WonderVan build and pickle juice

Since returning from Scotland, it seems our lives here in Ohio are full on in “building the WonderVan” mode. That means a typical day starts with John and me reading Scripture in the mornings followed by a cup of tea and breakfast. I’ll pack food for the day and we head to John’s rather sparsely equipped shop (since selling most of his equipment for his retirement, the shop has had a radical shift in appearance!) and we do whatever is next. The last couple of weeks we installed all the insulation and have started on the sub wall installation.

Thankfully John’s incredible skills as a curved stair builder is paying off because the interior of the van walls are not straight, but actually curved. He knows all the tricks and I stand in awe of the gift he has. 

Also this week I got to start choosing the wood pieces for what will be our flooring. That was super enjoyable as it’s like creating a piece of art! We won’t install that for a while yet but I got to select and arrange them at least. 

On a much sadder note, this week we went to a funeral of a 36 year old woman/mother/wife of dear friends of ours. Lauren was diagnosed with cancer about a year after I was initially diagnosed in 2016! This week she went home to be with Jesus. While everyone is so grateful she had such a positive outlook on life, and was a follower of Jesus, it about broke my heart to see my friend at her daughter’s funeral. That’s not how we ever want to experience life. No parents should have to bury their child! Yet it happens and it’s deeply heart breaking to watch that level of grief for one’s child. There’s a part of me that’s so thankful I read that book called Imagine Heaven by John Burke because it really has given me a stronger eternal perspective again that’s refreshing and necessary to remind myself of what’s coming! Maybe not this week or next but none of us know the time. I just want to be prepared! Having Jesus is my only hope in that reality. 

Lately I’ve been listening to a pastor who does videos where he fields questions on college campuses from students. They are a lesson in how to stand firmly on apologetics. The guys name is Cliff.  https://www.facebook.com/askcliffe?mibextid=LQQJ4d 

As for how I’m feeling, mostly amazingly great!! The skin on the back of my neck is incredibly itchy from the medication I get for my infusion. This round it seems to be more intense than usual, but it’s tolerable. Also, I find myself having to regularly take Imodium a few times a week, unfortunately. The biggest downside to all of that is with the side effect of my electrolytes being off and I continue to have Charlie horses that can jolt me out of a deep sleep. I think I’m going to go downstairs right now and chug some dill pickle juice in hopes that I won’t wake up with spasms tonight.

Mostly they’re in my legs and often, if it’s bad, they will be in my muscles around my left ribs as well. I have that sinking feeling it’s going to be a night of Charlie horses!! 

As for some follow up on my Gratitude Bell…The company is making the first 15 and we wanted to buy the first several. They were being shipped this week so I’m hoping they’ll arrive by Monday!! Once they’re available on the website I’ll promote it fully so everyone can get one!! 🔔 🔔 🔔!