June Update - 2008

It really seems hard to believe, but we flew from Prague to Warsaw to Chicago to Dallas on June 22, 2007.  One year ago we began a new chapter in the life of our family.  We returned to the states so that Payton could begin 9 months of chemotherapy, medications, transfusions and surgeries.  I went back and read several of our posts and emails as we prepared to return to Texas.  It all seems so unreal, countless calls to family, physicians and friends and I remember very little of it.  It was like we were living in a haze, a state of disbelief.  How could this happen to us?  This only happens to other families……………..

 “The Lord is my strength and my song; 
       he has become my salvation. 
       He is my God, and I will praise him, 
       my father's God, and I will exalt him."  ~Exodus 15:2

But as for me , it is good to be near God. 
       I have made the sovereign LORD my refuge; 
       I will tell of all your deeds.  ~Psalms 73:28  

We continue to pack bags and decide the importance of each item in the packing process.  We do have the luxury of taking 16 suitcases, but could always find 16 more suitcases worth of stuff to take.  We now have 7 suitcases completely packed and a table in the living room piled with stuff that will also need to be packed.  It’s hard to imagine but August 17^th will be here before you know it.  All we know in regard to our visas, is that all the paperwork is in Prague and could be returned any day now or it could take months.  We have no idea.

·         Visas will arrive in a timely manner.

·         Payton will have surgery on July 2^nd to have his port removed.  This is a minor procedure, but a surgery nonetheless.

·         Payton will have his 6 month scans (a little early) on August 1^st.  We wanted to go ahead and do them here even though it really is a month early.  Pray for continued clear scans and no side effects from chemo and testing procedures.

·         Packing will go smoothly and efficiently.

·         Our financial support will be met.  The value of the dollar has dropped 30% in the Czech Republic and our support has not kept up with that change.

·         The list of blessings over the last year is an incredible testimony to God’s love and faithfulness to those who do not deserve it.

·         We have seen dramatic improvements in Landry’s head shape and look forward to no more helmet/band.

·         We have an incredible network of prayer warriors around the world.

Our new website for family pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/chumnsons

September is National (U.S.) Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  As parents of a 3 year-old with cancer, we would love for each of you to pray and fast for Payton as well as the other children with cancer on Thursday, September 20th.

To get a better idea of the life of children with cancer, please set aside 5 minutes to watch and listen to this video.  It is quite powerful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGS4yE5v9rM

If you would like to hear more about how Payton is doing, here is his website one more time.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paytonc

 

We have set up a site on Caring Bridge to keep everyone updated on Payton's battle with cancer.  This site is dedicated for terminally ill children and will allow you to receive updates as they happen, if you wish.  Thanks again for your prayers and encouragement.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paytonc

The Chumbleys

The first round of chemotherapy is complete.  The tests at Cook Children's Hospital have determined what we were told in Prague.  Payton has a tumor on the first rib on the left side of his chest.  The tumor is about 3-4 cm in length and growing toward the lungs.  The bone marrow test results will not be back until early next week, but we believe that it has spread into the bone marrow.  This type of cancer (Ewing's Sarcoma) is very aggressive and the measures to contain and hopefully destroy it are equally aggressive. 

Payton had a port implanted into his right chest cavity on Thursday (July 5th).  This port will allow the doctors and nurses easier access to blood samples and chemo administration.  This will minimize the number of times Payton will have to be stuck with needles.  This first cycle of chemotherapy involved 3 very strong drugs.  They began the process of chemo on Thursday night and again on Friday.  Payton had some nausea Thursday night but slept much better on Friday night.  As you can probably imagine, the side effects of each of these drugs can be severe.  For each chemo drug there are two or three drugs also given to counteract the nausea, kidney problems, mouth sores, infections, heart problems, etc.  We won't see all the effects of this for several days or even weeks.  Of course he will probably lose his hair.  Chemo drugs attack the rapidly multiplying cells in your body.  These cells include hair cells, nails, mouth and of course the cancer cells.  He was watched on Saturday (July 7th) and released that afternoon.  We are very excited to have him home.  We had several prescriptions to fill for nausea, antibiotics, etc.  One of the 20 pill prescriptions for nausea was over $700.00.  I thought I was going to need the pills after they told me that.   Luckily they had a generic brand for a mere $450.00.  Payton will also have to have a shot each night for 10 days following each return from chemotherapy.  These shots help stimulate the replacement of white blood cells, so we build protection from infections and prepare to destroy them again in the next chemo round.

The second round, which begins 3 weeks after the first, is much tougher.  It only involves 2 chemo drugs, but his hospital stay will be 6 days.  The drugs are much stronger and will slow him down a bit more than the first round.  He will get his 10 days of shots and we will return for the third round three weeks later.  The third round is 3 days and the fourth round is 6 days again.  After the fourth round they will redo the MRI, bone marrow test, CT scan and bone scan.  This is a very important time in the treatment process.  The surgeons will then make a decision if they can remove the tumor by surgery or if radiation will be necessary.  It is also the time when we will know if the chemotherapy is killing the cancer cells.  After the surgery or radiation, we have about 6 more rounds of chemotherapy, alternating between the 3 day and 6 day rounds.  The entire process should be between 9-10 months.

__________________________________________________________________________

Prayer Requests

• Continue to pray for healing.  We earnestly pray the tests after the 4th round of chemo will show complete healing.
• Please pray for Robin.  This has been a very trying time for her and she needs strength and encouragement.
• Please pray for baby Landry.  Robin had her first doctor appointment in Cleburne last week.  All looks well and Landry should join us in early October.  We already have several pink items and it looks very out of place in our house.
• Please pray for the other boys.  So many times the siblings are the ones that get left out when one has a serious illness.  Pray that Camden, Jared, Easton and Marek don't feel shorted during this time.
• Please pray for all those families who have serious/terminally ill children.  There are many families going through this who don't know the Great Comforter and Great Healer.  Pray that our light shines during our times at the hospital.

Praises

• Our entire family is now sleeping under the same roof again.  I can never explain how good that feels.
• There are so many of you that have touched our lives in incredible ways: financially, letters, gifts, emails, cards, calls, etc.  They all mean very much to us.  Thank you.
• We have been given use of a vehicle while Payton has his treatments.
• We have an incredible family that supports us and prays for us daily.  They are an unbelievable blessing.
• We still worship a God that lives and performs miracles.  We pray that through all this He receives all the glory!

Ol' Clem is about as good a hunting dog as you can get.  He has been groomed, trained, corrected and praised so often that words are no longer needed by his master.  Ol' Clem knows what to do and has dedicated himself to that service.  He is getting a little older and has this knot on his leg that slows him down, but he loves what he does.  The truck simply backs up to the dog run and Ol' Clem jumps right in.  He paces around the bed of the truck anticipating the breeze on his face, the free range to roam and the scratches behind the ear for a job well done.  Ol' Clem's world was about as close to dog utopia as you could get. 

Very little changed until one fateful afternoon.  The truck backed up as usual and Ol' Clem piled right in.  He stuck his head out in the breeze and noticed they were taking an unusual route.  They didn't park in the wide open spaces but rather next to a large brick building.  Ol' Clem remembers being surrounded by white coats, held down and being painfully poked and prodded.  The rest of the events are rather fuzzy and out of sequence.  Ol' Clem began to feel confused and uncertain.  Why would his master allow such terrible things to happen to him? 

The truck began to back up to the dog run and Ol' Clem had serious reservations about jumping into that truck bed again.  At that moment, Ol' Clem began to see a clearer picture.  He remembers his master scratching him behind the ears and kissing his forehead as the whitecoats held him down.  He remembers waking up in the main house in a comfortable bed of towels and blankets, plenty of food and water and was out of the rain.  He remembers the master removing the bandage from his leg and replacing it with a new one. He is flooded with the memories of encouragement, love, hugs, smiles and care. 

The gate swings open and Ol' Clem gladly leaps into the truck.  He notices the knot on his leg is gone and he feels much better.  Ol' Clem decided to remain faithful to the one who always remained faithful to him.  

There is a lot to learn from the life of a good ol' dog.

__________________________________________________________________________

Cook Children's Hospital has redone many of the tests that were done in the Czech Republic.  So far the results have been the same and they believe the tumor is growing towards the lungs.  It is very important that we stop the growth of this 'thing' before it reaches the lungs.  Payton goes in this Thursday (July 5) to begin chemotherapy.  He will be there for 3-4 days and then be allowed to return home before the next treatment.  Please pray that all goes well this weekend and that the treatments are extremely effective.

We have graciously been loaned a vehicle large enough for us to use (even after the baby is here) over the next several months. Thanks for the prayers and offers.

Thanks for your faithfulness, encouragement, love, hugs, smiles and concern.  We can never thank each of you enough.

For most of you parents the image above either brings a smile to your face or a knot in your stomach.  I probably fall into the first category.  I enjoy the flashing lights, the cup of tokens and seeing the smiles on all the kids faces.  (Now the pizza is another subject.)  But there is one game at Chuck E. Cheese that emits an aura of black haze.  It's called the 'Whack-a-Mole' or 'Smack-a-Gopher' or something like that.  You know what I'm talking about.  You grab this mallet and try to crush the varmint that dares stick his head above ground.  No matter how fast you are or how hard you grip the mallet the pesky things always disappear before you get a good crushing blow to the cranium.  You finish the game sweaty, frustrated and with few tickets.  It's a game you seldom play more than once and will avoid at all costs most of the time.

We flew into DFW last Friday and our luggage flew into DFW over the next several days, but it all arrived.  We took a couple of days to make the necessary adjustments and we are starting to get settled.  I think you intially go through a period of denial when your child is diagnosed with cancer and eventually transform into a period of ready to fight this disease.  Just when you have yourself all prepped and ready to do all that is necessary, a new villain makes an appearance.  We were told by the doctors in Prague that there were no signs of cancer cells in the body other than the tumor on his 1st rib.  Apparently, they sent the bone marrow off for tests that take several weeks to complete.  The results were emailed to us two days ago.  "We found tumor cells in right site of bone marrow."  History tells the doctors that chances of curing Ewing's Sarcoma at a single site is very high, but with the cancer cells being in the marrow our percentages were cut-in half.  All of my worry and sadness swell the tighter I grip the mallet and my frustration and helplessness boil over as I am unable to stop the continous flow of unwanted pests in Payton's life.  Some days it is very easy for me to hand the mallet to the Lord and say 'It's yours, I can't do it."  But then there are some 'human moments' that creep in when I want to grap the mallet and smash until I'm to exhausted to smash anymore.  I really want to play a different game.

Prayer needs: 

• Payton - Simply put, we need a miracle. Please pray for the healing of Payton's body.
  We have more tests this week and early next week.  Then the plan is to place a line in his chest to administer chemotherapy.  After chemo they will reassess the situation and continue with surgery or radiation and then more chemotherapy.  The treatment should last at least 9 months.
• Doctors and cancer team - wisdom and clarity
• Robin and the baby due in October 
• Insurance & Finances
  Cleburne Bible Church has established a medical fund for Payton.  All contributions are tax deductible.  The address is:
  Cleburne Bible Church
  PO Box 1522
  Cleburne, TX  76033
      *Please write Chumbley-Missions on memo line.
• Transportation - we need an 8 passenger vehicle to use while Payton is in treatment.
• We are technically on a Medical Leave of Absence from our work overseas.  We will be doing some work for WorldVenture and ACSI (Associated Christian Schools International) in recruiting new missionaries.  We will also be speaking about the needs of missions in Eastern Europe and the impact on TCKs.  If you would like for us to speak to your group please feel free to email or call me.  We will continue to need the financial as well as prayer support of our partners during this time we are stateside.
  

Our contact info is:

Terry & Robin Chumbley
1509 Tennyson Dr.
Cleburne, TX  76033

chumnsons@hotmail.com
817-645-8143

I tried for several days to respond to all the emails, phone calls and cards.  I give up.  The outpouring of love and concern for our little boy has been overwhelming.  Your cards, words and encouragement have healed our wounded souls.  Your prayers have uplifted our spirits and ministered to us.  We could never thank you enough, but thanks for your love for our family.

God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
of the mountains I can’t climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing
her melody over me
God, right here all I bring
is all of me 
Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
The Lover I need to save me
Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
So hold me now
______________________________________________________________________________________________

We have made the decision to return to the states (Cook's Childrens Hospital in Ft. Worth) this week for Payton's treatments.  It was a very difficult decision to leave our new home, the physical one and the emotional one.  We were starting to feel less like "tourists" and more like residents in the last several weeks.  But we are excited to return for a few reasons:  to see family, to be able to order in a restaurant, air-conditioning and Dr. Pepper................in no specific order.  We will continue to keep our home in Prague and use it for families like ourselves, serving in a new culture, who need a place to live until they can find their own.  This is a valuable ministry in itself.  We know........we lived it.  We will also work with WorldVenture in the states helping to recruit new missionaries from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area as well as work with ACSI in recruiting new teachers for serving overseas.  We will also be available to speak to any group that would like to hear about our ministry and the needs in the Czech Republic.  We are excited about the opportunity to continue serving in Christian education while in the states.  It is our prayer to return to Prague once Payton is well and continue the work in front of us.  We will continue to need our partner support to keep these ministries going and prayerfully ask that you continue to support our ministry, even though we are 5,346 miles from where we planned to serve. Thanks again for your support, faithfulness and understanding.

Several have asked how they can help with travel and medical expenses.  Our plane tickets back to the states will cost around $7,000 and we have no idea what our complete medical expenses will be.  If you feel lead to help in these areas any donations can be made to WorldVenture (donation button on the right of this page) and be tax deductible, or any donations (not tax deductible) can be sent to:

Terry Chumbley
1509 Tennyson Ln.
Cleburne, TX  76033

Again, thanks for ministering to our needs and continue to pray for Payton's healing.  We serve a God that hears our prayers and loves us unconditionally.

I'll admit it;  I cry at movies, often.  I haven't seen ET since it was first released and I will never watch Where the Red Fern Grows, ever.  I'm a sucker for feel good movies: Rocky still gets me, Remember The Titans......yep, and Miracle.  The 1980 Winter Olympics were to good to be true.  The outmanned and outgunned USA team, comprised of kids who had yet to wear out their first razor versus the evil empire USSR hockey team.  The Soviets were mature and had not been beaten in 15 years and the Americans hadn't beaten anyone yet. We were introduced to Jim Craig, Mike Eruzione and Herb Brooks; names I will never forget even though I was only 14 in 1980 and could care less about hockey. USA - 4, USSR - 3.  David had just slain the Giant. It was one of the moments that you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing as the infamous words of Al Michaels let us know that the impossible was occurring.  "Do you believe in miracles........................YES!"  I still get chills up my spine when I hear that exclamation. 

We met with the oncologists today to discuss the results of Payton's tests and formulate a plan to attack this tumor.  The tests confirmed what we had already been told-----the tumor is malignant and is called Ewing's Sarcoma (PNET).  It is a very aggressive bone cancer generally not found in someone as young as Payton.  We were blessed to find it early while it is small and that will work to our advantage.  The plan is to attack it with chemotherapy in 3-4 day spans every 3 weeks for 16 total weeks.  The hope is then it will be small enough to remove by surgery.  The surgeon is skeptical that he will be able to be remove it after chemo due to its location.  They feel it will still be way to dangerous to operate so close to major arteries.  They feel that radiation treatments will be needed prior to surgery.  The oncologists believes that Payton has a 65-75% chance of complete recovery.  That's a great batting average, but doesn't sound so good when its your son's life.  I have to admit that I was I filled with a peace that I did not expect.  That 'peace that passes all understanding' is real.  It's the gentle ripple of the Holy Spirit in times when you expect waves.  It's the wrapping of loving arms around you when you are expecting the squeeze that shortens your breath.  What a comfort it is to know that the creator of each of us and all things is in total control.  We continue to pray for complete healing, comfort and wisdom as we seek guidance in making some big decisions.  Please join us in that prayer.  And yes Al, you better believe we still do! YES!

I really enjoy traveling with my family.  It's always an adventure when the 7 of us pile into a vehicle and head off into the great unknown.  It has been quite a while since I have used a map to find my way around anywhere.  But since we have been in Europe we have relied heavily on maps to find our way around.  The streets in Europe are seldom labelled and change names every 8 blocks or so.  Robin and I have known for many years that we don't travel well with her in charge of the map and me repeatedly asking which way?  She is no Sacagawea and I am certainly no Lewis nor Clark.  Our pastor here in Prague bought a Tom-Tom GPS system which is great until you drive through one of the hundreds of tunnels in Europe and it loses connections.  There are no easy trips when you are unsure of where you are going.

Payton was allowed to come home Friday afternoon and we are very excited to all be sleeping under the same roof again.  He will return to the hospital to his stitches removed on Wednesday (June 6th) and we will meet with the surgeon and oncologist at that time to get the 'name' of this unwelcome guest that has invaded Payton's body.  The doctors will also tell us the plan they have for treating this tumor.  We will then have all test results translated into English and send them back to the states to get a second opinion.  That is when the big decisions will need to be made.  Do we return to the states for treatment?  Do we stay here and continue the ministry that we have been privileged to be a part of?  What do we do with our stuff; our house?  Which way, Lord?  I want it all laid out on a road map so that I can see the exits, street names and directions that we need to prepare for.  Our trip the last twelve months has been quite a voyage.  So much has changed and we have grown in so many ways. The outpouring of affection, concern and genuine love from all parts of the world for little Payton and our family has been unbelievable.  There truly are no English words to express the appreciation we have for each of you and your concern for our family.  Your prayers, letters and phone calls have helped establish a foundation of support that has kept us going. The body of Christ has ministered to us and we give Him all the praise.  He knows where we are going and He is with us each and every step of the way.  He is the great comforter, healer and provider and you have been the hands and feet that have shown his faithfulness. Thank you..............

Continue to pray for healing for Payton and comfort.  He still has times of great chest pain and can't sleep because of it.  Pray for wisdom and clarity in regard to the many decisions forthcoming.  Pray for the doctors, nurses and staff at Motol Hospital in Prague.  Pray for Robin and the new baby due in October. 

If you wish to get hold of us, this is our mailing address and we have an 817 area code phone number (via the internet) that rings in our house.  You are welcome to call us anytime, just remember that we are 7 hours ahead of the Central Time zone.  I have included some pictures of Payton on our website if you want to put a face with the name that you are praying for.

Terry Chumbley
Na Balkane 42
130 00, Prague 3
Czech Republic

Phone Number 1-817-506-0374
chumbley@worldventure.net 

It doesn't matter what accent the doctor has but the words malignant tumor will drain all feeling from your body in any language.  They were able to biopsy about 1/3 of the tumor and were unable to remove the rest due to its proximity near major arteries.  Both the surgeon and oncologist are 99% sure that it is malignant.  The final tests from the pathologists will not be completed for several days, so for now we just sit and try to comfort Payton in the ICU.  It was my night to stay with him and the following are some 2 a.m. notes from a sleepless father.

I can't take my eyes off of him.......................I vividly remember watching his birth 3+ years ago and strutting like a proud peacock around Rolling Plains Hospital in Sweetwater, TX.  It was the second day of 2004 and I had been blessed for the 4th time and for the 4th time it was a son.  My wife deserved a trophy or at least a medal, but there were none available in the hospital.  This was one of the happiest days of my life and an event I will never forget.

We are back in the hospital; no longer in Sweetwater or Texas or even on the same continent as before.  The occassion here is void of excitement.  I sit in a Prague ICU ward with Payton and a 1 year old girl named Nela.  She is a beautiful little girl who is the apple of her daddy's eye.  Nela is having a tough night and is in great pain.  It is pouring down rain tonight in Prague and the thunder can sometimes be heard over young Nela's screams of pain.  Payton sleeps about 5 feet from Nela and is completely undisturbed by any of the noise.  (It must be quieter than sleeping with 4 brothers) Payton wakes up about every 15-30 minutes, due to discomfort, and wants a drink and to go home.  I cry everytime he asks that question.  How do you explain to a three year old that you don't really know when he can go home and when the pain in his chest will go away?  I'm not angry, upset or really afraid.  Robin and I both know that we serve a God of modern day miracles, a God that comforts all our numbness, a God that hurts when we hurt and grieves when we grieve.  We serve a God that created perfect love and created Payton.  I hurt, because Payton hurts.

He sleeps so peacefully now with all those cords and monitors attached to his little body.  Nela has settled down and the rain has slowed a bit, but we all know that it a temporary calm.  We will  most likely face weeks or months of Eastern European doctors, nurses and hospitals.  They have all been wonderful and have fallen for the blonde hair, blue-eyed Texan who wears shorts and cowboy boots with no socks.  He asked me the other day why they weren't called "horseboys" since they didn't ride cows.  The mind and spirit of children continue to amaze me.

Well its time for me to read the same 'Dora the Explorer' book that I've read 17 times prior and see if he will get back to sleep.  Pray for Nela and her family as they face many tough situations ahead.  Pray they will see Christ shine in our lives as we continue to cling to the rock that steadies our inmost calm.

• The attached song was recorded by students from international Christian schools all over Europe.  It is a great hymn that provides hope and encouragement in tough times.  The words and song are below:
  
  How Can I Keep from Singing?
  Words and Music by Robert Lowry (1826-99)
  arr. Bradley Ellingboe

My life flows on in endless song above earth's lamentation.
I hear the real, tho' far-off hymn that hails a new creation.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heav'n and earth, how can I keep from singing?

Thru' all the tumult and the strife, I hear the music ringing!
It sounds and echoes in my soul. How can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heav'n and earth, how can I keep from singing?

What tho' the tempest 'round me roar, I hear the truth.  It liveth.
What tho' the darkness 'round me close, songs in the night, the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heav'n and earth, how can I keep from singing?

Our kids normally wear a helmet when they ride a bike, they don't play with fire (at least I hope not), and they don't jump on the furniture (most of the time) and they know to look both ways before crossing a street and not to run with scissors.  These, and many others, are all lessons we hope to instill in our children for their own safety.  There is a responsibilty and desire as a parent to protect your children from danger and even possible danger.  As a father, it is our 'knight's duty' to protect our family and provide for its needs.  We relish this opportunity and look forward in passing the medieval code to our own sons.  But then comes a situation that knocks you off your horse and leaves you terrified and vulnerable. 

"We believe that your 3 year-old son has a tumor in his left chest."  The scariest words I have ever heard.  The horse has lost its status, the shield and sword have lost their luster and I am no longer able to protect my family from every dangerous situation.  It is from this point, not of a knight, but of an everyday commoner that I have seen the community of Christ like never before.  Our heavenly father has used many of you, and people that we have never met from all parts of the world to comfort and encourage us in a time that can leave you reeling.

Payton is our blonde son with long eyelashes and a large crooked smile that drives the girls crazy.  He admires his older brothers and like them, wants to grow up and be Luke Skywalker, a futuristic knight that prevails over evil.  He wants a light saber for Christmas, which for him is always tomorrow.  He loves packages of Skittles from Grandma, hugs from momma and likes to wrestle with dad, complete with sound effects.  He is more dear to me than any possession on earth and my heart cries in pain for his suffering.  Of course, I would gladly switch places with him in an instant and take the suffering from his little precious body.  My every thought today is about him as they prepare to surgically remove this tumor tomorrow (Monday, May 28th) in Prague.

Please remember Payton and his mother today in your prayers.  Take an extra moment today and give each of your kids a big hug and some Skittles would be nice too.

tc

Sorry that it has been so long since our last post, but much has changed.  We moved out of the house in Zelenec at the end of March.  We then moved into another temporary flat (very small, pictures on website) until we could move into our rent house in 2-5 weeks.  We had hoped that the tenants could be out of the house by mid-April, but that was not possible.  So we enjoyed our time of 'coziness' in the flat that was only an 8 minute walk to the school (much better that the 1-1 1/2 hour commute from Zelenec).  We would not be able to move into the rent house until May 1st but we had to be out of the flat by April 28th.  So we packed up our bags and moved in with the pastor, his wife and their 5 children.  An experience that none of us will forget any time soon.  Anyway, May 1st arrived and we had all our possessions transferred to the new house along with a table and some beds that we bought.  We were quite surprised when we arrived that the former tenants were about halfway moved out.  We moved our stuff in as they continued to move stuff out.  As of today, (Friday, May 4th) they have still not finished moving their stuff out and we continue to clean up behind them.  We have beds to sleep in and a table to eat and have truly been blessed by the whole experience.  No, it has not been easy, but the Lord has met all our needs and continues to be faithful to us at every step.  We are excited be in our own house, sleep in our own beds, eat at our own table and break our own dishes.  We haven't been able to say that since August of last year.  Thanks for all your prayers and patience. 

The biggest blessing of all is the news that we will need to keep our stroller and baby bed for an October arrival.  Yes, Robin, Camden, Jared, Easton, Payton, Marek and I will be welcoming a baby SISTER in early October.  We have known for a while about the baby but Dr. Figurova told us last week that she is 99.9% sure that we will be having a girl.  The boys are very excited to have a sister and Payton wants to name her Wonder Woman after the 70s TV show.  (My sister Dana sent Camden some DVDs of Wonder Woman for his birthday and Payton loves the theme song and when she spins around and hopes his new sister can do the same) Dr. Figurova speaks english and Robin really likes her.  Everyone seems to be fine, but Robin is skeptical that it is truly a girl.  Who could blame her?  Can you imagine having 5 older brothers?

Life at CISP is quite good. ( http://www.cisprague.org/ ) We have the privilege of working with a great group of young men and women.  They have a heart of servitude and a commitment to being world changers.  School is dismissed for the summer on June 7th and many of the kids will be heading back to the states as their parents raise support for another time period of service in the Czech Republic.  Remember them in your prayers.  These kids have very little association with American culture and sometimes feel like a 'freak show' traveling from city to city to raise support for their respective ministries.  They get lonely and long to be back with friends who understand what it is like to grow up in a different culture.  I have to admit, I had no idea how tough it can be on the kids, but I have a new appreciation for them and a new commitment to serve them.

We continue to work out the details with the AWANA program to begin next fall.  We are just waiting on paperwork and an opportunity to meet with the Czech AWANA missionaries.  We have some language issues to overcome, but all is progressing well.  We continue to need prayers for the kids, parents, supplies and teachers for a September start date.  If your AWANA program has any extra books, vests, pins, etc. we would appreaciate any and all donations.  We are starting from scratch and have no supplies at this time.  This will be the first english speaking AWANA program in Eastern Europe so all our supplies must come from the states.  Our shipping address is:
                                                               
                                                                CISP
                                                                c/o Terry Chumbley
                                                                Perunova 6
                                                                130 00, Prague 3
                                                                Czech Republic

For the Kingdom..................

The Chumbley 7 (soon to be 8)

As a history teacher, I have many opportunities to discuss prominent people throughout history and the impact they have had on our generation.  We have been studying 'Heroes of the Faith' and their examples of Christian character, conviction, compassion and courage.  We have discussed biblical examples of Barnabas, Daniel, Eleazar, etc., family members, current believers and historical figures such as Gladys Alward, Eric Liddell, Brother Andrew and others.  We also had the opportunity this month to travel to Germany and follow in the footsteps of a true hero of the faith.............Martin Luther.  We have attached several photos from our trip (we took over 300, but we did narrow it down some) with captions.  You can also go to the following link and take your own tour of Luther's life. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/germany/eisenach.htm

Scattershooting.............................

• I stopped by a store to buy postcards the other day.  As usual, I set my purchases on the counter as the clerk rang them up.  When she finished punching the buttons, she said in perfect English, "That will be 125 Crowns."  Mind you, I had not said one word or even uttered an American cough, yet she assumed I was an English speaker.  I wonder what part of my 'Americanization'  emanated from my being that caused her to speak English to me.  Was it my jacket, my shoes, the fact I was purchasing postcards?  I have no idea, but it made me wonder if my faith emanates as strongly as my home culture?
• Robin and I have around 26 years of public education, 10 years of college education, 15+ years of working in education.  We take one 9 hour plane trip and we have joined a new category..............the functionally illiterate. (Although the functionally is up for debate.)
• I was always told that the population of Prague was around 1.2 million, but it never seemed as if anyone was out and about. The temperature rose above 50 degrees Farenheit the other day and all 1.2 million came outside.  It's interesting to watch the seasons change and the temperature change as well.  Our four seasons in Texas are usually hot, hotter, hottest and Hades.
• It must be close to baseball season, my craving for Davis Sunflower Seeds has kicked in.

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Praise -

• We found a house!  It has all we were looking for and things we haven't even thought about.  We can't move in until mid to late April, but we are excited about not living out of suitcases in the near future.
• We will be meeting with the Czech Republic AWANA missionaries in early April to get the ball rolling for next fall.  It will be the first international AWANA program in the Czech Republic.
• CISP continues to grow and is only limited by space and staff.  The demand for quality Christian education is growing and we pray to meet those needs as best we can.

Prayer-

 That the transition into our house will go smoothly.  We had hoped to rent a furnished home, but that was just not possible.  Pray that we can find the necessary furniture, sheets, dishes, towels, etc. at affordable prices.

• We will also need English language AWANA supplies for next fall.  We will be starting with nothing and can use any supplies that your group would like to donate. If your AWANA program would like to donate books, vests, jewels, pins, badges, etc, you can mail those directly to the school:

                              Christian International School of Prague

                              c/o Terry Chumbley

                              Perunova 6

                              130 00, Prague 3

                              Czech Republic

If your AWANA program would rather make a monetary donation to offset some of the costs, we are checking on the best way to manage these funds.  Through our home church, through AWANA there?  We'll let you know soon.

   CISP is looking at several options for expansion next year.  As the population of Prague decreases, more public schools are closing.  This allows us the opportunity to grow and even enroll some of the local students in the area.  We need a significant increase in staff and teachers to meet the needs for next year.  If you are interested or know someone that may be, visit the CISP website.  http://www.cisprague.org/

Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement and support.  We appreciate you more than words can express.

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Texans carry a reputation wherever they travel, Eastern Europe is no exception.  I believe several of the students expected me to exit the plane wearing cowboy boots, carrying a pistol and talking about my ranch back home covered in oilwells.  Obviously, we don't all fit this stereotype, but as Texans we are very proud of our state, its people and what it has to offer. 

"Where are you from?" is a common question when you meet someone new.  It tells us a little about the person and yes, allows us to develop a preset stereotype of that person in our minds.  We have been in Prague for several weeks now and have been asked that question countless times.  It is one of the questions I ask my students to write down on their index cards I have them fill out on the first day of school.  I use the cards for attendance, contact info, etc.  I have never had students look at me with such blank stares as these kids did.  Most of the students I have in class at CISP (Christian International School of Prague) are the children of missionaries, foreign diplomats or international business families.  They are 'from' many places.  Some have lived in more countries than I have lived in houses.  They can all tell you where they were born, but they really don't identify as being 'from' any one place.  This idea is as foreign to me as it must have been to the disciples when Jesus began teaching about not being like the world, but preparing for the Kingdom of Eternity.  I have been asking the wrong question all along!!  It is not near as important where you are 'from' (even if it is Texas) as it is where you are going.  I will change the format of my index cards in the future.

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We had a fantastic time on the CISP ski trip last week (February 11 - 16).  No broken legs and several of our kids learned to ski and really enjoyed it.  There are pictures of the trip in our PHOTOS section of the WorldVenture webpage.

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PRAISE - We have been given permission by the Perunova Skola to use the school building (CISP is currently holding classes in a public school, Perunova Skola) for an after school AWANA program.  We will have full access to classrooms, materials, gyms, etc.  Do you still need proof that God still moves?  Beginning next school term, a public school in the heart of a former communist country is endorsing the start of a ministry directed at exposing children to the gospel. Try to explain that one. 

Please pray for workers, materials and all that starting a new program will entail.  We are extremely excited about this opportunity.

PRAISE - We will be traveling to Germany next week (February 28-March 3) with the World History students to study the life of Martin Luther.  We will visit Wittenburg (posting of his 95 theses) and several other prominent sites in the Protestant Reformation.  What an incredible opportunity to see these places first hand.

PRAISE - Thanks for your support and prayers.  We are still amazed by God's faithfulness and the faithfulness of His people in supporting us.  Thanks again!!!!

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PRAYER REQUESTS -

AWANA - The AWANA program beginning next fall.  Workers, money, materials, training, etc.  There are lots of details to work out, but we have lots of parents and teachers excited about the ministry.

Housing - It appears that landlords in Prague are unwilling to rent to a family of 7 in downtown Prague.  I can't imagine why.  We are expanding our search further out of the city in hopes of finding a place big enough, affordable and close to shopping and public transportation.

Health - There is a ''bug" flying around the school and our home.  Several students have missed a lot of school and Robin has missed lots of rest dealing with sick kids. 

May the God of Eternity bless you and your family...................The Chumbley 7