5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Hello her2 family.....

It's been awhile but thought I should pop in to give you a little update and the happenings in my life.

I will celebrate my 5 year cancerversary June 24, 2010. I can hardly believe it's been 5 years but then again, it feels like all that I went through 5 years ago never really happened to me. That sounds odd I know....but it's how I feel. It seems like it happened to somewhen else and not to me. However, all that being said.....the blessings that followed truly happened to me and life has been anything BUT dull.

In 8 days me and 40 others are traveling to Nairobi and Malindi, Kenya to do mission work. We will be visiting an orphanage....doing some light construction and coordinating and having Vacation Bible School for approximately 450 children. Also while their I will get to meet the little girl me and my husband sponsor through Compassion International. Two days before we are to leave to come back to the USA we will be worshiping with 3 groups of different Kenyan people. I was asked to give a devotion/talk on a verse of scripture that had meaning to me. At first I felt incredibly intimidated by that "calling" but then realized that Romans 8:28 needed to get out. It's my verse....it's the verse I repeated (prayed) almost daily during my diagnosis, treatment and learning to live in my "new normal." That verse promises ...." for we know that in all things God works for good for those who love Him and were called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) - 5 years ago I cried out to God and said "Lord if I ever needed you I need you now......Please use me and all I will go through to bring Glory to you" Wow, did He ever....the journey has been anything but dull.....

I will share my story with the Kenyan people.... I will tell them that when we walk with the Lord, even when a situation seems at it worst, God can and does turn it all for good. That's not to say that any given situation we are in goes the way we want it too.....but God can take all situations and make them blessings in our life....Those blessings come when we know that God is God and living for Him is what becomes the most important thing. That's when peace, contentment and true happiness reign in our hearts. It's where my journey led me and I am incredibly thankful.

You guys have always been important to me and always will be. I check in on you often and pray as I read the stories.

Love and God's Peace I pray for you all.....

Mary Jo

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

I was so moved by your post. Thank you for sharing it. And God speed.

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Mary Jo,
Congrats on 5 years, a very important milestone, and what a gift to make this trip to help others....but that what Mary Jo is all about...prayers and love sent with you on this trip to benefit others!

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Dear Mary Jo -

The Power in your life comes powerfully through in your post.

This is a wonderful opportunity you have been spared to accomplish. We need good in this world to counteract the bad, and you really help balance the scales.

Safe and happy travels, my friend.

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

I can relate to all that, too! I was told on April 1, 2010 that I had breast cancer. After scheduling surgery for May 10, and thanking God for being with me, I had a vision on May 1 of a green tee-shirt with these words "Complete Power Healing for 10 days". I woke up and wondered what??? Then I counted and realized it was 10 more days until my surgery. After surgery, Dr. Abraham told me I had no cancer in any nodes and that only less than 1/2" was in the remaining tissue removed by previous lumpectomy. I know that God is using me for his Glory but will have to follow where He leads me to find out more. He also prompted me to read Psalms 116 right before I fell asleep and had his vision for me. God is Holy!

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Mary Jo - Congrats on the 5 year mark. Here's to the next 5 and more! How wonderful that you are going on this mission trip to share your gifts and your faith with others... and as you know you will receive as much or more than you give. Blessings to you on your continuing journey. Pam

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

I'm so glad to share your happy news Mary Jo, many congratualtions!!!!

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Congratulations and Gods speed on your trip.
Take care and be safe.
patb

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Mary Jo,

Wonderful to hear from you and learn of God's plan working in your life. You will be an inspiration to those who her your story, just as you have been an inspiration to us.

Much love,

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Mary Jo, A BIG CONGRATS on hitting the 5 year mark.

Your Mission work sound's like it will be very rewarding.

Sending Love and Prayers for a safe trip.

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Mary Jo,
Congratulations on your big 5 coming up!
Wow - your trip sounds exciting and so very special.

Hugs,
jean

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Congratulations, Marejo! As already stated, you are such an inspiring presence here. Good luck on your journey!

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Mary Jo ~
Thank you for sharing your plans and yipee on 5 years!!!
Have safe travels and please let us know how it all went!
Hugs ~ Ruth

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Hi MJ.
welcome to the 5 yr club.
I loved your story and what you are doing. I am a true beleiver and feel strongly that God pulled me through this as well.
You are surely doing God's work.
God bless you.

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Congrats on reaching the 5 year mark, Mary Jo!!
Have a wonderful time in Kenya, it sounds like it will be a very rewarding and emotional experience.

all the best
caya

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Mary Jo,

Congratulations on five years. You have always offered me HOPE throughout this journey. It is truly amazing how other's words can affect us.

I will be thinking about you during your mission trip. God Bless You.

Amelia

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

MaryJo,....congratulations on your 5 yr mark!! Have a great time on your trip!!

Re: 5 years and the journey has been anything but dull
 

Mary Jo,

You are truly blessed. Enjoy your trip to Africa...such an important mission.
Thank you for sharing.