Mountain roads

Did any of you go see that movie Inside Out? My daughter dragged me to it, but I’m glad I saw it. The images of those palaces crashing down into the abyss as the girl’s world was rocked struck me. I know what that feels like, having your neat plans and cheery expectations…dismantled.  You know, it’s images you need when all the facts are in, but you are still wrestling with your emotions, because words don’t say enough. It’s why we need music and art and literature—all those symbols and metaphors to picture pain and joy, sometimes together.

It’s like those alarming rides in the back of a truck to the mountain Mixtec village where we lived in Guerrero. Up. Down. Around and around. Shaken, banged, jolted. But surrounded by beauty.

Similarly, I feel a mix of emotions. I now have stuffed on my calendar every medical and traveling event that is planned for the next few months. Don't know how much writing will get done. Sunday, Robert and I head to Oaxaca City, and from the airport, we drive to an Indian market town where we will spend the week training new Mexican missionaries. This is a highlight of my year. Because of our involvement with this program, there are now trained Mexican missionaries living in Guerrero, reaching out to Mixtecs. One of these missionaries is on our team now and expecting! J

A few days after coming back to Canada, I will have surgery on my right hand. L A few days later, Robert leaves for a week in Guadalajara where he will be training more missionary candidates. J L So Janey will be looking after me until my hand works again. Then I have my final chemo (Herceptin) treatment, and I get to ring the gong J (please come join me if you are free noon, April 15^th)

The next day we drive to North Carolina to visit supporting churches and my friend Caroline, a missionary going through the same thing I am. We’ll be comparing war stories and scars. J But I will miss the women’s retreat here. L

The week we come home, we immediately repack our bags, and finally take that 25^th anniversary trip cancelled by chemo last year. Ireland! Yay! And thanks to the anonymous friends that helped make it possible! On the way home, we will be seeing three good friends in England we knew in Honduras before we got married (one was in my wedding). Yay! J

Then, the week we get home, I have surgery on the left hand. L And wait for the stitches to come out after a flurry of doctor’s follow up visits. And then we leave for Mexico. J And leave Manal and Rashad and Bayan and Hammudi and all my friends and family here, L especially my sisters, who have made this year good. J

What a ride! What does God intend to do with this mountainous road of emotions, all those twists and unexpected turns, the ups and downs, and around and arounds of shifted feelings? All of the life he gives us is purposeful, profitable, preparatory. What does he intend, after I’m finished up here, with all this?

Come find out with me.