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HEALTH UPDATE
It looks like the doctors feel they can get a tissue sample from Kim's mediastinum (chest area) without invasive surgery. Thank you God and for your prayers on this! They have a procedure in which they can use a large needle to withdraw the sample and confirm what they think is "large B-cell lymphoma" - which will likely happen this afternoon. Please continue to pray for a crystal clear diagnosis. We are hoping they can remove the tube which is draining the fluid around her heart today. It is the source of a lot of pain and should allow her to be more comfortable and improve her breathing. Please pray that the pericardium fluid would slow enough to remove the tube from her chest.
KIM UPDATE
As I said, Kim is showing an inner strength that belies her inner beauty and it is a sight to behold. She is still in pain but in good spirits. It's a privilege to be her husband and I must say after 10+ years of Kim complaining about my "spray control" around the toilet it's ironic that I am now the one replacing her bed pans (not to mention she is going to the bathroom nearly every hour due to the IV). Truly, God has a sense of humor.
I'm a little out of it these days.
Yesterday, I went out to get Kim some lunch and accidentally cut off a cop who immediately pulled me over (he let me off even though I didn't offer up "my story"). I then drove to McDonald's to get Kim a sundae, paid for it and immediately walked out without the sundae. Please pray that the joy of the Lord would be my strength.
We are continually encouraged by your prayers, notes, emails, etc. There are many people out there who say they cannot believe in God because there is so much suffering in this world. But we have never seen a clearer picture of God than in our recent suffering. We are seeing Jesus so profoundly through the body of Christ and that has been the Lord's greatest gift to us in these recent days. You are his hands and feet and although Kim in some ways still struggles to just sit still and receive - you are ministering to us in ways you could not possibly fathom. We love you all so deeply.
I woke up this morning thinking about this picture we took when we were in Maui celebrating our 10 year anniversary this past June. We were hiking the Waihee Ridge Trail and came across this tree which was essentially dead and had fallen over roots and all on another similar but larger tree. Big deal right? What struck me was that the fallen tree was still alive even though all it's roots were exposed. It was living because it had become one with the tree it had fallen on and was finding new life there. (John 15:5) This is what I mean when I say we are seeing Jesus so profoundly through the body of Christ. Though Kim is sick and hurting she is finding new life in all of you who are lifting her up in prayer.KID UPDATE
The kids are all tired these days but mostly because they are having so much fun with their friends. Thanks to all who have helped them out. It turns out Selah does not have a toothache but rather a canker sore. This is her first one ever. Apparently, the stress of mommy being gone is making a physical manifestation. We're so thankful it's not a tooth issue (thank you to the dentist friend who was so gracious to offer help) and know your prayers had no small part in this. Here is a little video her Aunt Jenna took the day after we got to the hospital. She has always loved playing doctor and here she is operating on Kim's dad. I hope it will bring a little joy to you today.....
In His grace and for His glory,
Peter and Kim
peter, may Jesus continue to be your strength as you testify to His goodness and grace.
ReplyDeletePeter, it's our privilege to be a part of what God is doing in your family. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeletePeter & Kim, May our Lord cover over you & your family. We are praying for all of you. Lord, we ask for your supernatural power to work in Kim's health.
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