Test Results...

I had a check up with my doctor yesterday.
Mark's update:

"The news from what results the doctor had available yesterday was good, but other results that came in just this morning were not what we hoped for because they indicated that Bonnie's cancer could again be active. Her numbers are now barely in the normal range and moving in the undesired direction. She's getting checked again in 6 weeks instead of the 3 month schedule we were on. We're clinging to the Lord and appreciate your prayers."

My reaction: In 6 weeks, it will be right before Christmas... (sigh)... I need Your perspective on this God...
"...I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." Isaiah 49:15,16

Oбще язык...

Our dear friends Anatoly and Galyna Prokopchuk (President of Kyiv Theological Seminary) just left after having visited with us for 4 days. In Ukraine, we always felt like we shared "Oбще язык" - understood each other - "spoke the same language". We couldn't have survived without them. We love them and miss them already.


On their way to the airport back to Ukraine... til we meet again.

Ukraine on our minds...

Mark is in Ukraine right now teaching in the Talbot program, so the topic of our dinner conversations have been:
"Lucky, Dad - eating in the seminary's cafeteria every day..."
"Yesterday he said he ate there twice! Dinner was картошки (potatoes) with meeeeeat sauce."
"Remember their борщ?(beet soup)... ohhhhh and their котлеты!" (meat cutlets)
"Remember the пампушки (filled biscuits) in the рынок!" (outdoor market)
Mom: "In June when we go to Ukraine, we might stay at the seminary."
"Yes! I can't wait to eat there!"
"Are we going to 'Два Гуся'?" (a restaurant in Kiev w/ Ukrainian food)
Mom: "Anatoly is coming in 1 1/2 weeks."
"Is he going to make us his плоф?" (rice pilaf)

Yes, Ben and Josh are their stomachs... but they don't just miss Ukrainian food. We have also reminisced about riding the метро (subway), Шевшенко Park, Уман, various people, and their days in their Ukrainian school - I didn't know that during break time, Ben wrestled w/ the other boys and threw Misha down once! They vividly remember their first day in their Ukrainian school as you see in the photos:

Sept 1, 2000
Sept 1, 2004

Oct. 19, 2008 - Ben carrying the Ukrainian-type flag in our church's mission's flag parade last Sunday.

How Young...?

A birthday fit for a Queen...


...with family. Thank you for driving down Mom, Aimee and Genevieve..
..and Bob and Nancy!
...The Royal Shiroma Ladies having a queen's brunch at her favorite restaurant.


A surprise from the king...

...2 days in Santa Barbara..

...a perfect gift - thanks hubby.
High Tea with a faithful friend - Thanks, June!


...and a bouquet of Plumerias waiting in Her Highness' garden from her Creator and Heavenly Father.
Lord, thank you for all the thoughtful friends and family... and bouquet of Plumerias!