Leading up to my surgery, I was told that recovery would take six weeks. Well, here we are. Six weeks ago today, the operation was underway. Each week since then has been another step towards recovery. From one day to the next, my progress is not that obvious. This is one reason it has been so long since my last update: there just isn't much to tell!

Taking the longer view, though, my progress has been obvious. My daily walks have been lengthening, and my appetite has been increasing. I'm sleeping more normally, and I don't need much pain medicine anymore. I'm still a bit weak, but I've come a long way!

We have had more fun activities these last couple weeks. Over the Easter weekend, we had the rare privilege of gathering for dinner with my whole family — parents, siblings, in-laws, and nieces and nephews. Since then, we have enjoyed spending time with my family in various combinations.

Two weeks from tomorrow, we will travel home to California. We are looking forward to getting back, to our home, our church, school, and the familiar patterns of daily life. In the meantime, there is plenty to do! We have some friends visiting from various places, and some final family visits to make. We will also be busy organizing, packing, cleaning, and that sort of thing.

Next week, I have a final appointment with my surgeon. Among other things, we expect to discuss the pathology report with new information about the tumor. We will also start thinking about the plan for my radiation therapy, which will begin once I get home.

These weeks have gone by unbelievably fast. When I arrived in Toronto almost two months ago, the city was still in the grip of winter. Now (finally!) the warmth of spring has shown up. These are not normal circumstances for travel, but we have enjoyed many blessings here: renewed family relationships, new friends at a new church, and a lively and comfortable place to rest. For these and countless other good things, I thank God who hears our prayers and from whom all blessings flow.