Adoration train & the last few weeks in pictures

"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances." (1 Thess 5:16-18)

Family and Friends,

Our close friend Micaela Darr had the idea to organize what you might call a prayer train involving the Catholic mode of worship called Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  For my non-Catholic friends the particulars likely seem foreign, but you're certainly and enthusiastically invited to take part, too.  People have signed up for a daily hour of Adoration on my behalf from now to September.  This is truly a remarkable gift, and I am touched by the outpouring of help.  If Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament isn't for you, there's nothing that says you can't pray for Kendra, the kids, and me outside of the formal sign-up.  We'll take anything you've got.  If you've never done Adoration before and want to, send me or Micaela a note and we would be eager to explain what's involved.  If you're interested to know why we do it, let us know that, too.  Anyway, the link to Micaela's post about this is here: http://californiatokorea.com/catholicism/meal-train-different.  Thanks, Micaela!

I have a few photos to share that tell a little bit of the story of the last few weeks.

1) This is entitled "Barium (Berry-Yum? Sorry.) Smoothie"

When you have a PET scan, you have to drink barium.  It comes in "smoothie" form.  I have had many of these over the years and usually go with "berry" flavor.  All the flavors are...good opportunities for mortification.  I will spare you further descriptions and comparisons.  I offered this one up as a prayer that you will never have to drink one.  You're welcome.

2) Slides - don't look like much.  Go figure.

3) Family Photo on Pentecost

4) Anointing - I received the Catholic sacrament of Anointing of the Sick on Sunday at a moving family ceremony after Mass.

5) Lulu was sitting on the couch with me and said, "(sigh) You're so cuddly." It was the best thing to happen to me in days, but I was thinking, "Don't you mean 'bony?'"  This is why four year-olds are the best.  Their love is so unconditional that they'll compliment you in ways that are completely at odds with reality.  They think Berry-Yum jokes are hilarious even though they have no idea why.  They'll say you look handsome when you've been digging in the yard or that you cook the best breakfasts when you give them instant oatmeal.  There's a lesson in there somewhere.

6)  I've been going to Catholic Mass every morning for about 13 years now, and I can't imagine starting my day any other way.  Some of the kids have started asking if they can come with me sometimes.  Mary Jane came with my this morning.  She wanted to know where the altar servers were, so she asked "Why is there no church kids?"  If you don't know what servers are, think of the altar boys in movies.  Often they don't have servers at weekday Masses, but Mary Jane has become accustomed to a certain level of...service...around here.

Biopsy and ECG tomorrow, and the date of the first infusion was moved to 6/6.  I'll have to celebrate my commissioning anniversary some other way, I guess.  6/6 is the anniversary of my college graduation.  Wow, have I lived a lot of life in those 22 years.  I could not have imagined the way this adventure would have played out.  I mean, what 22 year-old could predict that he'd arrive at a day when he needs to keep 6 gallons of milk on hand?

With fortitude and prayers for you,

Jim