The biggest hurdles are constant pain, lack of energy, staying hydrated and having an appetite. Chemotherapy makes her tired and fatigued. It's a tiredness that doesn't go away after a good nights sleep, that brings exhaustion after the very least bit of effort. So please pray that every cancer cell die, that we experience "spontaneous remission" which is doctor-speak for a miracle, for the absence of pain, renewed strength and a desire to eat and drink more. Many of you ask how the children are coping and for the most part they're OK. We've scheduled counselling sessions for the new year and hope that this might be helpful. Grandma and Grandpa have moved in for which we're so grateful. They take care of running the house, as well as bringing the girls to and from school and to and from their activities. My boss has let me work half-time until the end of the year which has helped a lot with all the trips to the hospital. It's still hard to accept the reality of the situation. Noah goes to a friends house twice a week and plays with a boy his age. On the other days he goes to a retired ladies home. She's a very good influence on him and has taught him better manners and how to tidy up his toys. We're cautious about keeping him healthy and free from colds and flu's. Lee Anne's immunity dips really low about 10 days after treatment and a regular sickness would be very dangerous for her. With the lack of energy and the necessity to stay away from crowds, she hasn't been out at all apart from our trips to the hospital. As such, as long as you call or text ahead it would be nice to have a few people drop by for a short visit. A lady from the Nanny Angel Network also comes once a week to play with the younger children and they really enjoy playing games with her. We're also blessed to have a team of ladies from the church who come clean, prepare food and pray for us on Monday mornings. Big thank you here. There's also people who've brought over dinner or who take some of the children out for a few hours. For these acts of kindness we're truly grateful. Another friend set up a fund for us that people have used to send us money which is especially appreciated. I sometimes tell her that I'd like her back teaching piano lessons soon and hope so much that she will. In fact, it's hope that keeps me going and there's a Bible verse in the book of Romans, chapter 5, verse 3 that says 3Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character,hope. I struggle a lot why God has not healed Lee yet, why He is allowing this suffering and in what way this whole journey brings glory to Him. But as I write this, I googled "God's glory" and it's simply the manifestation of His presence. Lee and I can certainly attest to the fact that God is present with us. That God is working through so many lives to share and practically demonstrate His love for us. No more though, than sending His Son to die for us.
