Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus

For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Christ. But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

2 Corinthians 4:6-11

A friend sent me a message saying she thought of me when she heard this second reading from mass today (here Corpus Christi was already celebrated Thursday, so it's not those readings). I couldn't believe it because it's one of favorite readings!

You haven't heard from me much since January because suddenly my wound on my heel got worse. It's almost better now and, long story short, I'm still on crutches and have been living like a hermit since April 4th because it's tiring to get around on crutches. Plus, I'm supposed to rest it. Magically, my ocassional pain that I had to take SOS/extra pain meds to manage disappeared. But last week I started ten days of hyperbaric treatment (two hours each), which is supposed to decrease my pain, but it actually increased it! I've been taking the extras almost every day. The doctors say it will most likely get worse before it gets better. This week I have five days straight of the treatment (in addition to getting my bandage remade at the hospital) and, to make matters worse, I have to get an ear exam done tomorrow because they hurt and are hard to "pop" when they turn on the pressure. And I'm also taking antihistamines to see if it gets better. 

So I feel afflicted, perplexed, persecuted amd struck down, but I know God is with me. How? Again, mostly through people. I had a uncontrollable crying atrack before showing up empty-handed and late (as usual now) to our godson's party on Thurs and they cheered me up, doted on me, hugged me, etc so much that I left with my heart full. When I got home, I sat paralyzed in front of my messy dinner table, feeling the despair come on again, when.... my friend from college rang the doorbell! A friend at the party had told her about me crying and she rushed over to my house. Let me tell you: I don't remember ever going to any friend's house just to comfort them, and I don't deserve such wonderful moments of grace given ny His instruments in my life. Of course, she listened to me, I shed some tears, she set the table, we rejoiced in her presence and had icecream for dessert. We rehearsed our recital songs for her and she sang a fado song for us. I tried to capture Lettie and Rosie's entranced looks as they listened to her sing in the following pic. 

The first pics are at Davy's rugby game on Sat. I only went because he reeeeeeally wanted me to go, but it was great. I took the picture holding Dimas in my lap because I love being able to slowly go back to the most important work ever (other than being a wife): taking care of my kids' needs. More important than meals, hygiene, schooling, etc, is physical touch. Watching them play, sitting in my lap, leaning on me, massage, hugs. I love how the follow me around and if I sit they plop into my lap. 

And of course today, we had the best recital ever with our lovely violin teacher. I said in a little soeech I made at the end: eight years ago I dreamed of having a family band and today was the first day it really happened. I played the piano and my oldest three played their violins. I will post photos and videos tomorrow! 

PS desculpa não escrever tbm em português, mas mal tenho tempo para uma língua (estou a esticar na hora que deveria de estar a dormir!)