Updates:
- Sometimes real life is stranger than fiction! If you’ve been following our journey, you know that in my last update we left our rental house due to mold. In this update, I’m surprised to report that just two days after moving into our new apartment, we discovered mold again! Yes—this is round two.
- We checked in advance with the apartment complex and were assured in writing that there was no mold and that the unit would be thoroughly cleaned due to my unfortunate situation as a stem cell transplant patient. After we discovered the mold, however, the landlords denied its existence and treated us very harshly.
- After much debate and documentation, the landlords finally agreed to release us from our lease if we choose to leave. We’ve been vigorously searching and have narrowed down our options for a new rental. It’s been challenging—between needing to stay within a specific radius of MD Anderson and finding a space that accommodates our whole family. We’re hopeful to be settled in next week.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
⁃ When I was in ICU, I experienced heart failure. I’ve been seeing a cardiologist at MD Anderson and recently had a follow-up echocardiogram. By God’s grace, my heart has returned to normal and has fully recovered from the sepsis complications. This is a tremendous blessing!
⁃ Please pray that we can secure a final place to stay during our remaining weeks in Houston.
⁃ I’m continuing my chemotherapy treatments and, so far, I haven’t experienced any major side effects. I’m very grateful—please pray this continues!
What I Am Learning:
- I’ve been meditating on Psalm 34, and it has brought comfort during this stressful week. It speaks of how God delivers His people from trouble. What struck me afresh is how God delivers the righteous from the wicked. He hears the cries of His people who have been mistreated by unbelievers. Whether it’s sickness, mold, or heartless landlords—God hears our prayers and promises deliverance.
- Jesus is the ultimate example of God’s protection and deliverance. He was mistreated more than anyone ever has been or will be. He was mocked, framed, and shown no sympathy by the Pharisees or the Romans. Yet God “kept all His bones” and raised Him from the dead so that we might be forgiven.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. (Psalm 34:6)
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. (Psalm 34:15–17)
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. (Psalm 34:19–21)
What Has Been Encouraging:
- Physically, I’m gaining strength each day. My physical therapists are pleased with the progress, and I hope to be walking without a walker by the time we leave Houston. Thank you for praying!
- Our plan is to return to Jacksonville in mid-July. I’m so looking forward to preaching at First Baptist on July 20th. Even though I won’t be able to hug you, I hope to see you there!
Unspoken 