Book of the Spirit

Roses and Chocolate

5/25/2010

A special remembrance from Ashley's friends at OC High School

Thanks to Ashley's friends and school counselor who remembered her on the one year anniversary of her passing. They honored her by planting a rose bush in the memory garden at Oregon City High School. Several of her friends shared stories about Ashley and poems for her. Afterwards her life was celebrated in a way that she would have enjoyed: conversing with her friends around a fountain of chocolate!

Thanks to each of you - you are very special to Ashley, an inspiration to her. I hope you understand how much your thoughtfulness meant to us. Thank you!

A Library in Guatemala

5/23/2010

It is well known among Ashley's friends and family that she loved to read. She has a bookcase full of books that were read cover-to-cover many times. So it seems fitting for her to have her own library. Well, she's going to get one - or at least one with her name on it.

Ashley's grandma and uncle will soon be traveling to Guatemala with a local church to help residents of Kairos House. Kairos House is a place for families to receive food and lodging while their children receive treatment for cancer in Guatemala City. Many of the families live far away in the countryside so frequent travel to the only hospital in the area is not possible. Because the painful treatment can last for a many weeks, these young patients and their families find hospitality and necessities at Kairos House. It's their home away from home. In fact, if it were not for Kairos House, the only alternative might be the street.

Members of the team making the trip to Guatemala City have been so moved by Ashley's life, they've been inspired to start a library at Kairos House to enrich the life of its residents. The library will include children's books and art supplies, two things very near and dear to Ashley's heart. The children at Kairos House spend a great deal of time in bed recoverying from treatment related illness. The books and art supplies will go a long way to occupy and distract the children during their recovery.

The mission team from Foothills Church will be helping Kairos residents deal with the pain and suffering of their cancer illness and treatment. Because Ashley's family found comfort and consolation from lap blankets they received at the time of Ashley's passing, the team will be collecting fabric and material to make lap blankets for distribution to Kairos residents. Please pray for these folks as they plan their journey to Guatemala - pray that they receive all the supplies and support they need to make their trip successful.

Dad Completes 1/2 Marathon Walk

5/14/2010

2010 Eugene 1/2 Marathon Walk

Thanks to everyone who helped me raise over $3700 for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) in rememberance of Ashley. I finished the Eugene 1/2 marathon walk with a total time of 3 hours and 40 minutes which is about 16:50 per mile pace. For me the time's not important -- the point of my participation was to raise money for cancer patients and increase public awareness of their needs.

A special thank you to my aunt Janet and cousin Abby who particpated with me and made the experience fun. They made the event even more meaningful by wearing pictues of Ashley on their backs!
Again, a shout out to everyone at Oregon City United Methodist Chuch who helped me raise more than $1100 at a recent lunch which was so successful in part by a generous donation from Oregon City Haggen Food & Pharmacy.

In all, participating with Team in Training was a great experience that I will likely do again. I encourage others to consider doing so.

Roses and Chocolate

A Library in Guatemala

Dad Completes 1/2 Marathon Walk

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