Boots for Joel

Praise the Lord we brought Joel home on Tuesday. He has had two good days, and he has eaten small meals and has been playing on the floor with his siblings. Today he came walking around the corner to our living room-he was pretty wobbly-and he said "I'm walking and Micah isn't helping me." We were so excited! That is the first time that he has walked on his own in two weeks. Joel has been cheerful and content at home, except of course when dad has to give him his shot, but more about that later.

Today was also the blood check at the clinic to get his counts-so once again we set off with Joel and Josiah, Joel's twin, to try to get the cowboy boots that we were never able to get the first time. This time we went before the appointment, so they both got their boots and when dad met us at the clinic they were both quite a sight in their cowboy shirts and new boots.

Joel's hemoglobin level was 10.9 and his other counts looked good. He is receiving CFS shots for his white count and platlets. Terry has been giving the shots each evening. He has to get those to boost his immunity for around 12-14 days. After that it is back to the hospital for more chemo.

The Lord has blessed in so many ways, in provisions of making the home run more smoothly by blessing us with an electric dishwasher (we actually have 8 dishwashers-the older children, and sometimes dad). And we have certainly felt the prayers of all the people that are praying for Joel. We are grateful for the e-mails, the words of encouragement, the compassion that is sensed is so comforting. The Lord is giving great grace, and we are grateful. The Psalms have been very encouraging. They are speaking to our hearts and telling us to give thanks, to sing, and to know that God is merciful and he is in control. May the Lord bless all of you, and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you....