Thank you for praying

I want to start this post off by saying Thank you. Words cannot express how thankful I am for your prayers and support over these past 6 weeks. I don't say it enough, but I truly, TRULY appreciate your kind words, your love for my sweet Joshie, and your support for us through all of this. I know for a fact that your prayers are what have carried us down this bumpy and rocky path. During some of Joshua's most difficult days and nights, there has been a Peace about me that I cannot explain. There have been days that I have walked into Joshua's room and have almost literally been knocked over because the presence of the Holy Spirit is almost palpable. I know those are your prayers that we feel.

However, our journey is not anywhere close to coming to an end. There are still many hurdles that we need to jump before we can even think about coming home- some physical, some emotional, some relational, all needing prayer.

I know so many of you are such great prayer warriors on our behalf, so I wanted to offer a list of ways you can pray. They are in no order of importance, just in order of how they pop in my head! :o)

• Joshua's Recovery- He still needs to be weaned off of the methadone. He is starting feedings back up and seems to continue to tire very easily. I'm assuming we will still need a g-tube, so pray that we can get that taken care of sooner rather than later. Pray for his O2 sats to remain stable, and that he continues to heal from his surgery from this past Monday. Pray that he continues to gain weight, make progress in his physical and occupational therapies. Pray for his nurses, doctors, therapists, and anyone else who cares for him. Also continue to pray for the lives that Joshua has touched and will continue to touch with his little half of a heart.
• Shane- He has been my hero over these past 6 weeks. He handles the role of single working dad with grace and enthusiasm. I know there are nights when he is so exhausted he doesn't know how he's going to make it another hour, but he has been managing. He makes sure our oldest two children are happy, well taken care of, and occupied. He also handles our finances on his own, and often times has to listen to me cry and break down. The distance is extremely hard for both of us, and when we do finally get time together, it's a giant balancing act between juggling hospital time, kids/family time, and couple time. Continue to pray for his endurance, strength, and guidance as he manages our household without my help. Contiue to pray for peace as he misses Joshua and feels helpless in regards to Joshua's care. Continue to pray that our marriage stays as strong as it is, and only continues to get stronger.
• Caleb and Hannah- They are so resilliant. Continue to pray that they know that they are loved beyond words. Pray that the they remain healthy, happy, secure. It is so hard to be seperated from their Mommy and brother, and I am so proud of how they have adapted and adjusted. Pray that Caleb continues to do well in preschool, and that Hannah continues to do well at daycare. Pray that others continue to step up and show them the love that I can't while I am gone.
• My parents- My dad has been unemployed for just about a year now. He is in his 50's living in a somewhat rural community- that makes it extremely hard to find work in this economy. They just moved into a new home 2 years ago. They are struggling to make ends meet. The have not only the financial stress that goes along with unemployment, but also the stress of worrying about all of us. They feel helpless. They have been amazing with helping care for Caleb and Hannah in a pinch- pray for continued energy to care for 2 little ones when they need it.
• Our finances- With me not working, we are struggling (if there were a stronger word to describe struggling I would use it) to make ends meet. We are having to choose between what bills to pay. Gas back and forth from Indy and Huntington is killing us. We've had to decide on a short sale of our house to avoid foreclosure. Pray that God continues to provide for our every need at the exact time that we need it. Pray that we continue to be good stewards of what we have, and to not be wasteful or silly with our money. Pray that the stress of our finances doesn't get to us and that we remain trusting in God's provision.
• Me- I'm struggling with bitterness, fear, and frustration. I miss my family more than words can describe. I miss my home, my church, and my old life. Please pray that God continues to give me strength to be an advocate for Joshua. Pray that I remain healthy- both physically and emotionally. Pray that I continue to remain faithful in seeking after God.

That's quite a list isn't it?

Thank you so much for continuing to lift our family up. I apprecaite the words of encouragement, the emails, the facebooks, and the texts. I'm humbled and honored that so many of you have taken our family under your wings and carried us through this. Thank you for praying.