Sunday, January 19, 2014

Back To Normal Life and My Health

Sorry for the long absence from the blog.  Roberto, Melina and i had a wonderful time in the states with our family and friends.  Roberto survived a real winter and enjoyed his first American Christmas, very different than Christmas in Mozambique.  Thank you to each of you who made time for us.  Our time in the States each year is such a refreshing break.

Some of you may have read my post after Melina's birth, C-Section...A Blessing in Disguise, and know that I underwent a lot of testing while I was in the States to find out what is going on with a mass the doctor found on one of my ovaries.  I am happy to report that it is not cancer!  It's a dermoid cyst and unfortunately, it is considered pre-cancerous and will have to be surgically removed.  This surged will involve removing one of my ovaries as its impossible to remove the cyst alone.  The doctor says its not a huge rush and can be done in the next year or 2.  Also, the doctor recommends that, if we are done having children, removing my tubes as well as a precaution against cervical cancer.  So Roberto and I have a lot to process and pray about as we make decisions about whether or not to have more children and how long to wait before having the surgery.

Thankfully, I am not burdened by this news.  I know that God is in control of my health and our family and that He will reveal His perfect plans to us in His timing.  I am thankful for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

We are back in Maputo now and back to normal life.  Roberto is waking up at 4:20 am every day to open Armadura, the income-generating gym for Masana.  And as of tomorrow, I am back to Masana full time.  Though I'm not excited the boys are still on the streets, I am excited to see each of them again and the opportunity we have to help them reach the place that they are ready to return to their families.

 Melina and her Granny

 Melina and her cousin, Josh

 the family with our Christmas stockings my mom made us

 Nap time with Paw-Paw

 Melina and Uncle Shane

Melina with her great-grandparents