Symanzik Family Update

Ben's class has been reading the book "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and studying about life on the prairie in the 1800's.

One of their class projects was to make a log or stone cabin. Ben had a lot of fun doing this project. He even included an outhouse and a ladder on the roof like they used to put on in case of a chimney fire - it was easier to climb the roof with a ladder on it to put out the fire!

Ben with his stone house, garden and farm animals.

Sarah, Plain and Tall is a tale set in the late 19th century. It is about a widowed midwestern farmer with two children, Anna and Caleb. The farmer advertises for a wife. When Sarah arrives she is homesick for Maine, especially for the ocean which she misses greatly. The children fear that she will not stay, and when she goes off to town alone, young Caleb, whose mother died during childbirth, is stricken with the fear that she has gone for good. But she returns with colored pencils to illustrate for them the beauty of Maine, and to explain that, though she misses her home, "the truth of it is I would miss you more." The tale gently explores themes of abandonment, loss and love.

Kansas prairie

Main seashore

Ben participated in the elementary school music program last night.

It was a good program.

For the past month or so I've been really meditating on and daily praying this prayer; Teach me to treat all that comes my way with peace of soul and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all are sent by You.

Last week, I had a routine electrocardiogram that came back with the results "abnormal ECG; myocardial infarction".
Needless to say, when I read that I was a bit taken aback!
Since then I have had some blood work and a stress/echocardiogram done.
Today I saw a wonderful cardiologist who went over all the results and the bottom line is that I have not had a heart attack! He recommends a repeat echo in 6 months as there is some fluid around my heart that shouldn't be there (or I could be in the less than 5% of women who have more fluid than what is considered 'normal' and it is 'normal for me!)

I am having one more test to rule out a possible infection.
I am thankful for the good news that I did not have a heart attack!
I am thankful to know that I am resting secure in HIS loving arms; that His will governs all.

As Isaiah wrote in chapter 43
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
3For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
...you are precious in my eyes,...

And a favourite hymn of mine says this:

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

Thanking God for His peace in uncertain times and for His unending mercy and love!

I have to tell you, the USA place high,high value on patient privacy rights. But here, not so.
I was in the doctor's office the other day sitting across the room from the receptionist. She says, "Ma'am Beth, how old are you?" I told her my age. Then she asked me my weight. Not wanting to broadcast that to the entire waiting room, I got up and sat in the chair next to her and answered her remaining questions. I'm sure everyone could still hear, but it made me feel better to not be talking across the room at her.
Afterwords, I was thinking to myself, "my,how I've changed." Four years ago I was appalled when this first happened. But now I know it is just part of life here!
(I was also pleased I could answer her height and weight questions in centimeters and kilos! That is the standard of measurement here!)

On Monday I will turn 51.
Mikayla planned a birthday party for me today.

James and I ready to go to the party!

Many of my friends holding up the Birthday Girl!

"Aunt Judy" and I. Judy helped Mikayla in planning
this party for me.

It is very special to me that my daughter took it upon herself to plan a party for me. She asked her "Aunt Judy", a wonderful friend here, to help her with the preparations. Mikayla baked lemon bars, brownies, and cookies for the party. Judy made cake and cookies, too. There was a veggie tray and punch.
It was fun to talk with friends and have some good laughs. I thank God for the blessings of friends and family. It has been a special afternoon for me.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.