March-April 2014 WattsLine Posted

Announcing:

 

 My March-April 2014  WattsLine

is now posted under Newsletters

To subscribe for email delivery of the "WattsLine" via MailChimp, please contact me at kay_watts@wycliffe.org.  

It has been a lengthy tedious process for this electronically challenged ‘old dog’ to learn new technology tricks  for having my “WattsLine” newsletter sent out via ChimpMail rather than from my laptop in order to be a good steward of financial resources (internet billing here now charged according to data transfer rather than just the calendar month).

 I welcome feedback. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement for my journey in educational missions!    

Easter Weekend 2014 in Cameroon

HAPPY EASTER and BLESSINGS from the Isaac family and friends Easter lunch bunch. Thank you Kendall and Renee for your hospitality...and thanks to all for your fellowship and food on Sunday afternoon.

Welcome back Barb Lane to the teaching rotation at our Tropicana neighborhood weekly Bible Club. Thanks for a wonderful Easter story presentation Saturday with your flannelgraph figures and interactive resurrection eggs review. Praise God for how you are "blooming where planted" after losing Bob recently.

I thank God for Ceci Engoro continually opening her heart and home, and interpreting into French the Gospel for neighborhood children. Exciting to see these young people growing in the Lord with their understanding and application of His Word.

I led children in singing the "Wordless Book" Song and reviewed the meaning of each color which summarizes the salvation message. We included a Wordless Book bead bracelet in a treat bag given to each child as they left.

"Wordless Book" Song by Frances M. Johnston

(Black) My heart was dark with sin until the Savior came in.

(Red) His precious blood I know

(White) Has washed it white as snow.

(Gold) And in His Word I'm told I'll walk the streets of gold.

(Green) To grow in Christ each day I read the Bible and pray.

During Preschool Storytime on Good Friday I shared the book The Sparrow's Easter Song by Michelle Adams. This story of Christ's death and resurrection is told by an eyewitness who happens to be a sparrow.  Sparrow calls all his friends together to tell them how Jesus was crucified, was buried, and rose to live again.  

 

Youngsters did an Easter craft of a hill with a cross and Easter lily, accented with stickers of Easter messages such as "He is Risen." It warmed my heart that Riley Tembon (daughter of Efi & Mindy Tembon, who just turned 5) drew an empty tomb and large stone near the bottom of her hill - something not on the craft sample. I prepare a weekly sample of how crafts 'can' look, but encourage preschoolers to make each their own project. Riley's mom was also pleased, said it was Riley's idea and that several other children followed her example. You Go Riley!. 

Mbingo March Visit

 In the email with with my "January -February WattsLine" attachment, I wrote: 

 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

I pray for God’s grace, peace, and power for whatever trials YOU may be facing and I cherish such prayers myself. ..."

The "trials" I was especially thinking of for myself were some questionable medical symptoms and upcoming testing. 

After examination, my British primary care physician prescribed a mammogram and ultrasound. The Yaounde doctor who administered the ultrasound attempted to be reassuring as I watched the screen, saying several times, "There's nothing big."  I found that comment both comforting and disconcerting. My imagination is a blessing for teaching children, but a curse when it comes to medical issues, especially if there is any remote possibility of cancer. The x-ray reports called for further monitoring, and an anti-inflammatory.

I was advised to consult with a doctor at Mbingo Baptist Hospital, 60 years old and the largest of six hospitals run by the Cameroon Baptist Convention. The hospital is staffed by 15 full time specialty trained physicians, 20 resident physicians, and a support staff of 600. Almost one hundred specialist physicians volunteer at the hospital each year, providing additional specialty services.

Mbingo Baptist Hospital 

Mbingo Baptist Hospital - aerial view

 . 

As prior to two surgical breast biopsies in past years and my hysterectomy, I prayed Luke 22:42 regarding cancer potential,  "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but your be done."  I have read, heard of, and experienced many people glorifying God, and leading others to new faith in God via the way they handled illness, injury, or other difficult circumstances. Again, I came to a genuine place of surrender... "not my will, but yours be done"...this time much quicker then in the past. 

On March 20, the first day of spring break, two missionary families and two singles traveled north from Yaounde to get some health issues looked after at Mbingo Baptist Hospital. 

Dr. Brown's conclusion for my situation: "No evidence of significant breast pathology." He did not call for a biopsy of my 9 mm cyst; the calcifications were not in a worrisome pattern. I was aware of the calcifications and have had a benign cyst before. 

I strongly sense God nudging me to let this be a Romans 8:28 thing. My action plan: further research into anti-breast cancer diet / recommended exercise time ...seek to follow diligently to help keep things at "not significant". Such actions will be beneficial in various ways.  I have lost 15 pounds in Cameroon with work (including much of walking / no car) and am pleased to be off regular prescription meds now, but I feel God clearly telling me I can be stronger and healthier for longer service here with still more intentional efforts. 

The two families also had good medical news including the disappearance of a hernia and cancellation of surgery. We declared it a 'holiday' (name for vacation here), relaxed at the guest house facilities up the mountain from the hospital and enjoyed God's beautiful creation. We shared some meals and several evenings of game and snacks...including smores made at the fireplace. I had been wanting to get away from the city (approx. population of 2.5 million) to relax. 

The cute little cottage where Carrie & I stayed overlooked a beautiful valley.

I enjoyed the cottage architecture - all doors and passage ways were arches.

Jann Bradford and I pausing during a 2.5 hour hike with Carrie Edwards up a mountain.

The horses we saw on our hike remind me of my home state, Kentucky.

      

My photos here do not do justice to the majesty and peaceful beauty of this area.

I praise God for the good conclusion from the third doctor (confirming 'nothing big' from second doc) and prayers for me during this season of medical trials and testing. Continued prayer is appreciated as I research and seek diligence in healthy choices to keep the record good. If anyone would like to share information about breast cancer prevention strategies, please email me - kaywatts@inbox.com.