Needed: Nerves of Steel

Late this afternoon Kathryn and I left for the grocery store and I gave Paul all of the instructions he needed to check Qavah's blood sugar and advised him regarding her snacks.  He let her watch a movie while he finished up his work day.  Then he decided to walk up two flights of stairs, retrieve our laundry from the dryer, and come back to Qavah.  His plan didn't work as he had hoped. Qavah didn't wait in the room. While Paul waited for the dryer to finish Qavah went on an adventure.  She put on her jacket and face mask and decided to walk over to the hospital to check out her old room and say hi to the nurses.

When Paul got back with the laundry, I was just walking in with groceries.  I asked where Qavah was, and we both dashed around the apartment looking for her when we realized she was missing. I ran to a phone to report her missing while Paul followed his hunch and went over to the hospital. On his way through the corridor, a nurse came walking toward Paul with a smiling Qavah!  "We love to have you visit us Qavah, but only with your Mom and Dad," she explained.  She handed Qavah over to Paul and the two of them headed back to the apartment.  Paul phoned me immediately and I cancelled the search.

For about fifteen minutes today we were frantic.  Not because Qavah would intentionally get into mischief, but because we no longer live in a world where little girls and boys are safe to be out on their own.  Qavah was able to follow people through two security doors and work the elevator on her own.  We are torn between thinking she was foolish, and yet, proud of her for being so resourceful.  She made it all the way to the ninth floor of the hospital and went back to her old room to see if anyone had moved in.  She had a wonderful time, and had some hugs from friends. 

Qavah feels good enough to walk a long way, she feels like seeing visitors, and she enjoyed her outing today.  While she was very sick, we were hoping for her full recovery and today was proof that that day has come.  Now we can say she is back to being an ordinary kid. Now we ask for your prayers for wisdom and strength to withstand the shocking things kids can do as they are growing up.  Being a parent takes nerves of steel.

New Life

I took the girls outside to the cafeteria patio last evening just before returning Qavah to her hospital room for the night.  I couldn't resist the sunset.  The air was mild and the girls sat together on one of the lounge chairs while I snapped a picture.  This photograph is filled with the goodness of God. Kathryn is walking using her brand new hip, without getting weary. Qavah has a completely new blood supply and the doctor told me yesterday that she is now healed of Diamond Blackfan Anemia. Her new bone marrow is working strong, and even her immune system is up and beginning to function two months ahead of schedule.  I look into the girls' faces and know that I am seeing the evidence of God at work, and my heart is giving Him a standing ovation.

Blessing!

Paul and I left Pittsburgh at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday and drove until we met up with Kathryn and Paul Burton.  They started out about the same time heading north while we drove south.  Because of a traffic jam on I-81, Paul Burton and Kathryn sat in traffic for more than an hour. Therefore, Paul and I continued to drive all the way to the Virginia boarder until we met.  I saw the roadsign that said "Roanoke" and was suprised by tears. Next week marks three months away from home, and until I saw the sign, I thought I was pretty well adjusted to life in Pittsburgh.

When we finally met up with Paul Burton and Kathryn, we had lunch together.  Qavah sat as close to Paul Burton as possible throughout the meal.  Before I knew it I was in the car driving back to Pittsburgh with the girls while Paul went on home to Roanoke with Paul Burton.  The plan worked out well and we were back to the hospital in time to hook Qavah back up to her IV pole for evening medications.  The time away was good for all of us.  Qavah has been a bit teary today.  Hearing Paul's voice over the phone seems to trigger an attack of homesickness.  It is not as easy to distract her with the promise of a movie or another activity, as it once was.  We are doing our best to keep her happy, and little games, gifts, and greeting cards, continue to trickle in every day. Thanks to many of you for those little happy gifts!

I looked across the table to these three smiling faces and know without a doubt that my life has been blessed.  Kathryn has a new hip and Qavah a new blood supply. They looked so strong and healthy. Paul Burton brought me some gluten free cookies and stated that he was happy to do it, but will be happier when we are all home again. His smiling eyes, which worked effectively when he was a child getting into mischief, still melt my heart.  

Children are an heritage from the Lord.

Through the Double Doors

The double doors on the ninth floor separating the bone marrow transplant patients from the rest of the hospital opened today and Qavah walked through them wearing her face mask, which she is required to wear until one hundred days post-transplant.  Her eyes sparkled over the top of her mask so we knew she was smiling.  We walked within the hospital halls, went to the library on the sixth floor, and visited the gift shop.  We were allowed to take her outside to walk on the sidewalk beside the hospital building too.  She felt the sunshine and the wind in her face, and we could hear her giggle as she walked.  Paul pushed the ever-present IV pole and we stayed out long enough to run down the battery.  When the beeping started, we looked for an outlet in the cafeteria to recharge because it was obvious that Qavah had no intention of returning to her room.

I remember writing a post two months ago in which I mentioned the children playing in the healing garden below.  Today it was Qavah's turn to play there, and perhaps another young patient looking down from the upper floor windows felt inspired by watching Qavah.  I didn't take pictures today, but my memories are clear.  There are snapshots of the day in my heart that make me smile, and I want to give praise where praise is due.  The Lord has rescued Qavah out of many trials and miseries, and His hand is upon her as she sleeps tonight. Praise and honor go to Him.

The Power of a Dream

Yesterday I attended the ordination of the Chaplain I mentioned in a previous post. I drove across Pittsburgh through a rain storm and went about ten miles beyond my right turn because the road sign was not visible.  But I made it to the church in time to get seated and I watched the proceedings begin in the chapel.  The church was comprised mostly of African Americans, and the Chaplain from Nigeria and his family.  

This dear brother in Christ was dressed in a suit, and his wife and children had also dressed in their finest to help their Daddy celebrate his special day. The service touched my heart, because this man and his wife worked so hard to obtain his degree with four children to raise.  He humbly thanked God in his Nigerian accent, and gave honor to Him for the victory.  He then told of the day almost two decades earlier when he had just finished drying off his legs having washed them for prayers.  He was faithful to his Muslim upbringing and faithful to observe the times of prayer.  That particular day, as he was drying off his legs, he had a clear vision of being in a suit, and he was preaching Christianity.  He did not understand the vision then, and thought it would not be wise to share that vision with his Muslim family.  He really had forgotten about the vision because it didn't make any sense.  He had not planned to become a Christian.  

As he stood in front of the church in his suit telling about that vision, he said, "this is the day the vision is fulfilled."  He spoke from his heart about his love for Jesus, and his desire to reach Africa for the glory of God.  He told of the financial hardships of attending school in Texas with a growing family, and the number of times it seemed impossible to ever achieve his goal of becoming an ordained minister.  But the Lord of hosts was with him, and now that he is an ordained minister he plans to use his training to preach the Gospel.  I don't think I will ever forget the times we have had praying together over his mission while Qavah listened in from her bed in the hospital room.  He and his wife are planning to go back to Africa and accomplish the tasks the Lord brings before them.  

Before I left the chapel on Sunday, the elders and Pastor held my hands and prayed about Qavah. Their prayers for her were so humbling, and mighty.  I felt my heart strengthened after such a hard week of observing her misery.  Before we leave Pittsburgh, Lord willing, we will worship there at that little chapel again, and Qavah will meet those who prayed for her.  My heritage is Jewish.  My skin is white.  Sunday was a picture of what heaven will look like as we gather around the throne together, every color, nation, tribe, and tongue.  It is only in Christ that we will see that unity, and only through Christ that there will be peace among Muslims and Jews, and all ethnic groups.  This past Sunday, Christ was the unifying theme of our lives and worship.  Together we celebrated the life of a humble man from Nigeria with a dream, who loves the Lord with all his heart. My days here is Pittsburgh have enriched my life, and I will never be the same.

Sending Me My Brothers and Sisters

It has been a difficult day for Qavah.  This afternoon, the Chaplain came into the room for his weekly visit.   He surveyed the situation and went to sit on the sofa while I tended to Qavah's needs. When I sat down, he said, "I have just been praying a prayer of thanksgiving for Qavah, and praising God for what He is doing."  I felt encouraged by his words, which I found strengthening in the circumstances. He smiled confidently and said, "He Who began a good work in the Children's Hospital, will be faithful to complete it for Qavah." (paraphrasing Philippians 1:6) Those were faith-filled words; apples of gold delivered in due season.

As we were driving out of Roanoke two months ago I prayed, "Lord, send me your children, send me Christian brothers and sisters to help me in Pittsburgh."  I checked "yes" in the little hospital admissions box that asked the question, "Do you want a visit from the Chaplain."  Shortly after Qavah was settled into her room, a man from Africa came to visit, introducing himself as the Chaplain.  His accent reminded me of one of our own Pastors at St. John back home.  This brother, an answer to my prayer, had to flee Central Africa because of persecution. He was born into an Islamic family and became a Christian, forcing him to leave his country.  As he grew in the knowledge of the things of the Lord, his love for the scriptures grew. He is like a walking concordance, and I have come to love the spiritual conversations of this brother in Christ. He has faithfully stopped in each week to encourage me in my faith. If Qavah is well enough to leave her with a sitter, Paul and I hope to attend his ordination this coming Sunday afternoon at a church near here.  

When Kathryn was here, we were able to sit with the Chaplain and share the supernatural way God intervenes in our circumstances.  Kathryn was able to share her experiences of her time in Heaven, and he likewise had many situations to report; times when God moved mountains to deliver him.  We boasted in our God for hours, and were strengthened by it. These spiritual conversations make up my days here.  Kathryn said she felt as though she had been on a spiritual retreat when she visited.  New friends in Christ have arrived at our hospital room door, just as I requested, reminding me that God answers prayer. He is faithful, and as a result, the time here has been so sweet. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.   ~Philippians 4:6

The Boy Down the Hall

I fell hard for the little ten-year-old boy down the hall.  His smile was broad and it lit up his face. When we first arrived I caught glimpses of him playing games with the nurses, or seated in the playrooms playing computer games.  I saw him often, but I didn't see his parents.  They weren't here often.  I overheard someone say that his family life was fractured and broken and he was better off here than home.  A few days after hearing that, I met his father in the small kitchenette used by parents needing coffee or refreshment.  His father told me that his son had just a short time to live.  From that time on, I felt a strong conviction that I was to help the child somehow.  I ached for him, as I am sure many people did.  I prayed often and asked others to pray for him. Kathryn and I prayed for him several times a day.

One day last week, my heart was so burdened for that little boy that I asked permission to see him, just to sit with him.  His dad gave permission, and Kathryn and I entered his room late one night as he was settling down.  He recognized me but was most interested in Kathryn and asked about her.  I told him that Kathryn was my daughter and that she had been very sick too.  I told him that she was so sick that one day Jesus came to her and showed her what Heaven was like. He looked at her intently and wanted to know about Heaven as though he was hungry to hear it. Kathryn quietly shared her Heaven experience with him.  She began telling him about the animals in Heaven.  She told him how the animals in Heaven can roam freely and children can ride them, because they are no longer dangerous.  After listening for a while, I asked him if anyone had ever told him about how he could be sure of getting to Heaven. He said they hadn't but he wanted to know.

After a very brief explanation of the depth of the love Jesus showed us when he died for us, I asked him if he believed Jesus wanted to save him and take him to Heaven.  He said he believed.  I asked him if anyone ever prayed with him to ask Jesus to be His Lord.  He looked me right in the eye with a hunger in his soul that was almost too intense for me to witness.  He asked me, in a desperate tone if he could pray about that immediately.  With Kathryn standing beside me, and my hand in his, I prayed and he repeated, "Jesus, I believe you are God's Son and You died for me.  I ask you to be my Lord and save me.  This I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen."  When we were finished he asked Kathryn to come back and tell him more about Heaven.  The next morning, Kathryn did that.  She told him about the acres of fruit trees, the beauty of nature and freedom to enjoy it.  He fell asleep listening to her. When we left his room, I whispered to Kathryn, "Jesus said you couldn't stay in Heaven because there was more for you to do on Earth and this was a part of His plan." She smiled at me and, after that, we were at peace when we talked about the boy. 

I woke up the next morning to a vibrant dream that the beautiful little boy walked up to me in a blazing white T-shirt and khaki shorts. He grinned his usual way and said, "I am alright now, perfectly alright!" I told Kathryn about the dream immediately.  She replied, "Mom I prayed during the night that Jesus would come for him bringing a big beautiful tiger to take him into heaven riding on its back."  I was so touched by her simple trust in the things Jesus will do to express His personal love for each one of us.  I smiled just to think of it.

Just a day later, we heard he had died.  He had gone Home at last.  Not to a dysfunctional family, but to eternal peace with all the saints and angels there to greet him. Kathryn and I wept for joy when we heard the news.  He is free.  We went to a quiet place and I thanked God for sending His Son.  I thanked Him for the little boy who stole my heart, and for sending us here at a time when his heart was ready to hear the Gospel message.  I thanked Him for making it easy for a small feeble boy to enter Heaven.  He wasn't required to get out of bed to build a church or serve on a mission compound.  Jesus did the hard things for us, and all He wants from us is to hear, "I believe." 

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

Dreadlocks

Just a few days before we left Roanoke, Paul Burton and I were talking about hair.  Specifically, how to create hair for Qavah using yarn.  He went to the store and found a yarn that had a soft fuzzy texture and came home to weave the yarn into dreadlocks.  He connected them onto a piece of elastic and strung beads at the bottom of each lock.  An elastic band fits around the top of Qavah's head, and the braids hang down the sides and back of her head. She can wear a scarf or hat over the top of her head and the results are quite pretty. Qavah was pleased.  Early this morning, she decided she wanted to wear a dress and get out of pajamas.  She also wanted hair. So here is a picture of our first walk in the hallway on day 20 post transplant. She has come so far even from two days ago. Just like Sampson, her hair seemed to give her strength.

I have also been thinking about my precious son today, thankful that he enjoys weaving on his handheld loom, making hats, scarves, and now dreadlocks. He blessed his little sister with his workmanship. Thank you Paul Burton. I loved our brainstorming session, and the results put a smile on your sister's face. 

Bookends

Paul had dinner last week with Colin and Jennifer.  It was getting late and I wanted to talk to him before I went to bed so I texted him.  He didn't reply, so I texted Colin asking if his Dad had left their house yet.  Colin replied immediately and said something like, "Dad stated just a few seconds ago that he thought he should go because Mom is probably texting me about now." When Colin wrote to report that Paul and I were miles apart but still tuned into each other, I sent him back a message that was short and to the point. "Bookends." After so many years of married life we can just about predict the other.  So when he walked into the cafeteria at the hospital to greet me today, Kathryn noticed that, without consulting one another, Paul and I had both chosen to wear black and red.  I put my arms around Paul and I whispered "Bookends" in his ear.  There is a lot being held together because we are both willing to shore up our end of the commitment to our family.  Thanks be to God for my "Bookend."

Walking Miracle

Last Thursday, Kathryn's surgeon gave her the "all clear" to travel.  Two days later, Paul picked her up in Fishersville, and she is now here with me in Pittsburgh.  I have not seen her on her feet and able to walk normally since last March.  When I left, just nine days after her hip surgery, she was beginning to walk around the house a little bit.  So when I saw her striding along the hospital corridor, I knew I was seeing a walking miracle.  I am so happy to have Kathryn here with me for a little while.  

A Spiritual Journey

As Paul and I sit in Qavah's room taking our turn rubbing her feet and reading to her, we have been seeing subtle changes that have led us to believe that her healing is more than bone deep.  A healing is taking place that reaches into her innermost being. She quietly began to tell me some things that were on her heart this afternoon that had been hidden in her soul.  

Our conversation today began with Qavah saying, "I love you, Mama."  Then she began to cry and confess things that she had done in the past that she felt terrible about doing.  She told me how sad she was when she thinks about our dog, Ellie, who had to be put to sleep a couple of years ago because of her advanced age.  She tearfully told me that she was mean to Ellie when I wasn't looking and asked me to forgive her.  That confession led to more admissions of guilt in her actions and attitudes.   I said, "Qavah, I forgive you, and Jesus does too," after each admission of sin.  I felt so humbled because God chose me to be the one to forgive, and to assure her of His forgiveness.  In her physical suffering, she has been brought to a place of complete dependence on us, and a new level of trust has begun.  Today marks a new start in her relationship with me.  She trusted me to hear her confession of sin, and that I would not cast her out.  I am humbled by the actions of this little child today.  I want to shower her with my love, and add to her blessings.

Suffering is a difficult teacher.  But when suffering produces such goodness and beauty that it takes the breath away, it is a mystery why we choose to run from it.  No one I know wants to raise their hand to the question, "Who would like to suffer today?" But suffering is like a seed, and it can produce fruit of the sweetest kind.  For Qavah, who dared to show me the secret places of her heart today, her spirit is now at rest.  A weight has been lifted from her shoulders, and a sweetness and lightness has taken its place.  James 5:15-16 states, "And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed."

Scribbles from my Journal

Qavah is doing very well.  Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow!  She is at this moment singing at the top of her lungs with the music therapist.  Her transplant is complete and there is a feeling of relief around here; and there is joy.  We are all in awe of how well Qavah's body accepted the new cells.  

Ten minutes before the transplant team came into Qavah's room with the cord blood, I scribbled these words in my journal. "My thoughts are racing.  So many months and years in process all comes down to this.  The donated cells are being thawed at this moment.  The room is ready with all life-saving equipment should Qavah's body go into shock.  I am anxious, excited, giddy. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

We thank God for all of you; all who have cheered Qavah on in this quest.  The bone marrow has been "planted" into Qavah's bloodstream as seed is sown into fertile soil.  Now we wait for the cells to mature and take over.  We should see those results in 21 days, and Lord willing, platelets begin to show up in her blood in thirty days.  So many answered prayers all wrapped around today! What a gift; the gift of life.

Rest Day

Paul left the hospital last night around ten o'clock and went back to the apartment to sleep.  I remained at the hospital and continued Qavah's body washing routine throughout the night.  Around six this morning, Qavah was asleep and I looked at her peaceful little face before leaving for the apartment.  She has had a great attitude about everything, even the middle of the night interruptions.  We were cheering for her today when she wanted to eat a fortune cookie.  She cracked the cookie open and it read, "You will live a long life and eat many more fortune cookie."  The laughter that followed felt so good.

Kathryn is back at home.  She is able to eat baby food again, and is happy and thankful to be back in her beautiful bedroom at home. We have been in touch with her today, and feel so thankful for her faith, and words of courage.  She sent me a text that read, "God sweetens outward pain with inner peace." (quote by Thomas Watson) We pray her body will stabilize with rest and  baby food.  Paul is leaving Pittsburgh on Wednesday to go back home for a time.  He will be able to take care of some household responsibilities, and attend some important meetings at his office; but best of all he'll be able to spend time with the rest of the family. 

Our schedule of Qavah's BMT protocol calls today, "Rest Day".  There have been fewer nurses, fewer interruptions, and a quietness that has settled over Qavah and her room.  Tomorrow at One-thirty in the afternoon, the Bone Marrow Transplant team is scheduled to arrive with Qavah's life-saving bone marrow.  It is a big day for our family; a promise fulfilled to Qavah. 

Blood with Power

We are trying to help Qavah keep a sense of time while she is in isolation.  It is easy even for adults to lose track of the day and date, so we are trying to help ourselves as well by having set times when certain things happen.  Friday night is "movie night", and Sunday morning is our little family worship service right here in  her room.  

When we arrived in Qavah's room Sunday morning, I wore an outfit that I would wear to church, and Paul had a Bible with him as well as some grape juice and matzoh for communion.  Qavah sat up when we walked in and looked at us, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "It's church day" we announced. She got so excited. Waking up to something different than the every day hospital routine was something she needed.  I read from Psalms, Paul prayed, and then he began our communion service.  Having served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church, he is always willing to serve communion to our family.  As he broke the bread and gave it to Qavah to dip into the juice, he said, "Qavah, this is Christ's body broken for you, and His blood is more powerful than the new blood you will receive next week. His blood has the power to forgive your sins and to raise you up to live with Him forever in Heaven."  She took the bread, dipped it, put it in her mouth, and savored it. 

Sunday afternoon we were allowed to put a face mask on Qavah and take her to the chapel on the sixth floor.  We met with a Christian couple and their four children to pray, sing, and worship.  The chapel within the hospital is a meeting place for not only Christians, but also other religions of the world.  I wondered how the chapel would be set up to accommodate multiple religions and I found out on Sunday.  Behind the altar is a very nice built-in cabinet.  The cabinet doors were open to reveal a beautiful silver crucifix; a reminder of the sacrifice made on our behalf at Calvary.  For the other religions, the cabinet doors are closed, and Jesus is hidden away.  As we observed this on Sunday, we had to rejoice all the more, for hinges and closed cabinet doors can never diminish the power of that shed blood of Christ.  Just as Paul said, His shed blood has the power to forgive sin, and to raise us up.  His power is seen in this hospital in every act of love, healing, and deliverance from evil.  He isn't hidden in the cabinet in the chapel; Jesus, the Great Physician, walks these halls.  

Quietness and Confidence

This has been a quiet day here in Pittsburgh. The doctors' visits were few.  Her room seems quieter than usual. Since chemotherapy was halted for the weekend, Qavah has been taken off her IV pole, and is able to make trips to the bathroom and move about the room as she wishes.  She has been standing at the window quite a bit today watching the world go by from the ninth floor.  I thought perhaps she might be homesick because she talked about her bedroom at home and the tree house.  I misjudged her quietness.  Later, when I was reading to her, she stopped me and said, "Mama, I am staying here until I get my new blood."  Homesick or not, Qavah has come here for healing, and she declared she is not leaving here without it. 

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

Isaiah 30:15

Firsts

Since we left Roanoke on May twelfth I have learned how to use front loader washing machines, use a different microwave, coffee pot, heating and air conditioning system, and where to take our trash on the twelfth floor.  I've learned the hospital routine and when doctors make their rounds.  I've learned how to scan and use entry keys to different parts of the hospital, and where to go in the hospital for snacks, food, and coffee.  

In taking care of Qavah, we have had to learn to feed her using the bone marrow transplant diet, how to bathe her to keep her central lines from getting wet, and how to take her to the bathroom with an IV pole attached to her at all times.  Throw in Qavah's mysterious fevers and and night sweats, and changing her bedding and pajamas two or three times a night, and I had a new first!  I went to bed last night for what I thought would be a short nap after dinner and slept for thirteen hours.  Thank the Lord that Paul is back in Pittsburgh.  I guess I needed that nap.

Time to Talk and Listen

This afternoon I have been sitting on the sofa in Qavah's room rubbing her feet.  It is something she likes, it comforts her, and it's easy to do. There is one thing about being isolated in this room with Qavah.  I am finding her company to be delightful.  As I have been sitting with her, and not busying myself with chores around the house, she has talked to me about her desire to learn to cook when we get home.  During our conversation it seemed as though Qavah had grown up a few years in a short time frame.  I have no doubt that we are both growing up in many ways as we wait for the Lord to do more than we could ask or think, right in this very room.

Precious in His Sight

Qavah's room on the ninth floor looks straight down to the Healing Garden patio on the sixth floor. We can see little children tethered to IV poles as they play with the Child Life Specialists out in the sunshine.  They are making kites down there, planting pinwheels in the garden and watching them twirl, and having their faces painted in red, white, and blue.  It's a Memorial Day Party!  The children are playing, and running, with their parents trailing behind them pushing their IV poles so that they don't pull their central lines out.   From the view I have, I am looking down on their little bald heads amazed at their resilience.  I see, and am humbled by the grace God has given them to endure the very worst things without complaint.  

Fifteen minutes ago Qavah broke out in hives and started a dry cough.  Her BMT team was in the room instantly, measuring her heart and lung functions, and examining her.  She has just been given two more drugs to get her hives under control and she seems better already. Her chemotherapy treatment went very well today.  After two doses of Campath, her immune system is now gone.  She has been sitting on the little sofa in her room for the past seven hours waiting for all of the pumps to finish infusing her body with life-saving medications.  Paul just looked at me grinning because she is watching Annie and singing with a loud joyful voice, "The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar there'll be sun.  Just thinking about tomorrow clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow til there's none!"  And Lord willing it won't be long before Qavah is allowed to go down to the sixth floor and join the other over-comers playing in the sun. 

Moved In

I packed our things in moving boxes rather than luggage.  Then I asked Paul to load his dolly into the back of the van so that when we arrived to the Ronald McDonald House we could move in easily.  We arrived last night in a rainstorm at 11 o'clock.  The unpacking was a breeze with the dolly.  Especially because our room is on the twelfth floor, we were happy to pile that dolly high with boxes and we moved everything in just three trips.  One box labeled "bedding" was opened quickly and while Paul put groceries in the cupboards and refrigerator, I made up our beds with sheets and blankets from home.  Teamwork.  I am so grateful that Paul and I are in this together. We got into bed feeling very grateful for the strength to accomplish so much in one evening.  

Qavah had her CT scan today, and if all is well in her sinuses, we will proceed with the plan to have her central line put in on Wednesday morning.  She has had her evening bath and is watching a movie before bed.  Paul is working at a desk nearby while I write.  This is our new normal.  

I met our neighbor in the apartment beside us, who is here for just one evening.  She and her husband have 17 children, ten of whom were adopted with special needs.  She gave me her business card and asked us to consider using their cottage by the river about an hour's drive from here near Clarion.  She said we would need get-a-ways, and they do not use the cottage during the week.  I am amazed.  In a twenty minute conversation we shared a love for God, a love of children, a love of meeting the needs of our kids, and suddenly we were as close as sisters.  I find this to be an amazing world, one in which we do not hear enough about the good, honest, hard-working people, who love to give their best.  It is an honor to be here and to be chosen to walk this journey with Qavah.  I'm glad God trusted us with this mission; through it I am learning more about His beauty shining through the hearts of those around me.

Home Health

There is no place like home for healing.  Kathryn is making progress.  Her physical therapist is here now working with her.  She is in a better place today emotionally because her pain has lessened and she had her best night sleep yet.  Our small group came over last night and we had a great time of rejoicing and prayer together.  We had our meeting near Kathryn's bed so that she could join us.  It was wonderful to have her home and we are so thankful we chose having her come home rather than taking her to a nursing home for recovery.  She is surrounded by flowers of all kinds and her room smells so pretty.  Thank you all for praying for her, for sending cards and flowers, and for your words of encouragement to our family.

We continue to pack for Pittsburgh.  The bone marrow match found for Qavah is not from a living donor after all, but from the umbilical cord of a baby born recently who is of African decent.  The doctor said the donor bone marrow has been tested and approved and will be sent to the hospital next Monday where it will be stored until she receives it at the end of the month.  Qavah continues to talk about the upcoming trip with enthusiasm.  

I am headed out today to have my car serviced and to take care of banking details.  There is so much to do before leaving for an extended time.  Grace has been so helpful in taking care of things while I dash in and out.  She is daily surprising me with ,her helpfulness.  She is always aware of the needs around her.  What a blessing!

Paul used a verse form Hebrews last night during our small group time that I want to share.  It is from Hebrews 10:39, "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith..."  Thanks be to God for the courage to do what is difficult.  May you also rejoice today as you stand on faith and do not shrink back.