“Whirlwind” seems to be the most common description of our summer furloughs Stateside – it is fitting.
Within the first three weeks of our trip, we had taken seven flights. By the last of which, I had developed another blood clot (this is my tenth one, but the first major one while I was in the States). By God’s providence, I was able to get emergency care and genetic testing (neither of which could happen in Pucallpa). A huge blessing in this is that we got “stuck” in Ohio with my brother and his wife who were housing and caring for our college kids through the summer. So, we were able to be together with our kids for an unplanned, extended period – so thankful! The downside was that we didn’t have as much time in Georgia to visit the rest of our family or churches as we would have liked, but I am thankful to be alive!
Here's the miracle - blood tests came back positive for Factor V Leiden, which is a genetic mutation that causes blood clots. The only treatment is to take blood thinners for the rest of my life. This comes with risks, certainly, but the most amazing thing about it is that this medicine has given me my life back! The doctors say that is because my blood is finally able to flow freely and do its job – getting oxygen and nutrients to my organs, and… I finally have normal blood volume and pressure – which makes me feel more alive than I’ve felt in years. Praise Jesus! This is such an incredible gift! Now, since we’ve traveled home, I have run into my new limitations. I realize that I still have a chronic illness (ME/CFS), but I am so thankful to be functioning in the mild category right now instead of the moderate to severe where I’ve lived for so many years. God is so good. He is good when I’m well, and He is so very good when I’m ill. Jesus is sweeter. Jesus is better than any blessing or gift – He is the gift!
When we left home to fly to the States in mid-June, we had so many needs that seemed unmet, but God in His abundant grace, had already gone before us and made a way.
· He provided good caretakers for our house, the mission base, and our animals while we were gone.
· He provided a car to drive the insane amount of miles that are needed to visit our churches and family and move kids into college. And not just any car - a nearly-new Jeep that belongs to the most precious people willing to give their best to His service.
· He provided a car for Ethan (miraculous in this market and our budget), a phone and plan, a safe a loving place to live and work for the summer, a winter wardrobe, and all the things needed to set up an independent child!
· He provided beautiful places for us to get away for a few days as a whole family – such a precious treasure to have time all together, and a couple of days just for the two of us.
Each of these things (and so many more blessings) came just when we needed them – never late, but not early enough for me to take any of the credit for planning it at all. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
A quick cameo on each of our children -
Corynn has begun her second year of classes at Cedarville University having made the Dean’s list both semesters last year. She is a senior and has added pre-med classes (and another year) to her Psych degree. She also moved off campus and is working diligently to pay her way to a double major degree in Psychology and Health. She is a sweet light for Jesus everywhere she goes!
Ethan graduated in May with a 4.1 GPA and two years of college credits under his belt and began his life on campus at Cedarville University as a junior. He is on the President’s list and is working two jobs to pay his way toward a degree in Computer Engineering. He is also thrilled to be a goalkeeper for an intramural soccer team!
Clara is a high school sophomore this year and is a student at SAM (South America Mission) Academy. She is also beginning her journey with her first dual enrollment class this semester with Letourneau University! She is adjusting well to being the only child at home, and we cherish this time that we have with her.
God’s hand of blessing is over our family! We offer every good thing back to Him with open hands to use as He sees fit. Thank you all for your faithful support and prayers for us! We are so excited to be home and able to get back to work!
“It is only in realizing our own inadequacy that we actually ever come to discover the sufficiency of God.” – Alistair Begg