March 7th - Update

Dear everyone:

Mark has now completed two weeks of his radiation treatments. Only 3 weeks more to go. He was assigned 6am in the morning to get his treatments everyday...and believe me, it comes quickly. He gets up at 4:45am and begins to drink 40 ounces of water, then leaves the house at 5:25am to make his 6am appointment.

He's home most mornings by 6:45am -- then off to work. He has been tired through this and some of his medicines were making him feel awful, but they have adjusted them and he is back to normal...well, as much as a person can be anyway!

I got my own kayak a couple of weeks ago but haven't been able to get out on the water until today. It was beautiful here and the water was really nice so we went out on the intercoastal. We have met so many people in the area on the water so launching out is like going around and visiting everyone. Some members of our church live on the water and their houses are on the path out to the cove -- we just yell at them as we pass to see if they are home. There are people on the water that have oranges, grapefruit, etc....and they are always willing to share with us. Just today, we have a place to go and get grapefruit (thanks to Larry and Jan). There are just so many things to love about Florida and our life here. If you have visited us, you understand what I am saying.....and of course, you are invited to come and see us anytime. I caught a fish today and we ate it for supper....nothing like fresh fish!

The kids will be coming to visit (Ryan, Megan, Kennedy and Farrell) the last of March. Amy and Neal may get to come Easter. The Keatts are coming to stay with us in August as we will all be attending the wedding of Apryl Brinkley and Cody Rapp. We are excited about this event. We miss Cody being around Jacksonville, but he had to move on to his assignment in Washington state.

Things at church are really moving forward. It is very exciting being a part of the ministry at East Pointe. We love our church and the excitement they have for discipleship and ministry. We are quickly advancing the goals of our vision and it keeps us moving. The team we serve beside are the best and we have enjoyed serving with them.

As always, thanks for your prayers and especially those for Mark as he finishes up his treatments. It has been amazing how well he is doing and though there have been some rough spots, we are truly thankful for the strength he has had to endure it all. We know it is God enabling us and carrying him careful and gently through it all...but again, thanks for your prayers on our behalf...we know we couldn't make it without you beside us.

Let us hear from you...we love it when you write, call, text or email.

Love and miss you all,

Cathy and Mark