Preparing

We have been busy little bees, preparing to leave town. From refilling medications, to cancelling doctor appointments, to gathering cardiology medical records, to visiting Mike's mom, to making reservations, it's been a busy day!

Mike and I really weren't expecting the kids to make the trip to Houston, but both Matt and Amber, want to be there for the surgery. So, they are busy too, trying to figure out details of how they can go and be there for at least the day. Luckily, Matt happened to already be in rotation for time off during that time at work. (Isn't God amazing!!?) Amber has the challenge of figuring out how to go with or without a baby. Please be praying Matt and Amber will be able to make the best choices for them and their families, and that they will be safe going and returning home.

I'm not sure if I clearly explained the reason Mike and I need to leave 5 days early. The reason is that the surgeon needed to have MD Anderson type Mike's blood for possible transfusions, to recheck blood counts, and to meet with the anesthesiologist for an hour long cardiac appointment. Because of Monday being Labor Day, they needed us in town the days before the holiday to get him ready for Surgery on Tuesday. That kind of has us sitting around over the holiday, but we're so grateful to have them helping us, we aren't troubled about the extra time we have to be there. We don't know exactly when Tuesday, the surgery will take place. We may be told next Friday. An estimated time home is somewhere around September 19th.

God's hand continues to bless us! Mike called up Goody's Corporate to explain the surgery plans, and to allow them to terminate him if they needed to, and all they said was, "Good Luck! We're so happy for you! We'll talk when you return." They continue to be so gracious and giving to us, and we're so humbled by God's merciful hand in every detail affecting us.

Thank ALL of you for caring so deeply about our situation and our family. We are blessed many times over by your prayers, your encouragement, your support and the hard work that goes into helping us. You have ministered to our family is such remarkable and loving ways. Again, we are overwhelmingly grateful!

"Let us never forget that in all things you send there is blessing. Make us ever mindful that every problem leading us to pray also leads us deeper into Your presence, and every trial that takes us to our knees also brings us closer to Your throne. Let us always see that every adversity is Your opportunity, every burden a chance to share Your cross, and that many times our tears most clearly reflect the vision of Your grace." BJ Hoff