Campbell Family Journal

Saturday Night Date

2009-07-11T22:21:00.002-04:00

We devoted the weekend to family. Paul set up the little swimming pool for Qavah, Nehemiah, and Annelise. We sat outdoors watching the children splash and squeal. We watched Wiggles, read stories, and changed diapers. By this afternoon Paul and I were passing each other in the kitchen and he asked, "How about a date tonight; just you and me?" That sounded great so after dinner and baths we packed up the grandchildren to return them to their Mommy and Daddy and then headed out.

We discussed our possibilities including visiting the Salem Fair. But we ended up buying the bargain tea from a local fast food place, filled the car with gas, and finished out the evening with a trip to Lowes and Walmart. We may not win a prize for thinking up the most romantic dates, but we ordered only one large iced tea and asked for two straws. It's love.

Oh My

2009-07-09T18:21:00.005-04:00

On my way home from running several errands I stopped at the Country Store for some homegrown vegetables yesterday. As I was shucking corn Qavah asked me where we were going next. I told her in a very quiet voice that we were going right home because I needed to use the bathroom. She replied in a very loud voice, "Well, don't pee pee in your panties Mommy!" Oh my! I looked up quickly to see who was around and it was just as I feared. There were snickers and giggles coming from all around. But someone did look me in the eye to say, "She's adorable!"

More Joy for Qavah

2009-07-06T21:25:00.011-04:00

* Our comment system is now fixed!*

Qavah has a brand new reason to smile. She just got a new hairdo. We went to the JC Penney Salon and had her hair straightened. I am now able to run a comb through her hair which is something she hasn't experienced before. When I comb her hair she relaxes into it with happy sighs. Today I rolled the car window down while moving in traffic and I heard a sudden burst of laughter from Qavah. I looked into the rear view mirror and discovered the reason. She had her eyes closed and said, "I can feel the wind blowing my hair, Mommy!" I could tell by her expression that she was enjoying the feeling. She has also been running to and fro. I asked her why and she said, "Because I can feel my hair bounce when I run!" It's the little things, right girls?

The before picture:

The relaxer is at work and Qavah has dreams of long flowing hair.

The hairdresser had this whole process finished within an hour and Qavah was very patient.

Qavah has been smiling like Miss America with her new "do" and has thanked me at least a dozen times for taking her to Penney's.

This Fine Day

2009-07-04T20:32:00.011-04:00

We took the family up to visit Granddaddy and Grandmom in Fishersville to celebrate the Fourth of July. Our seven passenger van was stuffed with diaper bags and baby gear. The little children got to hear the happy music that their uncles started playing. And at one point they all just started dancing. Their little faces were so happy as they listened to the music and bobbed up and down to the rhythm. We had the traditional American cuisine for lunch which included hot dogs, baked beans, and coleslaw.

It is a special day for us when we can be together enjoying holidays. There is something comforting about belonging to a family that prays when we meet together, and a family that pulls out musical instruments to play music that sets toes to tapping. We were blessed to have a heaping helping of the freedoms that are our in America.

Uploading Scripture for Days Like This

2009-07-01T20:49:00.005-04:00

As I wrote yesterday's post I debated about whether to quote scripture in detail, but decided that I had written enough to get the point across. However, today as I reflect on a particular verse I want to record it. "And the Lord blessed the latter end of Job's life more than his beginning." (Job 42:12) I recall reading it many years ago and thinking, "Well, that's a happy ending!" But lately I've been asking myself, "What would Job say was the greatest blessing?"

Job had celebrated his early life with a house full of happy children but they were swept away in a day. All his property was taken or destroyed. His health and friendships were stripped from him. And as he spoke to God about the meaning of it all, he came to terms with the fact that God is God. He acknowledged the authority of God over his circumstances. And in the later chapters of Job, God and Job were speaking to each other. There was a friendship. There was dialogue. There was a reverence and a respect that was mutual.

I wonder if the blessing in the latter part of Job's life was not that his wealth and family were restored, but that Job knew his God. He knew his Creator stayed with him through all of his trials. Job said to the Lord, "I know that you can do anything and no one can stop you. You ask who it is who has foolishly denied your providence. It is I." (Job 42:1-3). I want that kind of dialogue with God. I want to honestly kneel before Him and accept the plan He has for me.

This morning Paul Burton came to the back door clutching his chest. He came in, sat down at the table and said, "Mom, call an ambulance." His color was white and hands were blue. He was cold to the touch. He was taken to the emergency room and by the end of the day was diagnosed with esophageal spasm. It feels very much like a heart attack, but it was not. As I waited for the ambulance to arrive I stood over Paul Burton in the kitchen praying, "Lord, whatever you have planned for this day, give us grace." I was talking to the Lord just like Job had done. I found myself able to talk to the Lord as though I could see Him sitting at the table across from Paul Burton. This is how God is blessing the latter part of my life; I have accepted His Presence, providence, and gift of peace.

We are grateful tonight that the "attack" Paul Burton experienced was not serious. But several years ago he told me that if he were to die, he knew with certainty that he would be going to Heaven. He believes that Jesus was sent to the earth for the remission of the sin that separated him from God. He has received the free gift of forgiveness and grace by Christ's death on the cross, so that even in death we know we will be together again to celebrate the peace of Heaven and the joys that await for all those who believe. What better way for children to bless the latter part of their parents' lives than to tell them, "If anything happens to me, you will know that I am with God."

I would like to thank our friends and family who knew of the situation and prayed for Paul Burton today. He is resting comfortably tonight.

Upgrades

2009-06-29T13:23:00.004-04:00

Our family is in the midst of upgrading computer systems and software, therefore I haven't been on the computer for a few days. Kathryn has managed most of the upgrades for us. She has been transfering files and downloading software while Paul and I have been creating new office space and taking care of other things around the house.

In this time of reprieve from the girls' physical trials, I'm upgrading my home. I have cleaned closets, washed windows, made window treatments, and attended to unfinished projects that I started over two years ago. My "to do" list has several things crossed off of it after this past weekend. And as I was attending to all the things that have had to wait, I was considering how much fun it is to do the simplest things. I have enjoyed every moment I've had to create and remodel. It's my way of celebrating the "normal" days. A completed project gives me something tangible to look at as a remembrance that there are days of rest from our trials. I love observing the girls when they are having good days, and that was certainly true this past weekend. Their smiles and contentment are also a reminder that God is strong and able to do exceeding beyond what we ask.

Finally, I just started a new Bible study and feel as though my very soul is being upgraded. I'm "uploading" scripture for my heart to ponder, and "filing" new data into my heart for the days to come. I believe there are going to be times ahead of us that will require more of us; more faith, more patience, and more perseverance. And I'd like to head into those times with a clean house, a working computer, and a heart full of courage.

The Days are Just Packed

2009-06-25T21:56:00.003-04:00

As with Calvin and Hobbs, the days are just packed with adventures around here. We've had parties, house guests, projects, and more. The days that Kathryn feels good are increasing. Qavah is also doing well. So this is the time for celebrations and getting things accomplished. It has been fun for Qavah to have Nehemiah and Annelise visit this week as well. All the children like to spend time on the swings and when naptime rolls around they all fall asleep very quickly.

Today I have been researching and calling hospitals around the Country looking for more information about bone marrow transplants. I am getting packets of Qavah's records ready to send out to Seattle, New York, and Minnesota, in the hopes that someone will take an interest in Qavah's case. St. Jude's turned us down because Qavah's condition is so unlike the blood disorders and cancers they normally see. However, they did give us some leads on other transplant facilities.

We have been praying about a bone marrow transplant which is something some of her doctors wanted us to think about from the beginning. That is a huge step, and one that requires faith. We know that God has a wonderful plan for Qavah. Now we are looking for every possible means to give her the best medical help. Please join us in praying for the doors to open if a bone marrow transplant will indeed put her disease at rest. We also pray that if that time comes we will all have the faith to walk through those doors.

Weekend Celebration

2009-06-20T21:01:00.006-04:00

The girls have both been feeling well. That is cause for celebration right there! But we are also celebrating Father's Day, my birthday, and Nehemiah's birthday all in one weekend. The sweetness of celebrating these events with the family has made for a joyful weekend.

After dinner last night there were birthday presents to open. I opened one gift to find I had a pedicure and manicure scheduled first thing this morning. Then I opened a gift certificate for one of my favorite antique stores so Paul and I went "antiquing" this afternoon. After an evening walk with my friend Linda I am settling in for the night feeling very blessed. This has been a very special day from beginning to end. I am now another year older. I find that with age comes wisdom and I wouldn't want to give up all I have learned by turning the clock backwards. So this year I plan to view wrinkles and graying hair with more acceptance. I plan to laugh more.

One night last week I emptied out my blue jean pockets before getting ready for bed. I had several dollar bills stuffed in one pocket; change from the grocery store that I had forgotten to put into my purse. So I left the money there until morning. The next morning while showering I heard Qavah fly into the bathroom shouting, "Look Mommy! Look what the tooth fairy left on your dresser!" She was holding a fistful of dollars in awe of what she thought the tooth fairy left for me. While contemplating the acceptance of gray hair and wrinkles I sincerely hope that I will keep my teeth for as long as I need them.

New Research

2009-06-16T15:02:00.003-04:00

For the past eleven weeks, particularly the week after a transfusion, Qavah has battled lung congestion. Paul Burton has showed me how to hold Qavah and pat her back in the area of her lungs to help her cough up some of the congestion. She has been on two different antibiotics but neither have cleared the congestion. We have been praying fervently for the right help for Qavah and recently believe the Lord has led us to broaden our research on Qavah's health problems.

In our attempt to find help we have come across websites for orphan diseases and rare chomosome diseases. I wrote several emails asking for help from the contact persons and received some information today that could potentially help. I have also found some websites devoted to helping parents cope with the challenges and sorrows of watching their children struggle with a rare disease. All of this information is out there for me on the internet. It is a huge gift to have access to these things. I have drafted a simple email and have listed all of Qavah's chronic symptoms. It is ready to go out to whoever is out there waiting to help someone like Qavah. It only takes one person with the right connections. Please join us in praying for the one.

Taking a Break

2009-06-13T23:55:00.001-04:00

Both girls are doing well. Sometimes when I don't write for a couple of days I get a phone call from friends or family wanting to know if everything is alright. I'm happy to report that all is well. I've taken a break from writing in order to turn my attention toward Paul. He returned from Sweden on Friday night. We have had a busy day having so much to catch up on including the chores left undone while he was gone. While he mowed the lawn this afternoon I took care of several things inside the house. Tonight the girls went to bed early and Paul and I stayed up to talk some more and look at the pictures he took of a beautiful castle in Orebro, Sweden. It's good to have him back in our castle. We are ready to rest and look forward to a peaceful Sabbath.

The Best Intentions

2009-06-10T22:19:00.005-04:00

Kathryn has had another good day and used her energy wisely. She is going to take tomorrow off work because her company will be having an outdoor picnic. That is probably one of her least favorite things to do in all the world. The bug bites, the bees she can hear and not see, the hot sun on her fair skin, all have led her on more than one occasion to say, "I'm going into the house; this is too much nature for me!"

Qavah had a special guest join her at the hospital for the fun of it. Her friend Emily thought it would be a good idea to come to the hospital sometime to hold Qavah's hand and help her to be brave during her transfusion. Today was the day that worked out for all of us. So Emily positioned herself beside Qavah, the nurse got everything ready, and as soon as Emily saw the blood she was outta there! She went into the next room and her Grammy went after her. Emily declared it was a little too much for her. But the sweetness of God is that He has given Qavah a bravery beyond her years to cope with the frequency of being "stuck" with a needle. And He has given her a dear little friend who loves her with the best intentions.

All is Well

2009-06-09T21:47:00.003-04:00

Kathryn enjoyed a full day of work and is feeling even better than yesterday. Qavah played with Nehemiah and Annelise this afternoon and I was able to do a lot of laundry. Paul is enjoying Sweden very much. Hearing the sound of his voice via cell phone was better than a morning cup of coffee. Tomorrow Qavah will have a transfusion in the afternoon. While Paul is away taking care of business life goes on. I like it best when life goes on with clean laundry. God has blessed our day.

Back to Work

2009-06-08T09:44:00.004-04:00

After a weekend of sleep, Kathryn woke up this morning and got herself ready for work. She just called at 11:15 AM to say that she still has energy and plans to work until the afternoon. Over the weekend, as recovering from the current set back seemed painstakingly slow, we talked about the strength that comes from setting goals and being hopeful even when things don't look promising. By faith she laid out an outfit for work last night. When God has a work for us to do, He supplies our energy and everything else we need to get the job done. We recognize that Kathryn is on her feet today and back to work because the Lord has ordained it. She is happy to keep on the path He has set for her. I am humming the following hymn as I think about Kathryn busy at work today.

“Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

Reaching Home Plate

2009-06-06T19:37:00.011-04:00

As I sat down to write tonight I had a mental picture of a baseball game in which a player had rounded the corner from third base racing like the wind toward "home" to score a home run. Maybe growing up in Michigan watching the Detroit Tigers play ball still influences my thoughts at times. But sliding into home plate is how I feel tonight as the sun is setting and the Sabbath Day begins. Our family played a tough game this week, but it ended in victory. You and I were made for worship and fellowship with God and He gave us this day to enjoy Him and to celebrate the victories. It is right and good to acknowledge that the work of the week is done. Rest well.

Jesus I am resting, resting in the Joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee and Thy beauty fills my soul.
For by Thy transforming power Thou hast made me whole.
~ From the hymn Jesus I am Resting, Resting

Medical Update - Kathryn

2009-06-05T13:53:00.005-04:00

I'm going to post a quick update here while Qavah is having her lunch. I plan to take the phone off the hook and sleep along with the girls this afternoon. I took Kathryn to the hospital for another dose of Salumedrol this morning. She is stronger today and I see it in little ways. For instance, I got her dressed and put a little make up on her but today she passed the mirror and looked at herself. That's progress. When I pointed that out to Kathryn she said, "Yeah, I'm such a girl." Humor is another good sign.

While Kathryn has long periods of time when she is unresponsive I miss her. We have so many conversations rich in theology and doctrine. There are times that we share verses with each other that touch our hearts deeply. Sometimes when I don't know how to help Kathryn I feel like I am stumbling around in the darkness looking for some little glimmer of light. I found this verse last night and it taught me about having faith in the dark times. I'll close with a word from God.

Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord, and rely on his God.
Isaiah 50:10

Hurdles are made to be Jumped

2009-06-04T19:30:00.006-04:00

Kathryn's condition deteriorated during the morning and I took her to the hospital around 1 o'clock. Paul came home from work to help me get her dressed and into the car. It has been a long, tiring day. The problem with diarrhea, a common problem with HPS patients, is that all medications pass through the body without providing the necessary relief of symptoms. While I usually write about Kathryn's "GI issues," I am actually referring to profound diarrhea that leads to bowel bleeding and blood loss. She was not able to stand up or walk on her own today and again I was thanking God for a friend of mine who made it possible to buy a lightweight wheel chair two years ago for times like this.

By the time we arrived at the hospital Kathryn could not answer simple questions and her eyes wouldn't focus. After the nurses consulted Kathryn's doctor it was decided that she should have an adrenal boost by way of a Salumedrol infusion. She was taken to a dark, quiet room and given the medication by IV, then received her Remicade treatment. After several hours, Kathryn perked up a bit and we decided to come home and continue medications at home throughout the night. If her body doesn't adjust on one treatment of Salumedrol we have an open appointment to take her back to the hospital tomorrow.

We are thankful for what this lesson has taught us. In the future we will be asking her primary care doctor to order drugs in the event that we can not reach the specialist when a presciption runs out. Paul is due to leave for Sweden on Monday. I'm thankful that all this is taking place while he has been at home to help. Kathryn has stated confidently that she will be going back to work by Monday. I am joining her in that belief. Kathryn will jump this hurdle by God's grace. She is confident in His power.

Sudden Changes

2009-06-04T09:09:00.006-04:00

I just finished reading my last post. Qavah, who seemed so exhausted, went for her blood transfusion on Tuesday and after arriving at the hospital the nurse said, "Qavah doesn't need a transfusion today because her CBC is 10!" I could hardly believe my ears. I'm sure I must have looked stunned because I was speechless for a few moments. I asked the nurse how that could be possible and after discussing it she stated, "Maybe this is the miracle you have been praying for." Qavah's transfusions have been every two weeks. By that time her CBC is between 8-9. This time, because of her rashes and reaction to the last transfusion, we waited an extra week to have her transfused. So she should have been past due for a transfusion; instead she was healthy enough to leave the hospital without it. I have firmly believed that we are going to see a miracle where Qavah is concerned. We continue to pray for it and wait.

Kathryn on the other hand had been doing very well. However one of her doctors was unavailable to write her perscriptions for two of the medications that keep her body stable. She was without them for four days and suddenly yesterday her health took a sharp downward spriral. She is bleeding externally from several places and her body is covered in new bruises. She is unable to work. I will be taking her to her Remicade treatment today and the nurse will be able to document her condition. The pain and GI problems are back with a vengence. If only to see how much relief she is getting from her current meds, this has been a valuable learning experience.

Kathryn was up most of the night with electrolyte problems so I stayed with her. In spite of the demands of her body, and getting up to help her so often, we still had a great time talking about the mighty power of God in the middle of the night. There are some truths from scripture that have come alive for us on this HPS journey. In particular the idea that casting our cares upon Him keeps us free from walking around as though we are shouldering a great burden ourselves. As unbelievable as it seems, there is a lot of joy in this journey. Enjoying a close, continual walk with God and feeling His steady hand of comfort is beyond anything either of us can describe to others.

Quick Update

2009-06-01T23:30:00.002-04:00

Qavah is going to the hospital in the morning for her transfusion. She seems tired and I think that has to do with the antibiotics she is taking and many weeks of having a stuffy nose. I have been searching the internet for more clues as to what may be going on with her immune system. I wish I could understand medical language.

Kathryn is doing well. I was able to do quite a bit of sewing for her tonight. She went to bed happy with all the new clothing she now has to choose from that is altered to fit her just right. I think part of the joy Kathryn has in working is preparing her outfits and coordinating jewelry the night before. She's all girl and I love it.

What Makes You Happy?

2009-05-30T21:11:00.005-04:00

There has been a lot of happiness this weekend around our house. Qavah has not been well and I took her to the doctor this morning for an antibiotic which will hopefully address the chronic congestion in her nose. But even with a perpetual stopped up nose, Qavah seems so happy. While I was rocking her tonight I asked what made her happy. She simply said, "I like being home with everybody in my family." Kathryn was happy to be able to contribute to the upkeep of our home. She actually enjoyed mopping the kitchen floor today even after a late night of shopping with me yesterday. That is a testimony to how well she is doing physically.

After a long day of working and chores I now have the opportunity to sit down and put my feet up. There is nothing more in this day that needs to be attended to. Nightfall has come, Qavah is asleep, the work is done, and my heart is resting in my Sovereign God Who is taking care of everything else. Bring on the Sabbath Rest!

Color Blind

2009-05-27T20:33:00.009-04:00

The children's song says that Jesus loves the little children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. When we went to pick up Qavah and took her on a little outing to Burger King in Louisiana, I examined every little thing about her. I felt like I was meeting my newborn baby for the first time and wanted to check out the formation of every little finger and toe. I was curious about how the pigmentation of her skin changed from beautiful chocolate brown on her legs to light pink on the soles of her feet. At first it was all new to me. After several months of caring for her skin I stopped noticing color as we chatter away about silly things. Clipping her little toe nails and applying lotion to her skin has become an ordinary weekly routine. We are mother and daughter, not black and white.

Several months ago I was out shopping and wrote about finding Qavah some pink boots at the shoe store. Some of you might remember that I took a picture of her wearing them. I blogged about it to some extent but something else happened that same day that I have been saving. The time to write about it has come.

I had taken Qavah's pink boots to the check-out and in her enthusiasm she was talking non-stop. The clerk, a woman of color, looked at the two of us and said, "She just called you Mommy!" I said, "Yes, she is my bonus baby and one of the nicest gifts God has ever given me." After a few seconds of silence she said, "Can I ask you a question?" I wondered what was coming. She asked, "Do your white friends look down on you for having a child that is bla....?" Before she could finish asking I told her that if I did have friends that thought ill of me, shame on them! Our friends have been so supportive that I was actually amused as I thought of it, but she started to cry. Quiet tears were rolling down her face and she reached out and took my hand and thanked me. Looking into her eyes I hoped that my answer helped begin a healing process for any mistreatment she had suffered because of her color.

When Qavah and I got out to the car I told her that I wanted to pray for the lady in the store and we did. Through the miracle of adoption there are many families today who reflect the different races of this world all living together. And each time an obviously adopted child calls out "Mommy" or "Daddy" in a public place I think God's heart is moved. All little children need a good home. Red or yellow, black or white, all are precious in His sight.

Long Weekends

2009-05-25T22:33:00.005-04:00

On Friday of a long holiday weekend I think about the coming days and start making a list of all that I'd like to accomplish while everyone is home and most importantly while there are many eyes watching Qavah. I had planned to sew curtains, wash windows, clean closets and so forth. Kathryn and I cleaned the house on Friday. I cooked ahead and made a meal on Saturday to be served to our guests on Sunday, and for the most part I was humming along pretty well until Monday. Monday morning, my big bonus vacation day, I looked at my "to do" list and decided this vacation was too short to spend it working that hard. As a result I had several coffee and tea breaks, and two delicious naps. The dirty windows don't bother me as much now that I am rested. So tomorrow I'll approach the task with less intensity and more pleasure.

While Paul was cleaning the garage this weekend he found an old toy rifle that belonged to Paul Burton. Once Qavah had that in hand she spent the rest of the day on a lion hunt. She hid behind bushes and stalked any bird landing in the yard. Our "princess" shed her long dress and went hunting today with her toy rifle. I tucked her in bed tonight and noticed her gun is right beside her bed. Qavah saw me looking at it and said, "I really like my gun Mommy." But what I think she meant was, "I loved running, hiding, pretending, and playing, Mommy." And I am thankful to be able to provide her a childhood rich with "pretend."

All's Well

2009-05-21T18:47:00.004-04:00

Kathryn had a very good day. Her doctor called yesterday with more test results and asked if she was able to be out of bed. I really surprised him when I told him that she was actually working all week and enjoying herself. His words were, "That's amazing!" It really is. Sometimes threatening numbers on blood tests really don't matter to her. And sometimes when her blood tests have looked good she has felt too sick to work. That is when I see the power of God. When He has something for her to do His power pulses through her and she is unstoppable.

Qavah played outdoors on this beautiful spring day. She dressed herself this morning and chose to wear her princess dress. I'll close with the joyful report that Kathryn and Qavah are back up and running!

Princess Qavah rides again:

Another Good Day!

2009-05-19T21:19:00.009-04:00

Kathryn's infection on her skin is clearing up. She went to work again today. After work we did a little shopping together which was a welcome change for her. She called me at noon from her office to tell me that a nurse spoke with her today regarding some of last week's blood test results. Two of her liver tests showed her 20 points higher than the normal range. The doctor ran the tests last week when she was feeling so poorly. I am very thankful for Kathryn's hematologist because he is careful to track things for her when she isn't feeling right. In the meantime, Kathryn is feeling stronger and smiled a lot today. We'll just have to wait and see what is happening to Kathryn's liver but we are not going to spend any time fretting about it.

On our afternoon shopping trip Qavah and Kathryn each got a new pair of summer flip-flops. Qavah insisted on wearing hers out of the store. She loves the sound they make as she walks. She's just a little bitty girl but in her flip-flops she can make herself sound pretty big. This morning she was playing Queen Lucy again and enlisted Ellie, (our black lab mix), to play Aslan. Qavah jumped up from the floor in the library and shouted, "Come on Aslan, they're here!" Ellie jumped up and ran to the window barking. "Who is here?" I asked. "The White Witch and her dwarves!" she exclaimed. I looked at poor Ellie, still barking out the front window. At the age of fourteen she had to muster up the enthusiasm to run to the window in the first place. "Sorry old girl," I said, patting her head. "I think it is a false alarm."

Better

2009-05-18T22:00:00.002-04:00

We had a good day today. I walked past Kathryn's room early this morning and peeked in wondering if she would be able to get up for work. I found that her bed was made and her room was bathed in morning light. I raised my hands toward Heaven and said, "Thank you, God!" Kathryn had already gotten up, was dressed, and had packed a lunch in preparation for work.

Qavah is going to see the doctor Wednesday morning again about her rash. Her skin is peeling off under her chin and several other places. She told me that her skin hurts. So far we have tried several methods of moisturizing and have applied all kinds of topical ointments but it seems to us that her body is going through an "attack stage" and again we are going to discuss the use of an immunosuppresant. But she has been cheerful and had a better appetite today.

For the past several weeks Qavah has watched the movies, Narnia or Prince Caspian once a day. She is drawn to those movies where good triumphs over evil after a lot of action. She has turned our paint stir-sticks into swords. On Sunday she is dressed in ruffles and lace from head to toe. But during the week she fancies herself as Queen Lucy and has "sword fights" with the air while riding her rocking horse. She's royalty and a warrior. That's a good combination for the battles she faces.

We met with some Christian friends tonight and closed out the evening praying for others. I was seated in a beautiful home on the side of a mountain facing a large wall of glass and watched the sun set behind the furthest mountain range. I loved living this day. It was so beautiful and peaceful. When the horizon began to darken I felt like cheering because this was a splendid day the Lord had made and He did a mighty fine job.

Cheering Section

2009-05-16T11:08:00.004-04:00

I had no idea when I wrote about getting a Passport that I would be cheered on with such a joyful cheering section. Thank you for your encouraging comments. In the time since I wrote about my travel dreams, I imagined being in a cathedral in England on a Sunday morning with the sound of a church choir singing one of those old English hymns I love. I dreamed about visiting Spain to see Fernando, our exchange student we have come to love as a son. I'd also like to travel to Israel to stand on the soil where our Savior once stood to proclaim freedom for the captives.

One thing is for certain. I am grateful for the kind of imagination that transports me to those better places. I feel like I took those journeys this week. Imagination is a powerful gift when used rightly. The news reported this week that a woman in an iron lung had passed away. She was put into that iron lung at the age of ten years old and died at the age of seventy-one. Imagining that, I closed my eyes and thanked God for the imagination He gave to her. With it she was probably able to transport her mind beyond her imprisonment and enjoy life. I hope she had a cheering section like mine who helped her dream of the possibilities. I hope she knew Jesus and now runs through the heavens enjoying her rewards.

This was a tough and exhausting week. We were at the hospital every day and Kathryn was discouraged for a time. Today we will take pictures of Qavah's skin and document her reaction to her last blood transfusion to send to her doctor in North Carolina. She has lost a little over a pound this week and has no appetite. But Paul and I knelt by the girls' beds last night to pray over them and in our imaginations they were whole and strong. We prayed believing that God has a plan for them and this suffering is temporary to increase our faith and theirs. Imagining the best as we prayed settled my anxieties and we left their rooms feeling satisfied that we have done all that God has required. And in it all, my imagination shows me that His eyes are twinkling, and He is pleased.

Enjoy worshipping Him this Sabbath Day. Imagine Him smiling at you for all the times you've made a decision to mentally rise above your circumstances and have chosen to stand strong on what you know to be true. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2