Big smile from Nathan.

Hi guys,

What a week this has been. It has been an emotional roller coaster for our family. As you know we took Nathan to see Dr. Dersnah on Monday. Nathan was feeling low and had been complaining for a while of feeling tired.

He did the blood work ad called us in Tuesday because Nathan's blood levels were out of whack (his hemoglobin for example was 45 and was suppose to be between 115-135. His red blood cells, and platelets were also really low. He told us that there was a serious blood disorder, that may be Leukemia, and he had already booked us in at the Children's Hospital in Toronto.

After we arrived, they did all the tests and have now determined that Nathan has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. More recent tests have told us that the spinal column has not been affected (this means he will not have to undergo radiation therapy as well), and that he has the lowest severity of Leukemia. I take these latest positive test results as a clear answer to prayer.

THANK YOU ALL for your prayers towards Nathan. God truly does hear and answer prayers. Thank you!!!!!!

Nathan is currently taking Chemo therapy and will be staying at the Children's Hospital for about 3 weeks as he finishes the first phase of his treatments. He will be getting a central line put in his chest next week, and will then be traveling three times per week to Toronto for a period of time, and will be off school till September. Eventually he will have less and less treatments and will be able to finish the last phase at home. We are told that his treatments will probably be over in three years time.

What can we say when Cancer visits our family? This has all appeared so abruptly, and there is no aspect of our life and family that has not been affected. Barb is currently staying with Nathan at the hospital and I have been commuting back and forth daily taking the children to visit their baby brother.

Nathan has been very brave and is holding up very well considering all the poking, and treatment he has received so far. He has been very sick from the chemo and will be loosing his hair in the next two weeks. He cannot receive visitors and only two siblings can visit at a time, and even then for only two hours.

Please continue to hold the little guy in your prayers and pray for us with all the added travel, meals, and juggling going on in our life. As my sister Betty says... "if God brings you to a situation He will take you through it!"

Please also remember to pray for Barb as she is also tired and serving as a full time care giver for Nathan. My kids are all pulling well together here at the house and people in the church have provided a lot of suppers so far. We are all very blessed.

Thank You!

Love,

Dave, Barb, NATHAN, and the rest of the family

Nathan with Dad, Ps. Dave

Nathan with Mom, Barb

Nathan with sister Becky

Long Distance Church - Christianity.ca

Long Distance Church - Christianity.ca

Long Distance Church
Bayview Glen Church, Toronto, has the corner on the world's only genuine "cell" group, and that's the truth!
by Sam Nasser

During the Persian service at Bayview Glen Church in Toronto several months ago, my wife Zorah reported to me that Menu, one of the ladies was always talking on a cell phone during my preaching. I had noticed it too, and it had somewhat disturbed me. Perhaps there was an emergency, I thought. The pattern continued. The next week, there she was on the phone again. Again I ignored it. Finally my wife told me, "If you don't say something to her, Sam, I will."
Long Distance Church

I invited Menu to my office to talk.

"But Pastor! I already told you! My husband in Iran is very interested in how I became a Christian because of listening to you."

"All well and good," I said, "but what's the thing with the cell phone?"

"I bought a calling card ($10 for two hours)," she replied, "and I call my husband in Tehran so he can hear you preaching. He puts the call on the speakerphone so my mother and sister can hear too. They have been inviting other friends and family over, and for the past three months, they have been listening to you preach. More people come every week. I am not talking on the phone. I'm just holding it up so they can hear your message about Jesus!"

The following week, this lady sat at the front of the congregation. After my message on how much Jesus loves us as His treasured children, I asked if there were people who wanted to pray to receive Jesus into their hearts.

"My husband! My husband!" Menu shouted from the second row. "My husband got saved! My mother and sister want to come to the Lord too!" [ Rest Of Story ]

Here's Tito Lits with buddy Dave. Dave is getting better and stronger every ride we take. I am pretty sure you'll have enough stamina by the time the Tour De L'Ile of Montreal rolls into town first Sunday of June 2005. Lord willing you will have a nicer bike and some more appropriate cycling outfit (not just for looks but for cycling efficiency) in the very near future. Maybe we should take you shopping at MEC.

Thanks Pilo for riding back with us to the 55th Ave junction. Uncle Pilo met up with Dave and I this afternoon for a short but fun 18km ride; wind, bugs, and all that jazz. Pilo's reflective tape on his jacket absorbed all the light from the camera flash :) Isn't he well lit, just like a Christmas tree? Christmas in April, hmmmm.

One of the new banners lining up the bike path. I thought you'd like to see it.

Dave, heading south east on the Lachine Canal Bike Path, towards the direction of downtown Montreal. Turned out to be a lovely day for a leisurely ride (sprints every now and then).

Pretty soon we'll have to equip you, Dave, with the proper cycling outfit, properly fitted bike, and, oh yeah, a bottle of Gatorade :-)

April 23,2005 Joint Birthday Celebration; celebrants: Brent, Erika, Paul, and Auntie Chanty

Dessert- what more can I say :), except "Yummy!"

April 23,2005 Joint Birthday Celebration; celebrants: Brent, Erika, Paul, and Auntie Chanty

L-R: Dad, Wena, Mom, Lenny, Grace, Rosie and Tito Lits

April 23,2005 Joint Birthday Celebration; celebrants: Brent, Erika, Paul, and Auntie Chanty (not in the picture).

To the left of Brent there's Nikki & Mom; sister Lenny is to the right of Pauly Boy.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Inside the Cafe looking out, old and new architecture blending and complementing each other making the downtown Montreal landscape a sight to see.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Inside one of our favorite breakfast pit stop, a restaurant inside the Le Faubourg Mall, on St. Catherine St. W. Asked Tita Nil to look away from the camera, she turned to look that way :)

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Waiting for the traffic light to turn green. Mont-Royal looms in the background.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
A beautiful townhouse, corner of Rene Levesque Blvd and St. Marc St.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Part of the Canadian Museum of Architecture, corner of Rene Levesque Blvd and St. Marc St.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Grafitti art adorn the concrete pillars that support the Ville Marie Expressway.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Here's our exit - breakfast stop at Le Faubourg, St. Catherine St. near St. Mathieu St.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.

Tried a different setting for this shot, also did a flash fill in. Not bad. :)

During the summer you can get on a ferry boat that will take you from Rene Levesque Park to the other side, St. Joseph Blvd, Lachine and vice versa. One of those cheap thrills we like to take advantage of every now and then :)

If you're ever in Montreal, specially during the summer, have a picnic, or go for a stroll in Rene Levesque Park. There's a bike and roller blade rental shop at the entrance to the Park. The marina is usually full with all sizes of boats, yachts. You may also board a cruise boat that'll take you for a short tour along the St. Lawrence river - dinner is available. Lots of fine restaurants (reasonably priced too) along St. Joseph's Blvd (parallel to the bike path).

The cooler temperature and wind late yesterday afternoon gave us more cycling room along the Lachine Canal bike path as well as inside the Rene Levesque Park.

Still inside Rene Levesque Park, snapped a photo of a freighter making its way through one of the locks along the St. Lawrence River.

Dave looks a little disoriented :) It's been a long long time since he rode for more than a kilometer :) Trying to ease him in, Lord willing he'll be ready to go for a leisurely ride, or should I say, Charity Ride, with us, just like the last time we rode with Nick-Nick.

Uncle Pilo, we took out the old Peugeot for a ride yesterday afternoon. Rode with my buddy from church, Dave M.

Art sculptures in Rene Levesque Park, silhouette against the beautiful sunset.

Sunset as viewed from the Rene Levesque Park. Took this photo during one our stops (bike ride with Dave Maye).

60 Seconds to Debt-free Living

60 Seconds to Debt-free Living

60 Seconds to debt-free living

Picture yourself debt-free -- no more bouts of anxiety over mounting credit card balances, no more slavery to your debt, and no chance of threats from the dreaded collection agency. You can do it! Here's the scoop -- in one minute flat. [ more ]

FOB, Fresh Off The Boat

"F O B - FRESH OFF THE BOAT" Pauly Boy, returning from our Oka, Two Mountains, Laval ride.

Yahoo! News - More snow looms for Montana, Wyoming; severe threat continues in Nebraska, Iowa

Yahoo! News - More snow looms for Montana, Wyoming; severe threat continues in Nebraska, Iowa

Emily, looks like more snow is coming your way.

"More snow looms for parts of Montana and Wyoming later today tonight, while severe thunderstorms lurk for portions of Nebraska and Iowa.

Winter storm and heavy snow warnings remain posted for south-central Montana and have been issued for northwest Wyoming as snow is expected to increase again later today and tonight. A total of up to two feet of new snow may pile up in the mountains by tomorrow, with 8-12 inches coating lower elevations. Elsewhere in the West, gusty winds are whipping over the Southwest. High wind warnings have been issued for north-central and northeast Arizona where gusts may hit 60 mph this afternoon and evening. Blowing dust and sand may cause problems. "

Yahoo! News - Armstrong to Retire After Tour De France

Yahoo! News - Armstrong to Retire After Tour De France: "Armstrong to Retire After Tour De France "

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Lance Armstrong is retiring after this year's Tour de France, ending a cycling career in which he inspired millions by overcoming testicular cancer to win his sport's signature event a record six straight times. [ More ]

April 16,2005 Ride with Uncle Pilo

Photos from Tito Lits and Pilo's April 16,2005 Saturday Morning Ride.

Photos above: "Look-out", Mont Royal. Good place to train for climbing.

Near the Old Port of Montreal, along the Lachine Canal Bike Path.

Here's Pauly and I earlier this April 2005.

Happy and Safe Riding to one and all!!

Climbing Techniques

Climbing Techniques

Whewww! My first climb of the year, attempted to go up Mont-Royal, made it as far as the look out. Wasn't familiar with the terrain, how far to the top, etc., plus, poor climbing techniques I guess, OK, plus weight and gravity working against my favor.

Will try and complete the climb next time, will climb at least twice!

Going down, of course, was the free ride. I coasted down at 62 km/hr.

Climbing Techniques

If you are lucky enough to live in a location with hills and mountains, then you know the joys of climbing. While some riders will experience more of this than others, the basics of climbing are the same.

The most important thing to remember about climbing is that you need to conserve your energy. You can do this a couple of ways:

* Use a gear that you can pedal at about 80 rpm
* Alternatively you can shift up one cog (that is, go to the next smaller cog) as you near the top. This keeps the legs spinning nicely until you're close enough to the top that you're ready to give it everything you've got. More

Rode Solo

It was great cycling, biking, weather this past Sunday. After lunch we went home, to get some snooze was the plan. But, who could pass up a good opportunity for a bike ride on such a beautiful day? No way Jose!

Paul had a meeting to go to and so I went by my lonesome for what turned out to be a 32km ride (says my CatEye). The sun was out but the wind was out there as well. Overall, thank You Lord, it was a good ride.

I took the Salaberry route to Kirkland, pass by the Cinema Colissee, Chemin St. Marie, Anse De Lorme, back to home through Gouin Blvd.

See you lata IATA

Heard from Karen that it's official, her current job position will be moved to (IATA) Geneva. After 18 years :( - hoping the compensation package will be a very good one. I don't think she wants to move her family to Geneva. Trust the Lord is what I will do too, Karen.

Had a great time with Karen, Dave, and their two boys (teenagers really) this past Saturday evening. We went to Chinatown for dinner; good deal, package for 10 people for $108.00, tax included (if you pay cash). The food was great. It was our second time to eat at this particular restaurant, first time was a month or two ago, for lunch. Trish, Pam and Allen were also with us. After dinner, we took the usual stroll to Old Montreal, the Old Port; stopped for some ice cream (dessert) at a McDonald's by the City Hall.

Sunday

BTW, great worship service- played and sang with Earl's team.

Lunch- we decided to go to Marathon Restaurant (yes, we do enjoy eating out, we do quite often) with Karen, Dave and the boys. Karen was very concerned with Dave's health. He's still recovering from severe depression and anxiety. He's been back to work on a light schedule; 3 days a week, half day only. I don't think he's really keen in going back to a job that he's disliked for many years now. I suggested for him to cut the cord loose, let go, and let God lead him to a different job. This going back to work, I think, triggered this resurgence of depression and anxiety. Tough situation Karen and Dave are going through at this time. Prayer, prayer, prayer- God is faithful.

Trust the Lord our God - some verses from the Book of Romans

Visit with Collin and Jackie

Visited Collin at the Jewish General Hospital this past Saturday. Pastor Bill and the members of the Elder's Board (except Denis) were present. We prayed, laid hands on Collin, and we are hopeful that God will choose to heal and restore Collin's health through the medical professionals or supernaturally- ultimately, His will be done.

We are truly amazed and moved by the love and dedication of his family to care for him unceasingly.

As a church, we will be considering in what way we will assist the family- there's a need, for example, for a specially equipped van for the physically handicapped. There's the need for financial support as Jackie has stopped working for the City of Hudson in order to take care of Collin full-time.

I'm sure the Lord will reveal the direction He would like for us to take when we seek His will and guidance.

[ Previous post ]

Happy Birthday to our one and only son

Happy Birthday to our one and only son, Paul aka Pauly Boy.

God loves you and so do we all: Dad, Mom, Pam, Trish, Lola, Papa, the rest of the Espinosa Clan. :-)

As Jabez prayed thousands of years ago to God, I pray that God bless you indeed! May He enlarge your territory (in all areas of your life), may His hand be with you (guide you, lead you, prosper all the works of your hand), may He keep you from harm and evil, may He cause you to be a blessing to others, for His glory.

I'll end this with one of my favorite verses from the apostle Paul's (your namesake) letter to the Philippians, Philippians 1:3, "I thank the Lord everytime I remember you".

Cycling Season 2005

Our 2005 cycling season first ride to the Old Port of Montreal through the Lachine Canal bike path.

Uncle Pilo took the photo with his brand new cellphone / camera imported from the Philippines.

Beaver Tail's at the Old Montreal is still closed. I thought Paul and I could split one. The toilets along the path are also, still closed. The bike path officially opens on April 15.

Thanks Pilo!!

How the Pope Turned Me Into An Evangelical - Christianity Today Magazine

Interesting read, I'd like to share with you all- be blessed!

How the Pope Turned Me Into An Evangelical - Christianity Today Magazine

Rosy-cheeked and slender, still in good shape in his mountain-hiking years, Karol Wojtyla reassured me with his smile everywhere I looked.

Poland's greatest son showed up in the predictable spots—the walls of churches and people's apartments, fake gold-embossed standards carried by priests in religious processions, graveyard candles, postal stamps, coins, and book covers. But the likeness of Pope John Paul II was just as likely to turn up on the pen I took to school, a vodka glass at a black market, a stray button in my grandma's desk drawer, coloring books for children, a rayon shawl draped around the neck of woman on a bus, and on calendars hanging in our neighborhood butcher's shop.

Before my conversion to the religion of Billy Graham—which caused my hard-partying high school friends to openly lament my "illness"—I had never been to a home that didn't display the retouched images of Poland's holy trinity. I'm talking, of course, about Mary (commonly referred to as the Queen of Poland), the fruit of her womb Jesus Christ, and a devoted follower of theirs, the pope.

[ Rest of article ]

Mom and Dad with their first born.

We celebrated Nil's birthday mid-week and also had another one that weekend with the rest of the Espinosa crew.

We're so blessed to have so many excuses to get together with family and loved ones. That also explains why it's tough to keep off those poundage. :-)

l-r: Tito Lits, Tita Nil, Pam, Trish, Mom and Dad
btw, for those who don't know, Tito or Tita means
Uncle or Auntie :-)

Been so busy lately, with what, I can't really remember.

Maybe I should keep a journal; but that's what this blog should be all about :-). Forget it.

Anyway, a few weeks ago Tita Nil, Tito Lits' better, much better half, celebrated another birthday, March 16.

How old is Tita Nil? Are you kidding, asking that question? Revealing her true age is punishable by death through starvation, or as we say in Tagalog, "gutom".

Happy Birthday!! There, you're in my Blog now :-)