October 11, 2005, 2:51 pm

Hi everyone,

How are you all? I'm so busy telling you how I'm doing that I haven't asked about you all. Do write and give me your news so I don't feel like its a one sided conversation. Its also good for me to have someone else to pray for so updates please!

Friday was another REALLY hard day for me. I woke up, dressed, combed my hair....only to have 70% of what was left fall off. Horrors!!! And I needed to get to work!!!!!!!!!! So, I plonked on a wig I found somewhere which I'm not really crazy about but it does the job, and went off to work. When I got back home I asked Mutua to clean the rest off. That was hard, really hard. I was wondering why and think maybe coz besides the lump, its the first big sign that I have cancer (I still wake up sometimes hoping it was all a bad dream).

So, now I know what my bare head looks like. Those who have had the "pleasure" of seeing it say it doesn't look bad at all. For me, I guess coz it wasn't a choice and its a sign of not so good things, I can't stand it. In fact that first day I went out of my way to avoid looking in a mirror. But the Bible says I am fearfully (with MUCH care) and wonderfully (He said it is very good) made so I need to get His mind set and be proud of me as I am, hair or no hair.

The rest of the weekend was ish...as in, not good not bad. My main problem is no appetite and nausea which means I'm not eating much which means I'm getting kinda weak. Its definitely the after effects have taken a little longer this time. I'm taking carrot juice (mixed with other veggies) in the mornings. Thanks, Ndunge for the recipe for the magic smoothie. I'll definitely try it thisevening.

The other thing I need you guys to stand with me for is that tomorrow morning three of us from my office head for Lome. We leave for Accra by air, then travel the rest of the way by road. Please pray no undue delays especially at the Ghana/Togo border crossing, super strength for the entire trip, be able to find palatable stuff to eat. A big reason for me going is that I need to train one of the staff in Lome so I do need to go.I'll keep in touch or least Jane will update you as time goes. We leave Lome on 22nd.