Many people have either said or written that they are thankful for this blog. None more than Marisa who continues to be lifted and carried on each person’s comments, please keep them coming. Thank you to all who write, old friends, new friends, people we know and people we know well, students, collegues and even those we don’t know, thank you.
Marisa tried to go to church this morning but didn’t have the strength. It was another day of sleeping with pockets of small amounts of energy. She is trying to keep her food down, a tough thing to do at this point. Marisa and I could be with eachother today as friends of ours (the Bassie’s) from church took Zion and Jacoba. At one point in the day Marisa said “we didn’t take advantage enough when we only had one child”. To all those who only have one child and plan to have more – take a nap…..
Marisa is still a tough cookie. Thanks again for all your love, it’s like your arms come out of the screen and wrap themselves around Marisa.
Peace and Love,
Mendelt
Life 
22 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 14, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Martha Groot
I think we all wish we could reach our arms out of the screen and hug Marisa and you too, Mendelt! Know that we do so thru our prayers to our Heavenly Father every day!
Wow, God sure has put technology to GREAT use thru this blog for you and everyone who knows and loves you…..especially those who live out west and in Holland!!
Thank you!!!!!
Lots of love, Martha, Steve and kids….who are trying to come up with more jokes =o)
January 14, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Linda Smith
Your names were brought forward at the Tintern Church today and you will be in all of our prayers there. Several people asked more about you. God must be overwhelmed by the deluge of prayers for you right now. I find your blog to be so helpful. I check it daily. Keep writing.
Linda
January 14, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Rose Tamming
Marisa,
We missed you this morning…
I am thankful that you are able to sleep often…sleeping is much more peaceful than nausea…and rest is good for your body and soul!
Sweet dreams in the shadow of the Almighty…peace…
Love, Rose
January 14, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Al & Melissa VanderWier
Al & I have been reading your blog daily and have been so inspired by all the people who have been going through this journey along side of you. I feel so sorry for all those people who don’t have this beautiful gift of God’s Family to be there for them, to encourage them, and to pray for them. We just wanted you to know that we are thinking about you continually and that we are praying for you daily. If we can help in any way let us know.
Love,
Al & Melissa
Noah & Kate
January 14, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Dee
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Marisa, Mendelt, Pre-schooler Zion, Toddler Jacoba, and wee baby Zekijah)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))). There you go Zion I did not call you a baby today, even tho you will always be your Mom and Dad’s baby 🙂
I send hugs your way, hugs can say sooo much without any words.
No worries about church, God will meet you where you are at. He is everywhere. I am going to pass on your blog to a church friend with breast cancer who will be starting chemo soon. I know the love and support she will read for you will strenghthing her.
May the Lord give you much strength and energy as you face each new day Marisa. Each new day is a day closer to beating this horrid disease. Each day is a new day that the Lord has Made 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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SENDING MANY SMILES YOUR WAY.
I can’t begin to fathem what you are going through mentally or physically and am greatful that you have this blog so that in just even the minut way by hearing our enteries a smile crosses your face. I praise God for the Love and Support that he has poured out upon your family and all who read/post here. I praise God that he is the one you trust in and know.
P.S. Mendelt remember Zion’s school snack 😛
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
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A Hug … ((((((((((((((((((((Marisa))))))))))))))))))))))))
The Universal Perscription
It is, I think, the perfect drug:
May I prescribe, my friend… the hug!
It’s wonderous what a hug can do,
A hug can cheer you when you’re blue
A hug can say, “I love you so”…
Or,…”I’m sad to see you go.”
A hug is,”welcome back again!”
And, “great to see you!” or,
Where’ve you been ?…
A hug can soothe a small chid’s pain
And bring a rainbow after rain
The hug! There’s just no doubt about it,
We scarcely could survive without it.
A hug delights and warms and charms,
It must be why God gave us arms!
Hugs are great for fathers and mothers
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers
And chances are some favorite aunts
Love them more than potted plants
Kittens crave them. Puppies love them.
Heads of state are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier
And make the dullest day seem merrier
No need to fret about the store of ’em,
The more you give……..
The more there are of ’em
So stretch those arms without delay
And give someone a hug today !
Love Dee
January 14, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Joanne Guetter
Dear Marisa and Mendelt
It’s not often that I am at a loss for words but……. everything I start to write sounds inadequate. I’ve asked “why??” alot. Even though it’s hard not getting a straight answer I am grateful that I know who to ask and I know that He know’s you and loves you and is walking each step with you.
My prayer is that you will feel His loving arms wrapped around you and
experience the peace that only He can give.
I’m committed to praying for you both and your kids when ever you come to mind (which is often) and asking God to give each one of you what you need at that moment. The past is gone, the future is out of reach so I pray that this moment is a blessing.
Love,
Joanne
January 14, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Harold & Robin Winter
Hey Mendelt & Marisa,
It’s tough stuff to write about and tough stuff to read.
I’m glad you are experiencing the strength and support of family and friends — members of the body of Christ. (It’s so neat to read the notes of so many people we know in common.) They are the hands of Chirst supporting and carrying you. May you sense His closeness.
We continue to lift you and your family in prayer.
Grace & Peace,
Harold
January 14, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Rose and Bob Schulenberg
Dear Mendalt and Marisa,
Remember that we are praying for you all.,,I know many, many people are. Be strong and courageous. We hope that you have a good week ahead. Remember that we are just down the road and only a phone call away, if you should need anything. Please don’t hesitate!
Bob and Rose and all our kids
January 15, 2007 at 4:44 am
donna hazen
HI- I JUST JOINED TODAY AND YOU ARE MY FIRST BLOG TO READ. I’VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE BUT I HAVE TO WRITE. 11 YRS AGO I WENT THROUGH INTENSIVE CHEMO AND IT WAS FOR OVARIAN CANCER, DEVORCED AND 3 KIDS. I PRAYED AND MADE DEALS WITH GOD, AND YOUR RIGHT IT DOES GET WORSE EACH TIME YOU GET A TREATMENT. I REMEMBER I SAW A CROSS ON MAYBE MY 3RD TREATMENT AND I THOUGHT JESUS DIED FOR ME AND HERE I AM COMPLAINING. I THOUGHT OF ALL HIS HORRORS. IT DID HELP AND I WILL TELL YOU I CAME OUT LOOKING AND FEELING LIKE THE WALKING DEAD BUT HERE I AM . I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU THAT MY YOUGEST 24, JUST HAD A SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST AND WITH GODS HELP, AND ONLY GODS WORK, HE IS ALIVE AND FINE. WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY IS WE DO NOT KNOW WHY WE GWT WHAT WE GET, I MYSELF CAN WALK MY BOY THROUGH HIS CROSS, BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN THERE. I WILL PRAY FOR HER AND I WANT YOU TO KEEP THIS IN MIND, THIS WORLD IS NOT ETERNAL AND GOD WILL IS WHAT MATTERS. I STILL THINK IT IS O.K.TO TELL THE LORD YOU ARE JUST NOT READY TO LET HER GO AND BY THE SOUNDS OF IT SHE HAS A GREAT SUPPORT SYSTEM, IT DOES MEAN THE WORLD. SHE WILL NOT WANT TO EAT IT TASTE METALIC AND THE APPATITE GOES, I LOOKED ANOREXIC BACK THEN, JUST LET HER FEEL GOOD. KEEEP THE LOVE, HER BELLY WILL ACHE AND THE BONES WILL ACHE AND IT GETS HARDER AND HARDER TO GO FOR THOSE TREATMENTS, BUT SHE SOUNDS AS THOUGH SHE WILL MAKE IT, LOVE HER AND BE THERE. I’LL BE CHECKING LOVE DONNA
January 15, 2007 at 7:22 am
Lani
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
Hope you know how often you’re thought of, how much you’re cared about–today and every day. We are all thinking of you and adding our strength to yours during this time.
Lani
PS What does “blog” mean – it must be Dutch? :0)
January 15, 2007 at 8:03 am
Daphne and Tim Vaandering
A big hug to you!! Praying today will be a better one.
Love
the Vaanderings
January 15, 2007 at 8:23 am
Gary
Mendalt:
So good to see you in church yesterday. It’s always great when you sit near and behind us so I can hear your voice trumpet the peotry of the hymns and echo the promises of God.
I drove to Buffalo today – if the sun was shining I would have seen billions of diamonds everywhere –
Say hi to Marisa and give her my love. I hope the visit goes well and you hear some positve news about how Marisa is responding to the treatments. Know that we are “sufferinig alongside” and you are in our thoughts and prayers again this week….
Love GT
January 15, 2007 at 10:09 am
Tony and Ruth Ann Kamphuis
Hi Marisa and Mendelt,
Its been a while since we posted, but we’re still here and we’re still praying. We’ll pray for courage in the down times and more windows during which Marisa can “forget” she has cancer for a time.
In Christ,
Tony and Ruth Ann Kamphuis
January 15, 2007 at 10:58 am
Janine Ferrier
Dear Marisa & Mendelt:
I was sitting at the computer reading your blog when Kaleb (4 1/2) and Lydia (almost 3) came and asked me what I was doing. I showed them your pictures and explained to them what was going on in your lives. Kaleb said “I wish I could play with Zion and tell him knock knock jokes to make him laugh.” Lydia with big tears welled in her eyes said “I wish I could give Marisa one of my babies to make her feel better”. I hugged them and told them that I would tell you guys what they said. I hope it brings a little smile to your face.
Know that daily you are lifted up in my prayers.
Janine
P.S. Lydia just said she will talk to Jesus and ask Him to please make you feel better.
January 15, 2007 at 11:10 am
Bryan and Susanne Zietsma
Mendelt and Marissa,
We are praying for you daily, we pray that you will gain strength Marissa so that you can enjoy daily life. You are so precious to the Lord and to many people who love and care for you. You must experience a lot of joys and sorrows, and we will continue to pray that you have more joys.
Your optimism is such an encouragement, do not give up hope in the Lord’s healing power and strength!
We love you!
Bryan and Susanne
Issaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.”
January 15, 2007 at 11:54 am
Nancy& Art Mandigo
Marisa, Mendelt& your precious little ones,I awake each night and ask God what he needs from me..His answer is simple & sweet…I listen to hear what he has to say to me… He is asking me to pray for you Marisa and your family…Art&I do not know ya’ll very well but we are proud to be in your family,( your family of God).. you are a precious child of God and we will be there for your needs no matter what they may be…Our prayers will be with ya’ll now and until we see your smiling, happy faces come through the front doors of the church again… We will pray for your comfort and easier times in your upcoming treatments…Nancy&Art Mandigo
January 15, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Kathryn Ringelberg
Ms. Vanderveen,
I dont know if you remember me but, i am a former student of yours. I was in your gr. 4/5 split class-I am now in gr. 9 and attending Hamilton District Christian Highschool. When i first heard the news i was shocked, and kept asking why, but i now realize, and i hope that you do to that everything that happens is part of God’s great plan. I read you blog very often and you are always in my prayers. I know that i loved having you as a teacher, and i also liked being in the choir that you played the piano in, and i want to thank you for that. You were one of my favourite teachers. I pray that God will give you strength and help you through this tough time.
Love always,
Kathryn
January 15, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Carole
Dear Marisa and Mendalt and kids;
It is a snow day for me… so off of work today!!That always allows for taking time to do things that we have put “on the back burner.” Rick and I were saddened by the news of cancer gripping yet another life. But we are encouraged by your COURAGE to press on and thank you for that. This blog is a great way for friends and family to share in your journey… I pray that you may continue to find energy to update us. Know that you are much loved and that God will continue to hold you and surround you with His strength and peace. That is His promise! We pray for complete healing. Love from the Zwiers’.
January 15, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Sylvia DeWeerd
Hey Marisa,
it’s Sylvia from Fraser Valley Christian High. And we saw you at Fleetwood church not that long ago…
I am sooo sorry to hear this news. Our family will pray for you and yours.
Sylvia DeWeerd
January 15, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Anita Lubbers
Hang in there Marisa, one day at a time remember. use the strength you have for the things that matter most to you like your kids and Mendelt. All that other stuff will still be there to do when you are well again. I wish you all the best in this week ahead and hope that the side effects diminish. Mendelt you hang in there too, you are her rock and the one she looks to for strength. Many prayers are being said on your behalf too so that you have the strength you need. Your kids, remember what I said about God compensating for what you can’t give them. God will more than watch over them and love them, he loves them even more than you both do!!!!!!
Love Anita
January 15, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Ruby Ford
Dear Marisa and Mendelt:
My prayers are with you. May God give you continued strength as you support each other. Keep loving and playing with your kiddos, Mendelt.
God moves in mysterious ways (and this does seem to be mysterious), so his wonders will be performed.
I have no direct experience with what your life is like at the moment, but I do know that God is there for you.
With love,
Ruby
January 15, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Sylvia DeWeerd
Marisa, I heard about this terrible ordeal you’re having to go through. I’m so saddened by it. Our family will pray for your family.
Sylvia DeWeerd