Happy fall, everybody!
We’re sitting in a doctor’s office waiting for Scott’s bi-annual, bladder cancer check. By the way, it turned out clean. Thank you for your prayers. It seems we’ve been spending lots of time in hospitals lately. I guess that means we’ve passed the 50 mark (not “just” passed, but looong passed it) and the appointments mirror that fact. In May, as most of you know, I returned from Venezuela early to begin radiation. Thankfully, they were able to double my dose and I was finished in half the time, three weeks rather than seven, with few side effects. I’m now on hormonal therapy, taking a pill a day, for the next 5 years, again with few side effects. I’m so thankful that what began as, “Positive?”, “Did you say malignant?”, “What did you mean carcinoma and subsequent treatment?” turned out to be Stage 0, contained and non-aggressive. I praise God almost everyday that I didn’t have to hear “Stage 4”, “chemo”, “little we can do”, as four dear Christian saints have heard and have had to bear up under. What a blessing they’ve been to us as they, in their suffering, have been a light to the world, a city on a hill that can’t be hidden, they shine so others can see their faith and know the God who is their rock.
In between doctor visits, we’ve been enjoying Tigers’ games (…well, sadly, not any more), college football (watching is so much funner-yes we teach English- than reading them on Gamecast). We’ve eaten strawberries, blueberries and all the other fresh fruits, corn on the cob, ice cream… in cream puffs (thanks, Mom)…with Sander’s hot fudge over the top. Speaking of “over the top” that would be our weight. Of course, I have my hormonal therapy to blame for that. Scott, on the other hand . . . hey, I’m just sayin’ . . .
Well, for those of you, who have not yet heard, it looks as if we might, possibly, maybe be on our way to Madrid. Why so hesitant? We just haven’t seen the writing in the sky nor had that burning bush experience from the Lord saying in that deep, James Earl Jones voice, “Go to Madrid!” But we have researched the great need there, sought the Lord out in Bible study, prayer and fasting and believe He is working in hearts there. Now, we have committed to go and join that work. The target area is just within the city limits of Madrid, which makes it a bit more expensive (uh-oh, I may start talking about raising additional support; you might want to stop reading right now!!!). It is also within walking distance of the subway, which makes it more accessible. Just eight years ago this area was a pasture where sheep grazed. It is now a thriving, urban neighborhood where apartment buildings have grown up and are housing more than 140,000 people, mostly young families. There are two Argentine families, who arrived a couple of years ago and are trying to start a church in Las Tablas. Presently, some 20-30 people meet on Friday evenings to study the Bible. Wow, in Spain, that is like . . . miraculous!!! Samuel and Viviana and Oscar and Cristina are very excited to have us come alongside them, since they work full-time and are unavailable to dedicate 24/7 to the ministry. From our limited time getting to know them, they seem to be sincere, humble, charismatic people who love the Lord and have a heart for the people of Spain. Also going along with us are Pete and Sharon McMillan, former missionaries to Venezuela. Some of you may remember a Woodside Project Build team going to Venezuela in 1996. That team built several cabins at the camp the McMillans started. Along with Pete and Sharon there is another couple from their church in Venezuela. We are excited about how God has put this international team together when we are talking about starting a multi cultural church.
We’re preparing to leave the U.S. toward the end of January. Upon arrival in Madrid, we’ll need to buy a car, find an apartment and furnish it (we’ll be taking very little with us), and because of language and cultural differences we may spend a year, more or less, orienting ourselves to “sounding and becoming more like Spaniards.” I’m thinking that means a lot of watching, listening and learning. During that time, we’ll be assisting Samuel and Oscar and their families in whatever way we can.
From what we have observed, European culture is much more reserved than what we are used to as Americans and from what we were exposed to in Venezuela. We need to learn to be cordial without being overly friendly, respectful of their time and space, sensitive to the Holy Spirit concerning with whom we share Christ and worst of all (for me, especially ), we need to learn to listen and let them take the lead in initiating the conversation. 
We’d like to ask for your prayers for the following:
Zachary will be taking the GMATS this Tuesday. He’s thinking about continuing his education and going back for his MBA. Please pray that God would bring to mind all that he’s learned and studied, that he would have God’s peace and not be nervous and that, if this is God’s will for Zach, that God would lead him to the perfect university setting. Addison – please pray that she would know God’s direction for her life and have the faith, fortitude and focus to follow it through. Financial Support will increase due to higher costs in Europe. Please pray that God would provide it. Let us know if you or your church would be willing to join with us in reaching Madrid for Christ. Wisdom in using our remaining time here in the States. Our future co-workers, Pete and Sharon McMillan. Sharon has recently discovered she has breast cancer. The surgery went well. She will most likely continue with radiation and hormonal therapy. Please pray for her complete recovery. Thank you so much for your prayers, for your faithful support, for your calls, cards and emails and for the encouragement we receive from you loving and caring for us. Love, Scott and Lorna
