Shoulder Surgery on Frida y 9-28-07!

Dear friends,

The Summit conference with the Partner International staff was an amazing time for me. I got to hear up to the minute reports from all over the 10/40 Window. I met some amazing nationals from China, India and Africa. God is doing amazing things and one theme was redundant. Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering for their faith but remaining strong. Here are a few stories...

In a village in western Nepal, there is a small church. They all share one Bible in their language. They signed up and went to the church around the clock so that every 2 days they would each have some time to read the Bible. Someone visited them who had no Bible and they agreed to give their Bible to that person for 4 months, so they had no Bibles when our area director visited them. He took several modes of transportation and forded a few rivers holding his suitcase over his head to get there. A woman here in the U.S. heard about this need and has already given the money to buy each member of the church a Bible of their own.

In Africa, there was a meeting Partners pulled together of member partner ministry leaders. The Nigerians talked to the Egyptians and compared notes. The Egyptians had the ability to provide much needed aid (doctors, etc.) but were afraid to share their faith for fear of persecution. The Nigerians have no resources for aid, but have incredible boldness in sharing the gospel. They are persecuted regularly (beatings, etc.) for doing this, but know they must. So these leaders are going to do a project together. The Egyptians are going to go to Nigeria and do a health clinic and the Nigerians will teach them how to share their faith.

While at the Summit we had a kick ball tournament both afternoons. Everyone played and great fun was had by all. I managed to trip over my own feet and fell on my right knee, but didn't do any damage to my already bad shoulder. My knee is still healing. My team came in a close second. We also did square dancing which was exciting since for several, English was a second language!

I think I am up to 30 friends in Spokane now. Our Sunday school teacher and his wife invited us over for a meal after church and we really enjoyed that time of fellowship. I found a Bible study at church that feels "just right." We are doing a Beth Moore study.

I met my oncologist last week. I think he will work out fine for me. He ordered an ovarian ultrasound which was done yesterday to see where I am at with last year's cysts. Hopefully they are still gone or getting smaller. I am also doing genetic testing to see if my cancer is in my genes. I hadn't done it before, but he had some convincing reasons, so I am starting that process tomorrow. Friday I am scheduled to have my shoulder repaired. I had my pre-op today and all is fine to go ahead on Friday. I go in at 7:30 and they will operate from about 9:30 to 11:30 ish. I will be wearing a sling for 8 weeks and have lots of physical therapy to do, but compared to this constant pain, at least I have the hope of it getting better.

I have had two people at the office offer to bring meals for us over the weekend which is very kind. I have to get a "ball" instead of a mouse and a special keyboard for my computer if I am going to be allowed to use the computer at all during my recuperation. I need to get things like that done in the next two days before my favored right hand goes down for the count. At least this isn't cancer surgery and will lead to healing after 2 1/2 years of pain. I am grateful!

I have a date to have tea with a friend tomorrow morning. Our P.I. guests who left today were so fun to have in our home. The kids are doing well and so is Greg. We would be grateful for your prayers for Dr. VanderWilde to find and fix everything that is wrong in my shoulder on Friday, and that all heals well- maybe even extra quickly. Blessings to you! Nancy Fritz

I am now a Washingtonian!

Dear friends,

We successfully moved to Spokane, WA. I got here with the kids (minus Laura) on July 31st. The house is wonderful. Three years old, a ranch, nice big kitchen, a big room for Jesse and a full unfinished but framed basement. We have 2 guest rooms up and running and have had 2 sets of overnight company so far. We got our Washington drivers licences and plates, and I know what Fred Meyer is. I got a Spokane cell phone number today: 509-990-8465
We don't have a land line, so that is how to find us. Greg's is 509-990-8479 and Jesse's is 509-990-8448. We just got them changed today.

Our first international Partner International dinner guests were here from the UK on Tuesday and according to them, the elk steak and fresh blackberry pie were "Gorgeous!" We are expecting 3 guests next week after "The Summit." Every 2 years our ministry has a conference where the international area leaders are brought in with all the US staff. I feel so fortunate that we are here in time for that. The Partners family have been very welcoming.

I discovered shortly before we moved that I had a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder. The stress of the move has made the pain worse, but I have found a fantastic shoulder surgeon. He should have it repaired by the end of the month. Then I am sure I will have lots of physical therapy to do. He will also remove a bone spur on the same shoulder while he is in there.

I have found a doctor who does a lot with alternative treatments alongside traditional ones to help me continue to fight my cancer. I will meet my new oncologist next week. We have been to the dentist and I am still looking for an opening with an internist. So the medical stuff is coming together. I am very tired and achy, but that is probably because of the move.

I am getting used to finding things here- everything from things in the grocery store to the library. Jesse started school last week and is running cross country. So far he is enjoying school and is meeting people just fine. Some at school call him "Colorado." Laura just got to Baltimore where she has been placed by AT&T. She is apartment hunting with a friend and starts work soon. Allison and Jenni are at college. Jenni is adjusting well and Allison is in an apartment this year. Greg is enjoying his new job at Partners International and we are settling into a great church on the campus of Whitworth University (used to be College). So thank you for your prayers for our transition. I will write again soon with more details about how I am doing on a more personal level. Blessings to you all! Nancy Fritz