mom's the word

this is my mother -- yvonne patricia dow. beautiful isn't she? blue eyes, a soft heart, a devoted wife and passionate believer in Christ, who four years ago was struck with brain cancer.

there have been valleys and mountains... our faith has definitely been shaken and solidified. but God has been faithful. this past week, God has been pushing on my heart, to return home early and take care of her.

my father is a hard-working pastor and caretaker of my mother. this past month has been especially taxing, as she's lost the ability to speak, read or even dress herself. not every month is like this. in fact, tonight i had a conversation with her and it was delightful. we pray healing continues... but i cannot bear to watch my father 'bear' it alone any longer. this past week my spirit has been so heavy; i have battled insomnia and cried many tears.

it's a matter of choosing between husband and mother right now. i talked with my boss today, and she assured me that if i left at the beginning of May, i would not be breaching my contract. trent meanwhile would stay on here until august 19. our plan is to 'rendevous' at the end of july during his week-long holiday, somewhere in between korea and canada.

my father has agreed that i should come home. somewhere in the bible it says that if we do not take care of our family first, we 'repudiate' our faith. that is, we have no faith if we don't prioritize and put family first. the koreans are in full agreement with this concept, as demonstrated by the lack of homeless and the absence of nursing homes. familes take care of each other.

so, from may until august, i will be living with my parents in ontario and caring for my mother. i also plan to continue painting during that time (as my exhibit will be moving to Victoria, BC at the end of April) and freelancing.

please pray for us, for strength and vision, for determination and grace. and if you know of anyone wanting to teach english at the best ESL school in korea, give me a shout!

love em.