Ain’t No Party Like a Joy Joy Party …

Cause a joy joy party is next week in North Carolina and you’re invited!

Marciano, son of my friend Patience, has just turned 5. I have never been this cool in my entire life.

We are in North Carolina! I can hardly believe it—even just a few months ago I wasn’t sure I would be able to manage international travel. The walking, standing, sitting in uncomfortable seats, lifting bags, moving quickly … a whole parade of gerunds I couldn’t manage. I still don’t move quickly! But I was able to walk, stand, sit, and lift as needed.

Thank you to so many who have been praying about our travels. We had negative Covid tests! We were UPGRADED TO BUSINESS CLASS FROM LONDON TO NEWARK! I had zero chill. I opened every goody bag and pushed every button and I for sure put my seat fully reclined with my soft cozy blanket for as long as possible! I have joked that the airlines keep slicing up economy sections into Serf, Peasant, and Slightly Roomier Peasant. What a treat to fly across the Atlantic in the Civilized Society with Eating Utensils section of the plane!

Party Reminder

A reminder for those who are able to come: You are invited to a party in the park!

Date: Friday, April 15

Time: 2–5 pm

Place: Forest Hills Park in Durham, NC (large picnic shelter)

If you know you are planning to come, please let me know by Monday, April 11 so that we have enough food. If you don’t RSVP, you can still feel free to come—but I can’t guarantee that we’ll still have tamales from Soul Cocina for you! (We will have vegan and celiac-friendly options.) You can leave a note below, or reply via email.

Feel free to drop by for a few minutes or a few hours. We’d love to see you.

Health Updates

Due to our travels, I will have a slightly longer than usual break in my targeted therapy treatment. That’s not a bad thing in this case—it should allow my white count to rebound while we’re traveling and help with overall energy. Pray that my immune system will be robust enough to fend off any bugs and infection threats. I’m in touch with my oncology team who have given the green light for this trip and who have been helpful in thinking through some specific issues.

Headed down south to the land of the pines …

Headed down south to the land of the pines
And I'm thumbin' my way into North Caroline
Starin' up the road
Pray to God I see headlights

I made it down the coast in seventeen hours
Pickin' me a bouquet of dogwood flowers
And I'm a hopin' for Raleigh
I can see my baby tonight