Day One

Everything went well with my appointment at Jewish Hospital. I had to drink a really, sweet orange drink as part of the glucose testing, and then they drew blood six different times. I felt well and did not become nauseated---yea! I then met with the social worker who asked many questions regarding my decision for kidney donation, as well as many questions regarding recovery. She said I must have thought everything out, and felt I was ready to proceed with my decision.

I talked with the transplant coordinator this morning, and all my lab results looked really good. My cholesterol level was a little high (that's from all the sweets I like to eat), but nothing to be concerned about. So, now I am scheduled for an appointment next Wed. with the psychiatrist. They want to be sure I'm not crazy for wanting to do this--haha! They will also draw blood to confirm my blood type, as well as for the tissue matching.

I feel at peace with all this. I know God is in control, and He has a plan. Thank you for your prayers as I continue on this journey.

A New Journey

I am getting ready to embark on a new journey. Today, I am going to Jewish Hospital in Louisville to begin evaluation for donating a kidney. Yes, you heard right! This has been in the works for several weeks, but I just haven't shared with many until just recently. I shared with the youth on Thursday night, and with the leadership team at church last night. I am awake at this early hour since I have to leave home at 5:30 a.m. Blood and urine tests will be done today, as well as meeting with the social worker. There are various tests/exams that are required to determine if you're a suitable match for donation. The person I am doing this for goes to our church. Without going into details right now, let's just say God allowed our paths to cross, and God led me to this point where I would be willing to donate a kidney. I'll keep you informed as I get further information. Thank you for your prayers!

"TRA--DI--TION!!!"

The Thanksgiving weekend is over. Now, on to the next holiday, Christmas. However, there were many (myself included) who started on Christmas before Thanksgiving. Normally, I would not have done that, but since I was getting items out of the attic to put in the store, I put my Christmas tree up, too. When I think of holidays, I think of "tradition". When I hear that word, I think about "Fiddler on the Roof" where Papa sings out "TRA--DI--TION". I can't remember any other words to that song, nor any other songs to that play. I just remember "TRADITION".

When thinking along those lines, what are some things that I or my family have "traditionally" done in the past? On Thanksgiving day, we go to John's sister's house in Lexington to be with his family at the noon meal. That is usually the only time we see his brothers/sisters during the year. I cooked scalloped oysters because that was the tradition brought into our marriage that John would bring the oysters (cooked by the wife, of course). While at lunch, the TV in the kitchen is always on, and the Kennel Dog Show (or whatever the name may be) is showing. So, if you're not talking with one another, comments are being made about the dogs on TV. Exactly, where does that fit in with Thanksgiving? Of course, if you don't like dogs, you can always watch the football game which is on in the family room. After leaving there, we come back to Columbia, and have supper at my parents' house, bringing with us the rest of the oysters which were not eaten at lunch. John had smoked a turkey the day before, so that was our contribution to that meal as well.

On Friday, I went to Wal-mart at 5 am, and I must say, that was my first, and probably my last time of shopping Black Firday in the early morning hours. Not worth the hassle. So, I will not be making that a tradition. I just wanted to experience it one time.

Upcoming plans: Write a Christmas letter, mail out cards, go to parties, wrap gifts, decorate some more. All for the sake of Christmas. Who came up with all these traditions? How did giving thanks and celebrating Christ's birth become so complicated? How do we get out of the circle of "tradition"? Maybe I should just watch "Fiddler on the Roof" and relax a bit!

Where Does the Time Go?

On Thursday, I indicated I was back, and now it's Monday night, and I still haven't blogged. Where did this weekend go? Well, I'll tell you. Friday evening, I had dinner at my parents' house, then went home to get things ready for the next day. Sat. morning, I helped Jackie and others with a local mission trip to an apartment complex for the elderly. We served breakfast, and I shared a devotional with them about the "seasons of life". That evening, John and I went to Nicholasville where CrossOver was having a fellowship dinner for the volunteers and board members. Sunday morning, we went to church; that afternoon, I drove my sister to Lexington to take her grandchildren back home; that evening, we went back to church. Today, I have been running errands. Where does the time go? Where does my energy go?

I have been reading John Grisham's novel, "Skipping Christmas", and you know, sometimes that doesn't sound like a bad idea. I mean the part about all the parties, decorations, etc that seem to consume our time. I don't mean skipping celebrating Christ's birthday. But, just before I wrote this, I had asked John if he wanted to help get the Christmas decorations out of the attic. We decided "not tonight---we'll rest".

Where Have I Been?

Well, I have not posted for a few days due to technical difficulties. There was a short in the connection leading into the house on the telephone line, so the DSL quit working on Sunday. I sure have missed it. When I'm away on mission trips, it doesn't seem to bother me not having internet service. But, when I'm home, I like to email, keep up on the news, blog, etc. Since it's getting close to my bedtime, I don't have much to say tonight. Just wanted you to know "I'm Ba-a-ck".

What Are Your Expectations?

I read this article yesterday on CNN.com regarding high expectations abroad for Obama. Here are a few excerpts, and some of my thoughts/comments (in parentheses):

"French President writes, "Your (Obama) election raises in France, Europe and beyond throughout the world, immense hope." (Do they think he's a world savior?)

"Many see him as the 'epitome' of the American dream".

"The world has been 'seduced' by Obama's vision of change." (Interesting choice of words)

"Globalization requires more cooperation with a wider range of countries and organizations." (Is that where we're heading---one world government?)

"Obama could be forced into a 'devil's' choice between military action, or supporting an Israeli strike, or living with a nuclear Iran." (Again, an interesting choice of words)

"Countries around the world will compete for Obama's attention. Africa, elated over the election of America's first black president, may expect increased attention and aid from the U.S. Additionally, Muslims familiar with Obama's Kenyan father and middle name, "Hussein", may think he will be more understanding of their concerns. Will he embrace them or distance himself from them in an effort to prove he does not hold any bias?" (Time will tell)

Christians, PRAY!!!

Now That the Election is Over . . .

I must admit, when they announced that Obama would be our next president, I got a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. Now, it didn't take me by surprise. However, the reality of the days ahead could be disturbing. I'm not saying that some of his ideas won't promote change, and maybe for the better, but the value system he carries on certain moral issues is what bothers me the most. I know he is pro-choice and believes in gay rights, amongst other things. His true religious beliefs are yet to be tested. So, I am praying (and I know others are too) that God will change his heart and his values, and that we, as Christians, will continue to pray for the betterment of this nation. We must not stop praying now that the election is over. In fact, this may be just the beginning of fervency in prayer.
But, there was a victory in the election---Proposition 8 was passed which means same-sex marriage will be overturned once again in CA. I know much prayer, fasting and campaigning went into this proposal, and God honored that. Again, Christians must stand up and fight for their rights and beliefs. We must no longer stand by the sidelines while our freedoms are being removed or tested. I know we can't stop or reverse all things that we don't like, but at least our voice, and God's voice, must be heard.