In one of the favorite carols of the season, O Holy Night, there is a line that speaks of "the thrill of hope" at which the weary world rejoices.

As we come closer to the 6 month anniversary of Sue's diagnosis we share that "thrill of hope". It is now abundantly clear that Sue's life expectancy will exceed the shorter 6 month timeframe. Our prayer is that it may even exceed the longer 2 year limit offered at the time of diagnosis. Sue's present state of general wellbeing and her current response to the chemotherapy gives us this hope.

Our greater hope though comes through the assurance we have because of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Because of that, we know that reality, hope is assured.

Sue has enjoyed meditating on this reality as she has worked over recent months to complete a wall hanging depicting the Nativity. She started this project some years ago but sought it out as one of her pieces of 'unfinished business'. Her changed circumstances meant that she had both the time and the motivation to complete it - in time for the Advent season.  

There had been some discussion between us about turning the photo above (or a better one!) into a card/message to send to the many many many people who we know (and probably some that we don't know) who are travelling this journey with us and supporting us along the way. It is now obvious that we have run out of time to do that individually, so we simply want to say publically (well on this blog anyway) that we are deeply grateful and truly humbled by your love and support.

We are now in Adelaide to share Christmas with family and will then travel to Victoria, returning home to Darwin on 6 January.  Sue is having a much needed break from the chemotherapy over this holiday time, but will start Round 6 on January 8th.

It is our hope and prayer that you too may have the opportunity to rest and re-create at this special time of the year.

Grace and peace to you all.