Update Tuesday 08/02/11

This past Sunday Liam was back at MacKids for his yearly MRI, which is a part of his follow up protocol after his surgeries in 2008.  He now goes back once a year for the MRI, followed by a visit to the neuro-oncology clinic.  Because Liam has become an old pro at the MRI, and does not need to be sedated and therefore does not need a doctor or nurse, he often gets a weekend slot when just a tech is on duty.  Although he is quite experienced with MRIs by now, he does need to have an IV inserted in order to inject contrast, which is a dye that required to see the imaging of his brain.   Liam hates the IV, and so, it is kind of a big deal for him still.  Liam also know his mom really well, and is pretty good at... well...manipulating her weaknesses, especially where his health is concerned.  All this is to say, that Liam was able to work an angle and ensure that his "bravery" would not go unrewarded.  What is it that Liam requested?...a visit to the West Town restaurant for their triple decker grilled cheese with bacon!  So Kim took him to the restaurant where he ordered the sandwich (which comes with tomato) with bacon- hold the tomato, thus eliminating any possible redeeming quality of the sandwich. 
This may not seem like much of an update on our ministry plans for Hamilton, but for me there are two aspects to the story that are directly related to our future plans.  Firstly, is our connection to the children's hospital in Hamilton that continues to be a place of mission for us.  I have mentioned this connection numerous times before, but in case you have missed it, you can always go back and read about it here:

Liam's Story

The story still continues as last week the hospital called again asking if they could use Liam's image and story in their upcoming fundraising campaign.  God does not seem to be finished with the story and we continue to have opportunities to make connections and share about what God has done through all of this.
The second reason that Liam's sandwich is worthy of an update, is that the West Town restaurant is actually a restaurant in the neighbourhood that we are looking at moving into and beginning our work.

 
To me, it was an example of how our kids are taking to the idea of moving to Hamilton, are beginning to appreciate the neigbourhood and are developing, if only in small ways, a positive relationship to the community and to the idea of going there to live and work.   It was amazing to see our kids involved in the prayer walk last week, going around with different groups of people and leading them through the community, sharing and praying as they went.  It is fun to see them excited about visiting and looking forward to the amenities.  I am keenly aware of what a sacrifice it can be to for kids to give up their home, their friends and relationships and all that is familiar, to go and follow their parents into a new ministry endevour.  I am also aware of what a key role that they can have as we go together to serve.  I am thankful for the small ways that God has been showing us that He is in control, that he is with us and for how gracious He has been. 
This week we have a meeting with a real estate agent from the neighbouhood that we met at the first open house that we went to in Hamilton.  She is from the area, actively involved, and we had a great connection that first encounter even though she knew we were not ready to buy!   Please be praying for this relationship; for both the finding and purchase of the right home as well as for the possibility of a  a relationship to develop with someone from the community..