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May 5, 2005 Dear Family and Friends:
In Mexico,
nowhere is the Cinco de Mayo celebrated as passionately as in the city
of Puebla, where the battle of the Fifth of May was fought almost a century and a half ago.
That day an army of nearly 7,000 soldiers, sent by Napoleon III, the
emperor of France, was defeated by 4,500 combatants, mostly Indian
Zacapoaxtlas and Zapotecos and the soldiers of general, Ignacio
Zaragoza Seguin who were holding the two forts. In a four hour battle
Napoleon’s army was defeated. The victory of
Mexico’s people against an invading foreign army was so significant
that Mexico's President, Benito Juárez, declared May 5 a
national holiday just four days after the battle. And to this day,
Cinco de Mayo is a special holiday. Speaking of
battles, we continue to battle cancer here on the home front. But we
are not alone in this battle! We are so very fortunate to have a large circle of family
and friends who have surrounded us with their love as we deal with this
health issue. We are sharing the following as so many of you have
asked about Muriel’s surgery date and specifics so you can pray
accordingly. Muriel's
surgeon, Dr. Richard Perry, said we have gone as far as technology
will take us. So with the information we have from all
the various tests the decision is to schedule a bilateral
mastectomy, as that will give Muriel the best chance for a cancer free
future. Even with the emotional pain this decision brings we
choose life. At noon on Wednesday, May 11th, Muriel will
undergo surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. We are so
grateful for all those who have lifted us in prayer, sent cards
and e-mail messages and called. Having a caring Christian community of
faith surrounding us makes all the difference in the world.
It helps us to view this experience of uncertainty,
regarding our future as it relates to our health
and ministry, not so much as a painful ordeal but as a faith
venture where we must totally rely on God and God's care and guidance
for our future. Muriel will be
convalescing at her sister's home, Robin Gavin, 1202 W. Vista Ave.,
Phoenix, AZ 85021. We also can be reached at our cell
phone: 928.242.0019. By the end of next
week we hope to have a Health Update link included on our website,
www.gytte.org where you can visit and learn of Muriel’s progress. Once again we
ask that you keep the staff of the “Give Ye Them To Eat” program in
your prayers as they continue with that vital ministry in Puebla and at
the Tree of Life Training Center in Tlancualpican.
We have total confidence in their leadership and as God
leads them they will be empowered by your prayers. Your mission
partners, Terry and Muriel
Henderson. |
Happy
Cinco de Mayo!