White Sox Field

Loved Ones,

Ray had a very good day today. Some good friends arranged a tour of the White Sox Field. The picture is attached below. Ray had a great time.

It is always so amazing when Ray's energy returns. It's like a different world.

Today I got an email from Au Bon Pain. I had written them, trying to find the recipe for their pumpkin soup that we eat when we're at chemo. They're sending 4 eight pound bags!! Like I said, a good day!

We continue to focus our prayers on Round 11 and Ray's healing.

Thank you for your prayers, your compassion and your constant encouragement.

The girls and I saw a beautiful rainbow today and it reminded us of Noah.

"To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:9-11

not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray

Prayers

Loved Ones,

Ray had a better day. It was great that he had more energy! We've noticed that on the two week cycles it is really until Wednesday or Thursday of the second week before he feels back to normal. So it's great that we have some three week cycles now. That gives us a lot more time together with Ray feeling good.

As I mentioned last night, our prayers are very focused on this next round as it will be followed by Ray's next scan on November 24. We'll get those results the Monday after Thanksgiving. Perfect timing for more answered prayer!

Ray is really working hard to eat but he is still low. So we are praying for that too.

We are so glad for this partnership in prayer with you.

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19-20

not alone and not afraid --

kristin and ray

PS Do not worry about this late hour for the email. I've been asleep since 7 when we put the kids down and woke up to turn off the lights, etc.

Happy Election Day

Loved Ones,

We had a fun morning voting together both at our real polling place and in our home election of the Disney princesses for playgroup. Not sure who liked it more, the girls or their mother!Cinderella was our winner!

Ray was up early with us but felt pretty tired later in the morning and this evening. We hope tomorrow is a better day.

As always, we are so grateful for your prayers. We know the 11th round is coming Monday and we are praying for miraculous impact as it will be followed by Ray's next scan on November 24th.

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7

not alone and not afraid --

kristin and ray

Continued Improvement

Loved Ones,

Ray continues to improve each day. Tiredness is his main complaint now, which is generally relieved by a nap!

Someone asked us today how we feel God's presence. By continued answers to prayer each time we are in need. For strength, for lifting of anxiety, for time to reflect together; because our needs are met each day.

It is not a "supernatural" feeling, but rather the trust that what we need each day, each week, each month, will be there. Whether we know what that is or not!

Our blessings in friends and family overflowed today.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4

not alone and not afraid --

kristin and ray

A Better Day

Loved Ones,

Today was a much better day for Ray. He is still tired, especially in the morning, but he didn't feel as sick and he was able to eat. More importantly, to go to church!

My favorite thing was watching him play tag with the girls in our church gym. Not a lot of running, but a lot of fun.

Another special friend is here visiting. A joyful treat!

We are so grateful for your prayers. It is such a relief when the weight of chemo lifts.

"Find rest, o my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him." Psalm 62:5

not alone and not afraid --

kristin and ray

Visitors

Loved Ones,

Our day was brighter because of our visitors today. One of the joys of politics is that our DC friends come and visit to help in elections. We had special visitors today and look forward to more tomorrow.

Our friends always lift our spirits and we always have fun talking politics with people in the know!

It was a better day for Ray. He continues to wrestle with the chemo but he ate more tonight than he's eaten in the last few days! Which is great as his weight is at an all time low.

We pray constantly for healing, for hope, for freedom from anxiety and for peace and strength in our days.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
2 Corinthians 4:7-10

not alone and not afraid --

kristin and ray

Happy Halloween

Loved Ones,

Happy Halloween! The girls had a great day today at school parties and trick or treating. We set a family record for the number of houses visited. Mom is tired!

Ray has had a hard week. He's been so tired and sick this time and it continues even to this evening. Besides the fatigue, some of the other chemo side effects are bothering him with numbness in his fingers and toes.

We were so glad that he was able to go trick or treating to a few houses with us. But it is just not the same when he feels so badly.

We are so grateful for your prayers and we pray tonight for continued healing for Ray, from cancer and from chemo!

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:10-12

not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray