Marc had another Mononucleosis (mono) test done and it looks like he might have had it recently and is now in the "convalescent" stage. On the other hand, it is also likely that his antigens are high because of the mono he had as a teenager, so it's still all not clear what the deal is. Regardless, since there is nothing that can be done about the E-B virus except for the body to do its own thing (unless it results in other infections), we are simply hoping that he will feel better with time. Meanwhile,we will keep watch on symptoms for Shuwen as it is rather likely she will have it too (but the symptoms may never show depending on how her body deals with it). Marc also will be getting his ears checked out as the dizzy-spells continue and are not in accordance with mono symptoms. Eck.

This week was especially poignant for us as we visited the father of one of the young Karen refugee families our church sponsors in the hospital. The-Blay was involved in a car accident two weeks ago which will leave him paralyzed. It is sad to know of such things happening to anyone, but it is particularly sad when it is an otherwise vigorous young man who had just been given new hope to start his family's life anew after spending most of his life in refugee camps that were constantly being attacked. The-Blay's family have been adjusting well to life in the US and had steady jobs, but now things are looking rather precarious. Our church and the local Karen community has been very supportive towards him and his family, but there is still a long hard road ahead. So far the rehabiltation has helped some and he is now able to move his arms somewhat.

On some better news, Shuwen made a decent effort in her first 10K out in Cary, NC this morning, finishing in 51:06 on a rather challenging course with long rolling hills the whole way. One of her dissertation committee members, Harsha, who is a new assistant professor in her department and someone who runs with Marc about once a week ran in the 1/2 marathon race and won it. Marc didn't race and formed the support team for a change.

~ Shuwen & Marc