Back To work!!!!

I've been back at work for a month now and I think I'm used to the pain now.  After a year of subbing and seeing I needed to go back full time, I'm thankful to have found a position at my friend's school in Woodland Hills.  Crazy far, crazy long hours but actually pretty satisfying.  I'm at CHIME Charter Arnold Schwarzeneggar Elementary.  It's a very progressive school in the world of education because it is what you'd call a "full inclusion" school where students of all disabilities and abilities are in the classroom as one.  As a former Spec. Ed teacher, this is what I dreamed of for many of my students and during the first week of school, I broke out in tears walking to my car because I thought of all my former students and how well they would have done at this school.  Ben and I have been living in Burbank during the week and going back to Valencia on the weekends.  It's been okay except that I think sleeping on the floor is hard for Ben and he's not as comfortable as I am. 

My dad started the evaluation process the beginning of this month and then had an encepalopathic episode the last day and so we missed 2 more appts.  We're in the process of trying to reschedule some stuff.  In the mean time, encepalopathy seems to be more frequent even though he's been good about taking his meds.  It might very well be his liver has deteriorated even more and is even more dysfunctional.  Who knows.  Last night I was just praying God would break down the walls of his heart and make him repent and confess Christ as Lord and Savior.  I already told many of you, during our last conversation about religion, my father said he believed all religions had something good to offer and he thought some teachings from Christ was beneficial.  So we know that he's still not a believer.  I need more boldness to tell him the things he'd hate to hear.  Like if he really read all of Christ's teachings, He also teaches that He is the only way into heaven.  These health problems I have to remind myself are nothing compared to the eternity we will spend either with Christ or separated from God forever.  I'd much rather him suffer temporarily during his earthly life.  I also have to remind myself that the Lord can do anything, even change his heart.

Tonight I went out with a group of friends I've known since my freshman year, and one I've known since Jr. High.  We actually were all roommates during our sophomore year in Westwood.  We reminisced about the terrible food we made (none of us really knew how to cook), all the boy drama, and how much things have changed since then.  I've always heard how the thirties are better than your twenties.  I was never there until recently.  And wow, it IS true.  I realized I'm not as apologetic (u know, the kind that carries the false humility undertones), I know what I like and life feels more settled which I never thought I'd be okay with.  In fact, in my twenties, I said I'd never buy a home, settle down and become a suburbanite.  I despised the three car garage, 2.5 kids, 401k picture.  It was like a prison to me.  Ironic that I love living in Valencia now, and I look forward to making plans to take care of our family.  I guess the real prison I feared was living a life that seemed fake, unhappy and unrealistic.  But I suppose it would be the same if I were still single, traveling, "seeing the world" and stuff, my life could be just as phony.  I heard once from a preacher that living in the real world isn't experiencing all the things the world has to offer, it's the daily taking up your cross, dealing with your sin and doing the Lord's work.  All that to say, I'm so thankful I'm not miserable.  haha.

As for my father, sometimes I just need to take a deep breath.  Weeks like these are like a marathon.  We had a follow up today for his skin cancer (which PRAISE God was all taken out), tomorrow we have a bone marrow biopsy and on Fri. we have an appt. with his hemotologist to see what's going on with his anemia.  I would much rather have all these appts. than have to go to the hospital.  I don't think any of us like going there. 

Looking back on this past year since April, the events couldn't have come at a better time.  Subbing gave me such flexibility with my schedule that I was able to be there and support my parents.  The part of the adoption process we're in (the waiting period) gives me time to focus on things that need to be done for my dad, and I couldn't even imagine having a kid right now.  The Lord has perfect timing. 

Update on Dad

It's been a while since I've updated on my father.  I guess it's been nice to find things are settling just a bit.  Our family is getting in the groove of all the things he needs to do to maintain his present state (lucid and coherent).  Since being discharged almost 2 months, we've gone to see numerous specialists: endocrinologist, hepatologist, hemotologist, dermatologist, dietician, and rheumatologist.  The Lord has created our bodies with such unity and interdependence of organs and functions, that when one goes, the rest follows.  It's amazing.  I get convicted to treat my body better and be thankful I'm okay. 

The most pressing issues lately in terms of my father's health has been all the side effects popping up due to his dysfunctional liver.  His suppressed immune system makes him susceptible to skin cancer and recently a growth on his right hand has turned out to be skin cancer.  They will be surgically removing it on the 7th and cannot determine how deep it has gone until they go in.  The second issue is his severe anemia, most likely due to long term use of drugs and disease.  The hemotologist also found an anti-body that has been eating up his red blood cells from the transfusions, but the good news is, they can now give him the correct blood type. 

As for ministry to him, there have been easier days.  I struggle with patience when he becomes irritable and angry.  So I have to pray for strength and a heavenly perspective.  I'm sure it's hard for him to adjust as well.  Having the whole family all up in your business and losing independence.  My dad is a hardcore social butterfly so losing his ability to drive has been hard. 

So anyways, I thank you guys for praying for us.  I know the Lord heard your prayers, as He is carrying us.  Your prayers are precious and coveted.  Please know that when you tell me you've been praying for him, I get seriously close to tears.  They are so appreciated.  I have been so encouraged by all your emails, cards, phone calls, words.  I thank God for a body of believers who do carry burdens with eachother. 

Please pray for:

1) Skin cancer surgery on the 7th at 7:30 am.  That it hasn't spread too far and that it is containable.

2)  His upcoming evaluation to be on the transplant list.  That the doctors would deem him compliant due to his 3 month record out of the hospital and keeping up with his meds.  Also that his score would be higher than anticipated (sometimes just the right chemistry in his blood will help that).

3)  Most importantly for his salvation, as well as my mother.  I feel the Lord is just breaking them down with the pressure of his condition.  Please pray He breaks them down more so they surrender their lives to Christ.  Boldness and strength for myself to speak His words accurately and in a timely way. 

More You Tube

When my brother comes into town, Ben and I usually spend the time entertained by all the goodies he finds on You Tube.  Helps to keep our conversation away from "why Ben and I should be Democrats".  Here are some of our favorites.  I seriously thought Ben was gonna pass out by some of these Japanese ones. 

WARNING:  you might a see a butt crack or few.  Just be thankful you don't see the other things. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KXviPd0fRA     called 1 vs. 100.  Basically a mass of people chose a victim and do things to them. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyBCKTlSDng&feature=related  if you're into bathroom humor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdf2eLeCLHI  one of my favorites

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhEc3rkO9CQ  watch this guy's reaction...so funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM&feature=related   cute kid

No complaining allowed