April 2nd, 2008
Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.
Billy Graham
Dear friends,
People are beginning to write us and ask if we’re still alive. I guess that’s a pretty good clue, that it’s time to send out another update. And yes, we are indeed alive; and not just alive, but experiencing a depth of joy in the midst of trials that we are so thankful to God for! So much has happened in the 5 weeks, since we last wrote, that I hardly know where to begin. Last we wrote was Feb. 28 and we had just received the results of my CT scan and begun our vacation in Hawaii. Here’s a recap of what’s been happening since:
Dream vacation in paradise
It was an amazing two weeks. The best vacation we’ve ever had as a family! We went to the beach (almost every day) and swam among tropical fish and giant turtles (I have the underwater video clip to prove it). We hiked to a secret hidden water-fall, deep in the jungle, only known to a few locals. We went to an amazing Hawaiian Luau, where “Island Breeze” performed traditional dances from the Pacific islands. We also showed the girls where we were married 20 years ago, and where Shanie used to work, live and go to school. It’s impossible to describe what this vacation meant to us as a family, and we’re so thankful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality (bless you Ian Campbell for the initiative, the Nicholsons for housing in Kona, the Tolmans for providing a vehicle and Erika Kauffman for setting us up in Honolulu.)
How are we doing?
To be perfectly honest, I was initially a tad disappointed when we got the scan results on February 26, as we had hoped to see more progress. However, it didn’t take long before we were thanking God for the amazing fact, that the tumors had stopped growing (since they usually grow rapidly at stage 4), and had in fact shrunk a bit. We don’t doubt that we will beat this cancer, but we’re realizing that it might be a longer battle than we initially expected. Unless God does a supernatural healing, it may take a few years to cure the cancer naturally. Our prayer is that “God’s will be done”; that I will be healed in His way in His time! I have good days and bad days. Physically I’m doing pretty good, except for the constant itch all over my body, which still keep me up most nights. The biggest battle, at least the past couple weeks, have been emotionally. I have times where I hate the fact that I got cancer and feel I have so many questions and so few answers; but at other times (thankfully most times) I am full of faith and trust in God, thanking Him for all He is doing in and through this situation, to the point of considering it “pure joy” for the trials we’re now going through. He’s taught us so much already, that we probably wouldn’t have learned otherwise, and I know He will teach us so much more, before it’s over. I think it’s all in our response to what happens to us. By our attitude and faith we can often decide if something (even bad things) will have a positive or negative affect on our lives and on those around us. Consider this statement, from a book I read recently: “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% our response to what happens to us”.
The treatment
After being in Hawaii and not getting IV treatment, I started again last week, and will go to Phoenix Wednesday and Thursday this week for more. We’re now doubling the vitamin C level from 5,000 mg to 10,000 mg (2-3 times weekly.) The intense detoxification program ended when we left for Hawaii, but a large part of the treatment is continuing and I’m on a very strict diet (no meats including no fish & poultry, no sugar or carbs, no caffeine, no flower, etc.) It’s close to a vegan diet. I will need to maintain this until 12 months after I’m cancer free. We’re continually adding new elements to my treatment, as well as changing & increasing my existing protocols, as we learn more about what works. My doctor is constantly seeking God for wisdom and often hears from Him regarding what to do and which direction to go.
The comings and goings of the Hinge family
Shanie is in Washington presently, as her dad (Lt. Governor of Washington) is being knighted by the Spanish ambassador (on behalf of the king of Spain.) It’s a very special thing, and we thought it would be good for Shanie to be there for the ceremony. She also really could use a break (taking care of me has been pretty intense) so I insisted she went.
Elizabeth left for England last Friday and is not planning to return home anytime soon (or ever.) She and Matt (her boyfriend) are spending the spring working on various projects with YWAM and they have all kinds of plans, including helping to run a children’s program at the large British festival “Spring Harvest” attended by more than 55,000 Christians. Elizabeth will also join us in Romania, Poland and Slovakia in May.
Amanda, CammiAnn and I are holding down the fort at home. Right now they are at the pool with their cousins. Yes, it’s hot here already. We had to start using the AC in our house several weeks ago. We are definitely going to miss the warm dry climate and ever blue skies, the day we move back to Europe (which by the way may happen later this year… but more about that in a future update.)
Europe, here we come!
We’ve made plans to be in Europe for 7 weeks this spring. We are so excited about going, to see my family and to be involved in hands-on ministry again. Yes, we’re taking precautions and are making sure the schedule isn’t too intense. And should it become too much for me (considering my health & treatment) I will be able to take it easy and pull back and rest while Shanie carries on with our program. Also, in contrast to most trips, we will be flying almost everywhere this time, as opposed to driving or taking the train. I will also be getting treatment while in Denmark and as we mentioned last time, my doctor from Phoenix will be joining us for our 11 days in Romania… giving me IVs during the seminar breaks J
- Harpenden, England, KKI ILT meetings, April 16 – 25.
- Denmark, visiting family, April 26 – May 7.
- Budapest, Hungary, visiting friends, May 7 – 9.
- Targu Mures, Romania, Human Development seminar for government (foster parents), May 9 – 20.
- Katowice, Poland, KKI seminar for children & youth workers, May 20 – 25.
- Bratislava, Slovakia, YWAM Central Europe staff conference, May 26 – June 2.
Black Widow
The long feared intrusion finally happened today. In our living room, sitting comfortably on a picture frame, was a “cute” little Black Widow. We’ve seen them outside, but never in our home… before now. As this spider is the most venomous spider in North America (with venom 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake's) I was happy that I had our “black widow spray” close at hand.
Thank you!
- Thank you all for your prayers. They are greatly appreciated and needed. Please keep praying!
- Thanks for your words of encouragement. They have strengthened us profoundly.
- Thanks to all those who have helped with our medical expenses. We couldn’t have made it without your generosity!
Please do continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. It means so much to us to know that you are standing with us and we are strengthened by your prayers! This past month of March has been quite hard, after coming back from a wonderful vacation, to the reality of our situation and all that it entails. And sending Elizabeth off to start her life on her own, we have had quite a few emotional ups and downs. But we are so aware of the presence of God in our midst and we are so thankful for the love, encouragement and prayers that you send our way. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family supporting us in this time.
Prayer points:
- For Elizabeth and Matt in England. For wisdom in their relationship and guidance regarding the future.
- For safety, strength and blessing as we spend 7 weeks in Europe this spring (see above itinerary.)
- That we will be teachable as we go through this trial and not miss what God want to do in (and through) our lives.
- For my (Peter’s) healing, and that I will know the grace and mercy of God each day.
- For Shanie; that she will have the strength to carry on with all the responsibility she is taking and that she will always find that strength in God.
We pray for you, that God will bless you, your family, your work, your present & your future; and that you may bring much joy to Him in all you do. We also pray that you will know His love and goodness in a new, real way. He is such a good Father and is the giver of good gifts to His children. Nothing bad comes from Him. The cancer (or whatever difficulty you’re faced with) does not come from God, because He doesn’t have it to give! The Bible says “in all things give thanks.” It doesn’t say “for all things give thanks.”
Blessings,
Peter, Shanie, Elizabeth, Amanda and CammiAnn
Donations:
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