hello!

first off, thank you so much for all your concerns, caring hearts, and prayers.
i along with smn were deeply touched and moved by your love for us.
this morning was the worst, but after seeing a doctor, getting three shots in the butt, eating at home and taking a nap, i am now just dizzy, yet bearable.
yes, contrary to some opinions, it was not swine flu.

I had a really good time with family last Thursday, after returning from the retreat, only to wake up next day to find myself aching everywhere, freezing, and high fever.
this fever temporarily realized when Advil kicked in for few hours, but they remained up from 102 to 104 degrees and was taking life out of me. all my previous experiences of flu were gone in few days, so i expected it to get better by Sunday, but it didn't. So i planned, i timed my waking up, eating, taking medicine, and all the other elements, so that when we're worshipping i'll be on the medicine-high, the peak time when extra dosage of Advil will be at work, but my plan failed miserably; i never had such experience where i seriously considered that i may pass out.

the situation was better when i felt your prayers and acupunturist deacon from our church saw me immediately after service, and i had rather peacful Sunday afternoon, but this morning it was back to normal when 4 pills of Advil as recommended by deacon doctor at the clinic room did its work and evaporated from my body. i was in so much pain, constantly sweating, and now coughing uncontrollably. though admitting myself into USC Hospital (which is nearby my place) became a serious option i considered, i went to see a doctor where Katie teacher works, and told me that it appears that i have symptoms for both viral infection and bacterial infection, plus bronchitis, and prescribed three shots in the butt and series of medicines to cope with my pain until i fully recover.

so, that's the update on my situation, i wanted to fill you in.

one of the most - perhaps the most difficult - thing for me now is that i cannot hold Olivia or kiss SMN (though we promised each other that we'll kiss at least, at least once a day everyday). the doctor said that my condition is contagious and i have to be somewhat quarantined from my child, and also with SMN. the doctor also informed me that the pain will kick in tomorrow again (i'll be okay today because of shots), and it'll take another 2-3 days to gain control, and 5-7 days until it finally dies down even though i may not feel it in me. so she also recommends that i stay away from high school students....

there were many many incidences in the course of my fight against illness that i discovered spiritual element to this battle. I had not realize it until this morning, but as soon as i reconginzed that this is spiritual battle as well, i was also confident of our victory.

my beloved eHighers!

i am so privileged and honored to be your pastor and oh boy i believe God's got some dreams for us!

i am determined to see that happen in you and seeing our Unstoppable God leading us to Unstoppable lives as Unstoppable Body of Christ!

i must be away from you this week.

but i will return with more humility, more dependence on God, more passion, more compassion, more wisdom, more depth, and greater vision for our ministry.

I have talked to our executive pastor and will take this week (until Sunday) off - since it's best to be 'quarantined' and this will bit longer battle than i expected.
gosh, i've never been this sick in my life, and it kind of sucks, but i'll take this opportunity to refine our vision and set the course straight in preparation of KDC!
this next year may be the best year of our lives!  and i'll take this week to pray, envision, and prepare for it in a special way, in a quarantined room to myself, haha!

I've already spoken to my dear friend Pastor Howard to take the baton for Friday and Sunday. He will be continuing Summer Worship Series: Triune - Jesus, God-Man Portion, and Sunday, he'll be delivering a powerful word. i'm thrilled to have him, since he is a highly gifted preacher.
on Sunday, i'll be visiting one or two American churches that i had in mind for a while, and will be sharing the love of God along with my flu.
i'll feedback with you on what i saw and experienced as i went there.

so, next time we'll hang out will be next Friday @ 6:30 PM for our Summer Worship Series?

thank you so much for everything, and i will miss you all very much.
i am so blessed to be your pastor, and i'll try my best to be pastor that serve you accordingly!

have a great week,

with much love,

MWL