Good Evening

I wanted to let you all know that my first post round of chemo infusion lecture trip is going as well as I think it can. I took the infusion on Tuesday morning and Christa and I got on a flight to Kansas City the next morning at 6 a.m. Thanks to Donna for getting us there.

Dean of Students Julian, Emily Givens, Brian, Matt and all the students at Drury University were so good to me. They arranged for me to sit in a high back chair to deliver my presentation to the parents, then the students, and the next morning on alcohol and other drugs. The standing ovation the students gave me brought me to tears. Several came up with family cancer stories and I know we ministered to each other through our sharing.

Christa and I then drive down to Eureka Springs, Arkansas to see our friends Sheryl, Shawnda, and their daughter Claire. The are running a wonderful resort with four cabins, one in which they live, called The Wild Plum. I would recommend their hospitality and also tell you that Eureka Springs is one of the most unique places in the country. Check it out. There is a spring here that pumps 38 million gallons of crystal clear water into a lake each day. Civil war soldiers used to heal here with the hot springs. 2,000 people live here bathed in nature's best as well as 173 restaurants, 1800's hotels, boutiques, and art galleries.

Health wise, I have some pains and my sleep is intermittent. I nap in the afternoons and feel strength coming back though I am still working on my anemia. Christa is keeping me hydrated and doing all the driving. The first night in Kansas City was the toughest as I got the chills really bad after dinner. They passed and each day I feel like I can do more. It is 9:30 pm here and I am still up! It's the little things.
I have two lectures left; one at Elmhurst College in Chicago on Wednesday, and then the Destination Iowa State address Thursday. Christa and I will then head home.

Thank you for your continued support and the nice notes, cards, and positive thinking. I am so blessed to have friends and family like the ones I have. I will say it again...deal with it and get used to it...I love you all and thank God for each of you every day.

Will