I am in a good place in many
ways. I had always wondered if I would go back to the United States
for medical treatment if something like this happened to me. But
when it did happen, there was no question that we would stay here.
This is our home, and we are surrounded with people we love and
who love us and are committed to us. From the people at Trinity
Theological College, to our church, to the ladies in the Bible
study I am involved in, we have been overwhelmed by the love that
has been expressed to us. The Bible study ladies have arranged
meals for our family as I go through chemotherapy; they drive
me to my medical appointments and take me shopping. They pick
up my kids from school and entertain Emma. They shower me with
gifts and cards. They and our friends from the college and church
have been a tangible expression of the fact that God truly is
with us.
We have been blessed by the prayers and encouragement of our
family and friends from America and around the world as well.
Whether it is cards, books, emails, or the phone calls that come
at just the right time (like the day all of my hair fell out at
once), your expressions of love and care for us give us grace
and strength. We could never thank you enough.
Thankfully, even when dealing with cancer, life goes on. Tom
has completed another semester at TTC. He’ll be participating
in two conferences this December. He will present a response paper
on “Mission as Transformation in 21st Century Asia,”
and will attend a conference on Islam in Kuala Lumpur. He has
begun work on a second dealing with the impact of the growth of
global Christianity on theology and ethics and has been active
in the National Council of Churches that have been addressing
a host of critical issues from cloning to stem cell research and
everything in between. He continues to play tennis, and he coached
the TTC basketball team to its first victory over Singapore Bible
College in over seven years.
The children seem to being doing well. From the very beginning
we have been open and honest with them about what is going on.
We talk with them about everything that goes on at my medical
appointments and keep them involved. We’ve cut back on a
few of our activities, but they’ve still kept active in
soccer, music, and some after school activities. My oncologist
let me schedule my chemotherapy around the children’s activities,
and so far, I haven’t had to miss much. We have a full calendar
for the Christmas season with Paul’s school’s Christmas
program, Emma’s band performance (she switched to clarinet
this year), Joseph’s orchestra, Yule fest, and winter dance
jazz performances (playing double bass).
I was able to complete teaching the English enrichment course
at the TCC, something that was very important to me. I didn’t
have to miss a single class. My students were such an encouragement
as they cried with me as I told them of my illness and prayed
for me after each class. And because of the great amount of support
I’ve received, I’ve been able to continue leading
the ladies Bible study. Two other women take turns with me doing
the extended teaching times, which has been a great help. We’ve
grown to 50 women meeting in one home and are so excited that
this year many more local women have joined what has been mostly
an expatriate group. Our meetings are the highlight of my week.
Although we might not have chosen to walk down this path, I look
back on these past months as a time filled with God’s grace,
a grace that has been expressed to us through his people and especially
through his presence. He truly is Immanuel, God with us.
We wish you a joyful Christmas as you celebrate the coming of
our God who is pleased to dwell with us.
With love,
Judy, for all the Harveys
Tom, Joseph Paul and Emma
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