (June 11). When Eric received his 7th round of chemo, we requested again for a quicker administration so we could get back in time for supper. We got there in plenty of time and Eric soon joined the Teens’ BBQ by the pool and he was soon swimming!

He continues to amaze us with the strength and energy that truly comes from within him! It is God given. The next day, he spent plenty of time sleeping but when the ‘teens’ all nighter’ began; he was again up and about! The Lord also amazes in that what is fun for Eric is certainly fun for Him too! He gives it His stamp of approval by what He allows to happen.

I should add that Eric decided at this point not to take any medication (steroids) for the chemo’s side effects. He did well with all the distractions of activities over the week-end but by today, Monday, he’s had a lot more stomach pain. This is entirely Eric’s choosing, not to take the meds. It’s hard to even imagine receiving chemo without the help of the meds to deal with the side effects. Eric’s always taken them before although he’s been requesting less and less of it the more he received his rounds of chemo. He started with needing to take 16 pills twice a day (for 2 days) when he received his first round of chemo. This is followed by half the dosage for 2 more days (8 pills twice a day). By the 6th round, he only wanted to take 4 pills twice a day and we’ve had to argue about him taking it! On Friday, the doctor indicated that it was optional so he decided that he didn’t want any of them. That he’s made it this far is God’s grace!

The other great thing that happened is that we saw friends (Eric’s former teacher and his wife) at the hospital while waiting for the doctor. We were supposed to have supper with them earlier in the week since they were leaving Thailand for good. They canceled since Eric’s former teacher wasn’t well. What a pleasant surprise that we were able to visit at the hospital anyway! Eric’s teacher also graciously said that seeing us and Eric at the hospital (one more time) before they left was “worth a kidney stone” that had to be removed from him surgically!

What an Amazing God we have! Thank you for praying.

Hair to Nothingness

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2

I (Linda) remember distinctly when we found out in March that Eric had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and would require chemo treatments. We prayed as a family and asked for the Lord to have mercy and have him at least finish his Grade 11 school year. Back then, we didn’t know how many days of school he’d miss because of his treatments and how it’ll affect his studies, especially his AP Stats (a college level Statistics class). Well, the school year ended on June 1st and Eric missed a total of 4-1/2 days, just the days when he was at the hospital! (Thankfully, two treatments were received during the two week April break.) As you may already know, Eric also made it to all of his year end gatherings (Agape Orphanage Party, Art Show, Choir Concert, AP Stats bowling trip), including the Junior/Senior Grad Dance.

Back then, I was concerned that his studies would be affected and that he wouldn’t make it through the school year. I thought if he did finish, his grades would reflect less than desirable grades. Last week, except for one course, his report card showed him acing all his courses (including AP Stats!). How that happened has a lot to do with Eric's ability and diligence but those alone aren't enough! We know it is the Lord’s grace and wonder. We are (grateful and) glad and rejoice in Him!

Two days ago, he cut his hair to nothingness – which is how he posted it on Facebook. We are going away on a six-day conference today where he’d do some swimming so Eric felt that wearing a super short hairdo would be better than his almost-normal-but-thin-on-the-top look. He’d rather not have a photo taken so I took a picture of Eli instead who’s also decided to go short. His hair used to be super looong. It’s also worth noting that Eric’s friend already shaved his head last week and another one will shave his (after his sister’s wedding is over) next week. They’re apparently doing it for Eric and their gesture has warmed my heart. I’m sure it’s why Eric found it easier to do what he did. We sing praise to your name, O Most High. You are so kind and good. Thanks again for praying for us. Eric will receive his 7th round of chemo treatment this Friday, June 11th.

Below are our prayer requests once again. Bless you. =)

1. That the Lord constantly be glorified in Eric’s circumstances.
2. Regardless of what we want, that His will, will happen, and not ours
3. That we rely solely on God and are unified as a family.
4. That Eric will be prepared physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, for what’s in store for him.
5. That we trust the Lord completely no matter what happens to Eric.

Gracious Miracles

My soul proclaims your greatness Lord
Rejoicing in my Savior
Your mercy belongs to those who fear your son
His blessing you have given them forever
Holy is His name!

From the song “Great Things” by Matt Maher

As I listened again to my phone which was randomly playing music, the lines above played next after the song called “Miracle” by a Thai group. I (Linda) was just thinking it in my head that it was a miracle that I was paying the hospital just after 2 p.m. for Eric’s chemo treatment. Last Friday was the 6th time Eric received his chemo and it was also the day of his school’s year end choir concert. The day before, his choir teacher and class prayed for him to make it to his concert but we knew a miracle had to take place for it to happen. After his previous treatments, we’ve often left the hospital after 7 p.m. How could he possibly make it to a 4 p.m. concert? Secondly, Eric is often completely exhausted as we pull out of the hospital. How will he have the energy to sing?

But for God, none of the string of miracles below would have happened. Dr. Rattiya examined him as usual but we requested that she let the nurses know that we were in a hurry that day so Eric could make it to his concert. She agreed and wrote the nurses a note to that effect. (Please pray for blessings for Dr. Rattiya and for her to know the Lord as her savior.)

The next few hours were a sight to behold as nurses came in and out of Eric’s room. Each one proclaimed that Eric was going to a concert that afternoon. Each one did her task efficiently and quickly. Sometimes, (a first!) two would be doing their tasks at the same time. Nurse Kloy was there waiting to change the chemo (4 types) that needed to go into Eric’s IV before any of them were finished. To say the least, the nurses that day worked like clockwork! By 2 p.m., all we had to do was wait for an hour for Eric’s last chemo to finish dripping into him. The first miracle happened! We could actually leave as soon as the dripping chemo stopped around 3 p.m. Nurse Kloy used to go to a Christian university here in Chiang Mai. She said she used to go to chapel then and hear about God. I told her the Lord allowed Eric to be sick so that we would be there to meet her and talk to her about the God who loves her and misses her. She teared up and allowed for me to pray for her. (Please pray that the Lord would succeed in calling her back to Himself.)

By 3:30, I decided to wake Eric up. I figured that if he could shower in 10 minutes, we could leave before 4 p.m. and make it late for the concert but be there in time for his choir to sing. It took him a loooong time to finally get up. When he did, it seemed like he took his time to get ready and he was even singing in the shower! Meanwhile, I was pacing outside the bathroom door waiting to go! By the grace of God, we made the speedy drive from hospital to school just in time for him to join his group during their second song, “Pie Jesu” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It means ‘merciful Jesus’ or ‘Jesus, have mercy’. Indeed, Jesus had shown mercy as Eric was welcomed on the stage to the applause of the crowd. He then sang with his choir for the rest of their performance, the second miracle.

On Saturday morning, he was able to go to the orphanage that he’s been visiting with his class, to attend their last get together of the year. By Monday morning, he was celebrating the end of the school year with his AP Stats class by playing bowling. While I wondered if he would have the energy to finish all three games, the Lord had seen fit to help him not just finish all games, but have the last three balls Eric bowled to be strikes (a sweet turkey miracle)! It’s no wonder that by Monday night, Eric was dancing once again. What an amazing God we have! His blessings, He has given us.

Thank you for praying. =)