Monday, 21 November 2011

Hey everyone,

Emma had her most recent examination last Friday. It was disappointing to say the least. Doctors added 4 new medications to her regimen and have determined that she must undergo continued and focused treatment for the next 6 months. So, it seems, we will continue with all 8 of the medications for the next 6 months at least and very likely longer I suppose (or maybe it is just me that is thinking that).

Please continue to pray for us. And, especially for Emma.

Thanks.

Friday, 11 November 2011

Hi Y’all….

 

Things are going well here.  Emma’s doing well too.

 

We took her to the hospital yesterday to have blood drawn in preparation for her appointment next week.  While she was having her blood drawn it struck me that God really does have a sense of humor.  It wasn’t too long ago that Emma was THE child in the family that hated needles.  In the past, she’s had such an emotional reaction to having to get a shot that I’ve seen blood shoot several feet from the injection point.  Now, she just sits calmly and waits as the doctor(s) do their thing.

 

It is amazing to me that the Lord would take our one child who hates needles and give to them a condition that requires they get stuck frequently.  I am not sure I will ever understand how or why He does things.

 

Hope you all have a great weekend.

 

sf

Saturday, 5 November 2011

Our little family reunion has been sweet and precious.  Cannot put it into words how great it has been to see all of the kids.  It is amazing how much some of them grew in the just under 3 months we were gone.

 

Everybody is doing fine.  We are patiently waiting to see what the Lord has in mind for us over the next several months. 

 

Emma’s next appointment is in a about 2 weeks so we’ll know more then.  Please pray for her.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

Steve

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Hello Everyone,
 
The kids and I made it back to the States today without any problems whatsoever.  Our reunion was sweet and, at times, tear filled.
 
We enjoyed a great lunch and a quiet evening.  Winding the day down at 8 PM tonight as I type this.
 
Thanks for your prayers.
 
Steve

Monday, 31 October 2011

Hey There,
 
Kids and I are about ready for our return to the States.  Have got just a bit of last minute packing and a few loose end to tie up and then we'll be ready.
 
It really is with mixed emotions that we are returning.  On the one hand we'll be reunited with family, my family - Janice and the kids.  But, on the other hand, we are leaving (at least for a while) the place where are hearts want to be and where our Call has placed us.
 
We can only trust and wait and listen.  In His time He will make His plans known to us.
 
I will continue blogging while we are in the States so that everyone can be up to date on our family and especially Emma.
 
Thanks for praying.
 
sf

Tuesday, 25 October 2011

Found out today we all will be returning to the States on November 1st.  That is, we will leave Chad on the 1st. and arrive at SEATAC on the 2nd.  A mixture of relief, sadness, and perplexity.  Not sure what the future holds except that we want to be nowhere except in His will.
 
See you.

Monday, 24 October 2011

Hi Y'all,

Hope you and your family are doing well. We are "hanging in there" around here. Despite the fact the Welcome Center has been quite busy we have had relatively quiet days. All of the equipment seems to be running pretty reliably and our guests seem to be reasonably happy and well cared for. So, that's all good.

What's not all good is that the 6 of us that are here will be returning to the States within the next week or two because Emma's situation has not improved. If anything it has become more complicated and it is precisely its complicated nature that has necessitated our return for it is probable that Emma's condition will require at least 4 more months of treatment and investigation before she can be officially declared stabilized. And, without her condition stabilized we cannot go back to Chad. We are confident that a solution can be found which gives her stability and that we will also find a doctor or two in Chad who can continue her care by performing regular examinations of Emma. But, until then, we have decided (along with our Mission) that the best thing to do is to reunite as a family.

So, it's back to the States.

Please pray for Emma. And pray for our family.

Have a great week.