As Jon and I rounded the corner to our third month we faced a whole new set of challenges. SICKNESS! The house came down with a pretty severe cold that some of us had turn into bronchitis. Jon and I had to switch off, on who was on duty for the day. There were days that I never left my room, while there were days Jon never left. Just when we thought everyone was getting better, I continued to run a 101 fever, couldn't break it. So, off to the doctor we went. I had to get better, Jon was having to do everything on his own, I was getting sick of being sick. So we paid the co-pay and got the medicine. I was finally coming out of it when one evening I felt what I thought was a cut on my leg, I didn't think anything about it and went on my way. The next day I noticed a little inflamed skin near what now looked like a bug bite. I told Jon and we both agreed to keep a close eye on it. The next day it had grown significantly, so we proceeded to the doctor for the second time that week. We paid the co-pay and received medicine. We were told to mark a line and if it exceeded the line significantly then we needed to go to the hospital. Sure enough, the next two days proved to show excessive growth. Jon and I were both a little freaked out. Back to the doctor we went, this time we were advised to just go ahead and go to the emergency room. We got there and ended up being there for 4hrs. They gave me an iv with meds and then marked my leg, told me to come back and they would check to see if it had grown. I told Jon, please don't make me go back! I can just tough it out. So, home we went to watch and wait. I was put on bed rest that only lasted a day, I had a Labor Day party to plan, there was no way I was going to stay off my feet. Thankfully, today my leg looks almost completely back to normal. I still can't shave, which is the worst feeling in the world. I just might compete with guys right now, because of how hairy my legs are. Oh well, things could be worse. I could be stuck in a hospital! I am grateful things are starting to look bright again for us. It was for sure a test of our endurance and strength. The Lord has not failed us, He was right there giving us what we needed when we needed it. There is still a cold going around, but it looks like we might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I am praying that one of these boys doesn't bring home the flu!!! Please keep this house in your prayers as we approach the flu season and the winter months.
School for the boys is going really well. They are all making outstanding grades! It's a little weird to have five boys in MS and HS. I must say, I am grateful it's not homeschooling!!! haha Football games officially start tmr night, this house is extremely excited! We look forward to supporting Chandler HS football. If you are interested in coming to some, let me know. I can get you a schedule.
September is here!! Which means it's time to break out the fall decor. I am so excited!! I am learning to take time for myself in the midst of crazy schedules so that I can be refreshed and better equipped to serve Jon and the boys. One of those relaxing things for me is decorating for fall and Christmas. I look forward to this every year like a child.
We face so many difficult days out here, but nothing is more rewarding than knowing that you are right where God has you. I look around, I listen to the conflict, and even sometimes I am saddened at attitudes towards us, but there is no comparison to knowing that God gave each of these boys to us for a reason. Maybe this reason is to change Jon and I. Maybe one day we will see the benefits of our labor, but right now, I am content to share the light and know that my heavenly father put me here with Jon for a specific reason.
I am so grateful for what the Lord is teaching me, and grateful for the lessons I have learned from the boys; how to love unconditionally, how to show grace, and how to be a mom to boys :)
In Christ Always,
Whitney
P.S. Please keep us in your prayers!
