May Update

Hey, Friends. I trust that you are experiencing God's presence…in whatever mysterious form He reveals Himself.

As is my habit, I'm giving you a monthly update as to my health and home life issues. Once again, it is a pleasure to announce to you numerous answers to prayer and evidences of God's kindness to us.

Safely Home
8,750 miles, sixteen states and as many beds, a half dozen churches and half a nation of friends later; we're home. Joanna & I had a great time hitting the road together and accomplished our goals:
Seeing and thanking many people who have prayed for us so faithfully.
Breathing some different air for a few weeks.
Celebrating Josiah's college graduation…with honors.
Enjoying time with family we don't get to be with often enough.
Seeing bears at Yellowstone.

Little did we know that we'd have the added surprise of the swallow miracle. I sipped on shakes across half the continent. Praise God!

Medical News
I'm grateful to be continuing the gradual progress back to health. I'm walking stronger, feeling better and steadily swallowing at least 1/4th of my daily needs. God continues to answer your prayers.

I'm also grateful for two medical events happening in early June. I have been approved for another IVIG treatment--the three day event of getting a slow drip of the best of peoples' blood. Next, after months of effort (mainly by my daughter) I get to see a specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. He has reviewed my files and has requested my biopsy slides/reports. I'll be fascinated to hear what he has to say.

I joked with some people recently, "You'd be grumpy, too, if you hadn't eaten since the Bush Administration." As thrilled as I am to be eating again, in an odd way I have to admit that of at least equally great pleasure and relief has been the fact that I no longer must spend my days and nights spitting. My sleep is better (much better!), my digestion is healthier, my behavior is less embarrassing and the sidewalks are cleaner. I'm the happiest swallower you ever met.

Speaking of swallowing, I know that there are curious minds out there who desire to know. My current food groups are 1) the "soft and creamy" family, 2) the "soft and not too juicy" family, and 3) the "soft and pasty" family. "Soft and creamy" includes shakes, ice cream sundaes, cheesecake, fudge and my sister's "salad" that primarily consists of cream cheese, sugar, pudding, whipping cream and other forms of smooth decadence. This is a happy food group with which everyone should be acquainted. The "soft and not too juicy" family includes potatoes, french fries, some breads, deli meat and cheese. The "soft and pasty" family is primarily the world of nuts--cashews, pecans, etc. When chewed, they turn into a paste that goes down pretty well. Meanwhile, the church staff welcomed me back to the office this week with a "food shower" of sorts, so I'm about to re-enter whatever food group in which you place Ho-Ho's and Ding-Dongs. Thanks, team!

Two Announcements
My schedule and stamina are now such that I have begun accepting invitations to speak at churches, schools and events. I'm finding this very fulfilling. Feel free to let the word out that I'm "back" and eager to share as God opens the door.

For those in the Salem area, I'd like to invite you to the first and probably only Stumbo Invitational Walk and Munch. The TENTATIVE plan is to meet at Gov. McCall's statue at Riverfront Park in Salem at 2:30 on Saturday, June 5. Together, we'll walk the mile across the newly re-opened Salem walking bridge to the little picnic table area by West Salem Great Harvest Bread. There we'll munch and sip together a bit before we head back for the last half of our walk. I know this kind of event isn't for everyone, but it is wheelchair accessible and I don't walk very fast. I'll finalize this information next week, so stay posted. The bottom line: I'm looking for an excuse to celebrate with you. Sound fun?

Well, I'd better quit with that. Talk to you again next week,
John