Catch up blog

It has been almost a week since the last post and there is so much to report that it is overwhelming to start. It is always good to start with the very real and tangible answers to prayers.

1. Our house is sold in FL as of today. Done. Thank you God for answering that prayer.


2. Mike is hungry. I have always asked that we pray that Mike develop a hunger and actually want to eat. Thank you God for answering that prayer.


3. VA is done (for now). We were able to make all the appointments and now the Doctors will send the reports to Waco and we will probably here from the VA about those finding in September.


4. Mike's platelets are slowing improving. They are at 67. Thank you God.


5. Mike is up to 175 pounds now. Thank you God for giving him strength little by little.



It is funny though how ad mist all these incredible gifts, that there is still some pretty intense sadness. Selling our home is Florida is devastating both on a financial level and on a emotional level. When I called to tell the realtor we would accept the offer on the house, I broke down and cried. (I am tearing up writing this..). There is so much emotion wrapped up there and the fact that the last time I saw my house I thought I would be back. But I gladly sacrifice the house (and our financial investments) in exchange for Mike. I have prayed that the new owners will be blessed there and that they will experience great Joy and Life within those walls.



There is also the shock factor too. Maybe numbness. Maybe now what? Actually we wait. Wait first of all on the Lord to show us our next step. Wait on the official paperwork so we can reapply to the VA for another eligibly certificate. Wait on blood levels to improve. The best way to say it has already been said .... Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).



The best thing about the past week have been the incredible angels that have visited us. Carol met us at Panera for lunch last week. I wish it could have lasted longer, but she needed to get back to Waco and we needed to deal with the house closing/documents. The Kiviojia came over Friday on their way to Eglin AFB. Again, it was a short stay but brought us so much joy.



Elizabeth got to go to a Swim Clinic on Saturday. The instructors where Josh Davis and Jason Lezak. Check out this picture:

That is Elizabeth with 3 Gold Medals around her neck. She said they were heavy. It was an incredible opportunity to spend a few hours in the pool with these athletes (and Christians) and she even raced them at one point... and LOST just in case you are wondering.

Mike. He continues to amaze me everyday. One thing in particular I want to blog about tonight. On our first trip to the VA, Mike was meeting with the doctor. The doctor asked how he was and Mike responds, " I am blessed. You are looking at a person that was supposed to be dead a month ago and I am still here. God is so faithful and done miraculous things." Of course I tear up (not in the good way). I still hate hearing that and just roll through a million emotions and thoughts. So we get in the car and our on the way home and I finally ask him, " Mike, how can you do that? How can you be so joyful, enthusiastic and just announce things so confidently." He responds, "That is what God wants me to do. Remember that we will live to declare the miraculous works of God. " (Doug's Mom - remember??) That really humbled me yet again. He is so right. Since that conversation, it has helped me tremendously. When we went back to the VA yesterday, he declared it over and over and I didn't tear up. The best thing is the response we get. We get encouragement. One doctor said that only He knows the number of our days. One doctor told us that he has a friend still alive 8 years later that had pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver.

There is so much more to tell. Mike was asked to give his testimony at church this weekend. We are going to Lake for the 4th, so we can't. BUT I look forward to the day when he will. I will try to record it and post it somehow. I will try to blog more often. We go to the doctor tomorrow and basically find out if we are able to go on our beach trip next week. We also need to make some decisions about the feeding tube, esophageal stretch, port and a visit to Cleveland Clinic.

Prayer needs:

Pray that we will be able to hear God's audible voice for the next step in our journey in regards to a home and to medical needs.

Mike's esphogus to open up. It is very tight again and he can only do liquids.

Insurance issues - medical bills and the pain that they can be when they are not billed right

Our vacation. I really want to go, Elizabeth wants to go, Mike wants to be with us. We need divine guidance and protection and wisdom

Praise:

That He is faithful to answer our prayers!

It is July 1, 2009 and Mike not only still here, but doing well!