We have nothing to fear

I can't believe that it is 330 am and i cannot sleep. I woke up a few hours ago overwhelmed with  emotion. Not sure what emotion but I felt the need to post and update. Sometimes things just don't make sense to us until later. Anyway,. I have to go to work in a few hours. Hopefully, I will be able to sleep after this.

 I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude. I am grateful mostly for God's love and a peace which surpasses understanding which has been provided to our family during this time. We appreciate each and every person who has taken time to pray for Colleen and our family. God has been so good to us . Colleen has not had to be hospitalized for any viral or bacterial illnesses, she has responded well to her treatments, and we have only 3 months left of intensive chemotherapy and then she will be in maintenance. This is once a month chemo at the office and some pills at home but she will be able to return to school. I am grateful that God has given us a new focus, reminded us that the most important thing in life is sharing his love and salvation's plan to others. I am grateful for the new friends that we have made along the way. Doctors, nurses, other children with cancer. We are thankful that Colleen's cancer is 90 percent curable and that her treatment has gone well. She has no residual effects from the stroke or methotrexate neurotoxicity that she had early in treatment. We are thankful for the support from others during this time. Our friends at Annapolis hospital preop and recovery, our friends in the NICU at Oakwood Dearborn, the Dearborn Police Department, the Dearborn Heights Police and fire departments, the wart hogs,  our church family at Inter-CIty Baptist, our family and  and so many others that have helped us along the way. Once again thank you for your kindness and especially your prayers for Colleen. Our God is the Great Physician, he is bigger than cancer! We have nothing to fear. 

Colleen entered the hospital on tuesday for her last scheduled inpatient chemotherapy. Lord willing, she will come home on Saturday or possibly Sunday. Please pray that she will be able to clear the chemo quickly so she can go home. Please also pray that she will either not get mouth sores or that they will heal quickly. Colleen's doctor stopped in to see her yesterday and told her that she is her only patient that is excited to start chemo. I think she just wants it over so that she can return to school but we appreciate her taking time to visit. 

After speaking to the principal, we have decided to enroll Colleen in online classes for the fall. She will most likely return to school in October sometime. Please pray that she will be feel well enough to be able to do her work and that God will help her remain positive despite the fact that she cannot return to school in the fall. 

John chapter 14 says: Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself:, that where I am may you be also.  Jesus said unto him, I am the way the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the father but by me. 

It is our prayer that every person will know the joy that comes with knowing and having a personal relationship with God who hears and answers our prayers. God does not promise us an easy life but he does promise to remain beside us to help us through. We look forward to spending an eternity in heaven with our Lord and Savior!

Weathering this trial

Colleen came home from the hospital on the 4th of july at about 4pm. We are thankful that she was able to go to the pool and swim for a bit. She also won 3rd place in the table decorating contest. She insisted that i decorate even though she was in the hospital. I was not thrilled to decorate in the 100 degree heat but it was worth the effort. She was pleased.

We found out this week that Colleen will not be able to attend school in the fall. She will not be done with her chemotherapy. The earliest that she can return is October. She is understandably disappointed- really quite devastated. She misses her friends. Please pray for direction for us as we decide whether to have a teacher come from the public school or continue trying to keep up at home. That Singapore math is really tough for the kids and the instructors. Please continue to pray that she will tolerate the chemo without any further side effects and that she will remain well. God has protected her from colds and viruses so far. We are trying to remain content as we weather this trial but it is hard at times even though we know that God's plan is best.

Thank you for praying for Colleen's room mate this last admission. She was able to eat and felt much better than previous admissions. Her family was puzzled but we were not. We know  God hears our prayers and answers them. Thank you for your continued prayers for Colleen and her friend. Please pray for continued oportunities to witness to others and demonstrate God's love.

Gods direction

Sorry it has been so long since i updated the blog. We have had out of town guests. My sister and her family were here to visit- both sisters at different times so we have been busy. We really enjoyed visiting with both families.

Colleen is currently at children's hospital and got her chemo from friday to Saturday. Her first level was only .71 and last time the first methotrexate level was over 30. She is really excited and praying that she can go home early. Colleen has been feeling pretty well between her treatments which are every 3 weeks. Last week she attended bible school at Bethesda Baptist and is currently playing kick ball on Wednesday nights there. When my sister was here,,she went to the zoo and The Henry Ford.  She has a slight cold please pray that this will clear up soon. Just a nagging cough despite that fact that she takes 9 robitussin pills per day to help prevent further strokes from the chemotherapy. She was relieved and excited to finish her research paper for English but still has make up work to complete. Please pray that she will feel well enough to complete her work and please pray that she is able to return to school in the fall. We are so grateful for God's love and direction.
 I recently began a new job and I am very excited. The work load is reasonable and everyone has been really kind. I was heartbroken when I was not hired at my previous job but God knows what is best for us even when we feel disappointed and heartbroken he is there to guide us and knows what is best. I am so thankful for his love and direction.

This admission Colleen has an 8 year old room mate who always gets sick with her chemotherapy. We have been praying that she will remain well and praise God she has been able to eat this admission and is feeling quite well. Please pray for her also. Our God is an awesome God. He is all knowing, omnipotent and wonderful.