Working Things Together For Good

"Come on ring the bell"............and I did.  Monday before noon I rang the bell at Jacobson Building, Mayo Clinic, in Rochester MN to signify I was done with radiation.  An emotional moment for us, to say the least.  We packed up our things, filling the car!  We had our last lunch in our assigned communal kitchen, and then we headed out of town having said our good-byes to new friends earlier in the day, last Friday, and even before then when other friends rang the bell finishing the radiation part of their journey and went home before us.

Today we decided to verbally list the things we were thankful for during the past 5 weeks.  Mostly it centered around Mayo staff and the proton teams and Hope Lodge and the friends we made there.   We could throw in their the fact that 3 different times certain family members were at Mayo for various reasons and we could touch base with them.  Yes, many blessings came to light as we shared together, giving God praise.  

God brought us together with great people, with others who were on similar journeys and we could share how we felt and what we were experiencing.  It was helpful for me to know "I was not the only one".   God brought us together with great doctors and staff. He brought us together with several groups of Mennonites who came to share their music and meals with Hope Lodge.  There are also younger Mennonites who come from around the country to serve as volunteers at places like Hope Lodge and Mayo Clinic.  We were told by one young woman we got to know that they do not believe in war so they serve their country through volunteer work at places like Hope Lodge. And we all benefited from their service to their country.   We met people who have outlived their "expiration date" and enjoy each day they open their eyes to.  God took a difficult time in our lives, and blessed it ~ working it out for good as only He can do.

Now we are "adjusting" to being home again.  I remember it took us awhile to adjust to dining and interacting with so many new people and routines, and it is taking us awhile to adjust to our quiet house and lack of communal type living!  We keep asking God what we can take away and apply to our lives from this experience. We know He never wastes an opportunity to bless and teach us.  He works all things out together for good....that which is meant for harm.  We are also asking Him the question, "What now, God?"  

As we both snuggle under quilts, Joel with the starting of a funky virus, and me spending too much time in the bathroom, as we tune in to easy listening music, get ready to eat Homemade Chicken Veggie Soup, and Joel sips our go-to tea when head and chest colds try to settle ~ (ginger root, garlic cloves, cayenne pepper, fresh lemon, and honey to sweeten) we are reflecting and giving thanks for God blessing us so much the past 5 weeks at Mayo/Hope Lodge.  And for keeping us healthy the whole time we were there!   How is He blessing you on your journey?  I would love to know!