Catching Up!

S.S. Badger departing Ludington Harbor ~ Ludington Beach North Pier Breakwater
Ludington, Michigan

It's been some time since we've updated you all on our lives.  We want to thank you all for your continued prayers for our family.  There are some of our friends who are truly our prayer warriors and uphold us in their daily prayers.  We are so grateful!

Keith
Keith has been feeling so much better!  He has just about fully recovered from his stay in the hospital as well as his gall bladder surgery.  There are days he gets pretty tired out, but his body is still in recovery mode.

We are so thankful that his health issues took place ahead of the Battle Creek Career Academy at Davenport University.  He was pretty exhausted after the first week, as it was pretty soon after being in the hospital, but the Lord got him through.  He now has 3 weeks behind him with two days remaining.  This class wasn't without it's daily challenges with certain people challenging authority, etc.  The Lord gave Keith the strength to get through each day.  If he were given the chance to do it over, would he do things a little different?  Yes.  Each time he looks back and says what could he do different to improve his teaching and how he would handle situations differently.  We all experience growth when we go through various experiences.  Two days remaining and he'll have completed the second class of the Battle Creek Career Academy.

Marsha
Two weeks ago, Marsha was experiencing some physical problems which she immediately called her colo-rectal surgeon.  They were able to get her in the next day for a flexible sigmoidoscopy with dilation.  Thankfully, the procedure brought much relief and she's feeling so much better.  She was very grateful for the nurse that was able to work her in the schedule, as the next opening wasn't until 3 weeks away.

Jess and Andy
We are thankful Jess and Andy were able to have a wonderful 2-week vacation in Rome and Paris.  They had a safe flight there two weeks ago; were able to do a lot of sightseeing.  Jess was able to even see a Taylor Alum sing in an opera in Italy!  In Paris, they met up with a former roommate from her semester in Hong Kong several years ago.  After a great vacation, they are now on their way back to the US.  They should arrive this evening back in Washington, D.C.

Dad and Mom
Dad has been feeling much better.  His blood seems to be holding its own and he's not needing transfusions every week, but every two weeks.  Last time Marsha was in town, she noticed that he was leaving his walker behind a lot and just taking off without it.  His feet are still some swollen and his right foot is numb.  So, he should continue to use the walker.  When Marsha talked to Mom the other day, Mom said that Dad had taken a fall outside.  When she found him, he was trying to get up and had scraped up his chin pretty good.  It wasn't until a couple days later, he mentioned that his knee was bothering him, since he fell.
Dad was at the doctor this week.  It looks like he has 4 more months remaining of his TB medicine.

Mom has been keeping up with Dad's demands pretty good.  She does have to tell him no or that she isn't able to go all the places he wants her to take him.  Mom looks forward to Gretchen, the visiting nurse,who comes during the week to give Dad his TB medicine.  She's such a sweetheart and takes interest, is very personable and shows kindness in her visits.  We wish she was able to get out a little bit more for some alone time or time with family.  She is thankful for one of my Dad's friends that comes to visit frequently and take him out for coffee some mornings.  When she does go out, she has to take Dad with her, as he can't be left alone.

Dad and Mom at the 4th of July parade in Ludington ~ Dad drinking his Ensure for a snack!

Prayer requests:

• We really appreciate your continued prayer for Mom and Dad.  Mom gets pretty worn out some days, so pray for extra strength for her.  
• Continued prayers for Dad's salvation and for his heart to soften toward spiritual things.
• Keith for a full-time job.  He's also considering applying for long-term sub jobs if/when some become available.  
• Keith to fully recover from his health issues: for his liver enzyme levels to return to normal, and for continued strength.

Praises:

• Thanking the Lord for provision of the job at the Battle Creek Career Academy.  
• Thanking the Lord for Keith feeling much better since his surgery.
• Praise the Lord for how He has provided throughout this past year.  So much to be thankful for!