Updates:
- We have arrived in Houston!
- I am currently hospitalized at MD Anderson due to unpredictable, severe allergic reactions. There are five different medications in my system that could be causing these episodes, and I am being closely monitored until further notice.
- My next PET scan is scheduled for Monday, April 14th. It will show whether or not I am ready for transplant.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
- I was surprised at the airport by dear friends from church who held up signs and cheered for our family as we departed for Houston. Meanwhile, other church members drove our vehicles to Texas, filled with our belongings. These are just two of the many ways God has used His church to make this trip possible and bless us. We are so thankful.
- The allergic reactions I’m experiencing are growing in intensity and severity. Please pray that they cease. The doctors are perplexed and uncertain which medication is causing them—all five can cause such reactions in a small number of patients. I am stable under their care, but please pray for wisdom and clarity.
- Next week is a pivotal one. It will determine the course of my treatment plan for the next few months. Please pray that the cancer in my lung is gone and that I’m ready for transplant.
What I Am Learning:
- The night before our trip, I had a reaction that caused us to stay overnight on the campus of Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. In God’s kindness, I was still able to travel the next day. We landed in Houston, but things took a more intense turn. Within five minutes of arriving at our rental property, I broke out in hives and blacked out. Jenny found me on the bathroom floor in a state of emergency. I was taken by ambulance to MD Anderson, where I am being monitored.
- I’m confident that God wanted me to get to Houston, and I believe He protected me on the flight. I’m so thankful that I didn’t have an episode on the plane and arrived safely. The doctors here are incredible, and I’ve already seen several specialists during my weekend in the hospital. God’s providential hand has sustained me—even through this difficult experience. Praise the Lord!
- Have you considered God’s hand of providence in your own life? In what ways has God shown you surprising kindness through the details of your journey? If you haven’t done so in a while, take a moment to reflect on the good God has provided. He cares for His children even in the midst of hardship. His providence brings Him glory and calls us to see our continued need for His help. What are the ways He has provided for you today?
“When God has written His name on you, suffering qualitatively changes. Pain, loss, and weakness are no longer the end of the world and the death of your hopes.”— David Powlison, God’s Grace in Your Suffering, p. 36
Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever. (Psalm 28:9)
What Has Been Encouraging:
- I can’t imagine this journey without the church. First Baptist has shown incredible kindness to my family and has made it possible for me to receive life-saving care.
- We’ve received so many notes, cards, texts, and porch drop-offs that have blessed our whole family in the lead-up to this trip. For example, the plane ride with our kids was smooth and easy thanks to thoughtful gifts from church members that kept them occupied. The level of care and detail has been overwhelming in the best way.
- While we already miss First Baptist and our home, we feel deeply loved. From our entire family: thank you—we are so grateful!
Unspoken 