George Martzen "georgos"

 Here is the latest. Last week we heard from the transplant team at the UCLA Medical Center.  I have been dropped from the program due to my gastric problem and weight loss, but they assured me that once that is resolved, I could be reinstated, and hopefully placed on the wait list asap.  Needless to say, my primary focus is on that weight gain.  I've had several important conversations recently with a nutritionist and the gastroenterology doctor to help me get me weight up again.  The nutritionist basically reminded me to eat 4-5 caloric rich meals each day. The gastroenterologist also highlighted that my body is working overtime, so my I'm more tense and constantly burning calories.  Pray for me, that I can be relaxed enough and welcoming of those nutrients, so can get back with the UCLA program.  Pray also for Chin Cheak as she has taken on most of the household chores as well as caring for me. 

Retirement is a wonderful achievement.  Of course, people in ministry "never" retire, but I am retiring from the itinerant ministry.  I’ve worked hard and had a lot of amazing experiences, so I figured I’ve earned my golden egg. But retirement is itself a new journey, and mine has begun with splendid send-offs, as well as a rather anticlimactic downsizing, and enough medical challenges to last more than one retirement. Let me explain. The ramp-up to my July 1 retirement began with a full house at Sage Granada Park UMC’s Hawaiian themed lunch on May 20, with tributes from just about everyone including the Language School Taiko drummers and Mission area friends.  Even the District Superintendent was there.  What a joy! I was so grateful for the outpouring of love. I also had my last chapel with the Nursery School kids, and they gave me a wonderful tribute.  In June, I attended the Conference Celebration of Ministry dinner and then Chin Cheak’s retirement dinner....