Letter from James
08/02/2006
08/02/2006 9:41 PM
It has been pretty difficult week. Yesterday the CAT scan revealed something in Sydney's sinus cavity that was a major concern, so they woke her up early this morning and pushed a probe into her nose to see if the area was infected. It was very uncomfortable. Thankfully, there was no infection. Some of each day Sydney runs fever and feels lousy, then her fever will subside and she feels OK and starts playing.
Last week we had a few days where her count was recovering. Then it went back to zero. It is my understanding that we are in the "Dead Zone". That means while her immune system is not functioning and when she is running a fever the staff must be proactive in guarding against infection. So to be on the safe side, they are administering numerous strong drugs that have some painful side effects. They are reasonably confident that once her count comes up all the infections and fear if infections will subside. Thank you God, her immune system count came up a little this morning.
We were supposed to go to New York today, but Sydney could not travel. Hopefully we will be able to go by the end of next week.
Our boys have been such a help with Sydney. Their summer has been dramatically different than planned, and yet they haven't complained; of course we have dear friends that have helped in that area. They have been forced to pick up more responsibilities and take care of themselves. I know this is good for them.
Lynette is doing well. Living in the hospital is a beating. She is confident in God. She has come to the place where we realize this is a time to wait on the Lord. We can be confident in His promises. She is trying to not waste this opportunity fighting that which she cannot change and is trying to gladly embrace the suffering because of what God is doing to work in us and help us grow as well as Sydney. Lynette is constantly telling me what an encouragement your words are to her. She also tells me story after story about the witness you all are to her and to others. Thank you!
James
Answered Prayers
- Count started up today.
- Sinus has no infection.
- She is feeling better than last week.
Please pray . . .
- Immune system recovers fast.
- Fever goes away.
- Fungus goes away (they found a trace in her trachea).
- She has no side effects from the drugs, cat scans, or anything else.
- For complete healing.
- She looks to Christ and doesn't grow fearful.
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
I have been camped out on these verses the last few days. I think what God is saying to me is to be excited and grateful because he will use suffering for my benefit, Sydney's benefit and the benefit of others. Therefore, I want to take advantage of this extremely painful time and trust that God is going to build into me a character that perseveres (to be strong, and endures). I won't have to wonder anymore if God will really show up. Because in suffering, he has promised to produce perseverance and proven character. This results in confidence that God will never leave me or forsake me. I am very grateful that God takes the horrible things in life and uses them for our good.
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