Joel's Journey: counrtry boy/city girl

Thursday, June 16, 2011

counrtry boy/city girl

I thought you all might enjoy seeing what "country boy and city girl" have been up to in Maryland!!! Thanks to Kristen for all the pictures and documentation, (very important to us moms, Sue and I )!!!! She has also sent lengthy e-mails of all they are up to as well.......she gets a super A+!!!! From the looks of it, they have been quite busy!! I dont think I have any worries about him eating at all! AND Caleb is getting tours from surrounding states! AND he is getting alot of social activity! I think I am getting the hint that there is alot more "fun" stuff there than here! I am soooooo happy for them both. The phase they are in is certainly one of the most wonderful stages in life, a bit magical. The part that is so exciting to me is what God has done in this relationship. I think someday Kristen will write out this story for all to read and it will truly show young people that God has beautiful plans for those that wait upon him, seeking him, keeping themselves pure and working in and through miles and bringing two people together who did not even know the other existed through circumstances that is far beyond our own workings.

Also a big thank you to Alan and Sue (Kristens parents) who have worked out many details for Caleb to work on their basement and future opportunities while he is there, That means he is getting paid and that is a very good thing!! :) I am a blessed mom! Though we have entered an era of the older ones preparing for their futures, yes its a bit sad as far as them not being here much yet the wonderful plans that He is unfolding for many of them exceeds even prayers I have prayed for many years. Its true, He answers over and beyond what I could barley utter and groan out for each of them. I am thankful for a great God who does so desire to bless us with good gifts from above. Its a wonderful time!!

I think the pictures are self explanatory soooooo enjoy!!!!

i think they are the
cutest things
ever!!!!

5 comments:

Mountain Mama said...: She is sooo adorable. It is a joy to watch God work in the hearts of young people when they seek Him. What a sweet friendship/relationship - May God be glorified!
Thanks for sharing their story and pics. So fun!
blessings,
ashley; June 16, 2011 at 3:54 PM
Daniel and Jaynee Lockwood and Family said...: Thank you so much for sharing! May the Lord be glorified through this time of building this relationship. Continue to seek Him with all your heart and love Him above all others!
Be good! :-) And enjoy every moment of this wonderful time.
Cindy, I am so thrilled to see this unfolding in your family! I have been praying just recently all the more for our children and their future/mates. What a blessing and encouragement to see the Lord's work!
Oh, I do hope they share their whole story someday...if they want to! :)
I can't wait until I see you...super soon!!!!
Love you!; June 16, 2011 at 5:44 PM
Anonymous said...: They are SO cute!!!! :); June 16, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Becca said...: I'm still jealous we weren't invited to double for their FoundingFarmers date. ;-) they are pretty cute!; June 16, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Janet said...: Oh what wonderful big smiles they both have! Blessings and all the best!; June 17, 2011 at 12:05 PM

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Joel's Story

Joel, our 11th of 13 and a twin of Josiah, at age 3 was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, on December 6th, 2006. Joel had three perfect years of health and he and Josiah celebrated their 3rd birthday Sept. 13th, 2006. The first of Oct. Joel started having unexplained fevers for a few days and would return to active play. After the fourth round of fevers we took him to our family Dr. which they said his iron was low, so we treated that for a few weeks and took him back only to have his hemo. showing lower than before. We were referred to a hematologists and saw him a few weeks with blood checks twice a week. At a visit on Dec. 4th we showed the Dr. the bumps, (which were tumors but we did not know at the time) on Joel's head and he was very concerned and we were told we needed to admit him immediately and start extensive tests the following day. Joel went through rigorous testing and then the dreaded results were given. Joel was at a stage IV the most extensive stage, but we were hopeful that the Lord would use the means of Chemotherapy treatments to restore Joel's body. Joel endured 8 1/2 days in the hospital, came home for Christmas, and returned for his second round of chemo Jan. 3, 2007. Joel had a seizure that night after midnight and went into a coma due to a tumor bleeding in his head area and causing his brain to swell. After tests the following days, the Dr. declared Joel "brain dead" and took us to court to force us to take Joel off life support, as we did not agree with the medical field's definition of death. Our family sought to stand with the scripture, "life is in the blood,"and until Joel's heart quit beating naturally, he was living. We were making arrangements to bring him home and on January 23, 2007 his little heart stopped beating and he went to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven. Our lives are changed forever. God is faithful in the midst of this trial and we look with great hope to be with him someday.