Some More Testing Over Here

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

So, this past Wednesday night, I ended up in the ER after days of grueling neck and back pain that had spread to my right arm. I had tried every remedy, been to several doctors and had gotten no relief--after an MRI, we finally knew why.

One of my disks had slipped and was completely compressing on my spinal cord, causing all the pain.

Thank goodness they figured it out, because I was almost at the point of requesting an amputation of my pesky right arm.

I am now on "bed rest" for the next 2-4 weeks (should be fun with 6 kids :-) following a spinal fusion and disk replacement and wearing a sporty neck brace for the duration.

Through it all, we have received an outpouring of support from friends and family-they've been taking care of me, the kids, Nick, cleaning, doing laundry and have set up meals for almost a month!

We are so blessed.

We can actually take James 1:2-3 to heart and consider this trial as joy as it has definitely strengthened our trust in the Lord as we've witnessed His provisions for our every need.

Praise-our needs are being cared for.

Praise-I did not suffer any permanent nerve damage

Praise-God continued to provide for our adoption even as I laid in the hospital.

So far, over $3700 raised to bring our baby boy home through our

$7 for our 7th fundraiser!!

So, we persevere.......