Recently, we found out that Micah's hip has worsened to the point of needing immediate attention.  Noticing that his limp had become more pronounced, Wade and I were both wondering what new information we would receive with his scheduled appointment.  This Perthes journey which began 2 years ago has been a tough one.  Next week we will make another 4 day trip to Dallas in order for Micah to be placed in a Petrie Cast.  While under anasthesia Micah's legs will be spread as far apart as possible and then casted with a bar between to keep them in this position. (I know...pretty vulnerable position)  He will be in this Petrie Cast for 8 weeks...EIGHT WEEKS!!! 

(Petrie Cast)

 Afterwards, he will have a similar brace that he will wear until the ball of the right hip joint grows back in a way that is securely in the socket.  It is my understanding that on average this takes 18 months to 2 years. Because Micah's hip is now categorized in the "worst case scenario" he could be in the brace longer.  As you can imagine, this news knocked the wind out of us.  Just two weeks ago Micah accomplished one of his goals in the swimming pool and swam his first "BB" time in backstroke. 

Micah is in lane 4

(Micah finishing up his backstroke race and earning his first "BB" time)

Looking forward to his Summer swim season, Micah set his sights high on making the Ponderosa Invitational.  He knew his best chances of qualifying were in two events:  backstroke & butterfly.  If I could only communicate how hard he has worked.  Two years ago, Micah had to give up all of his other sports:  baseball, soccer, and basketball... all of which he enjoyed MORE than swimming. But the doctors told Micah that swimming is the best therapy, so 3-5 days a week Micah has been in the pool.  After his last surgery in October 2010, Micah's commitment to swimming increased.  He asked if he could begin competing in USA Swimming meets like his brothers.  And then 2 days after his "BB" success, he learned that he would be "giving up" swimming as well.  Many tears were shed.

(Micah with two of his buds from church: Caleb & Jack)

(Noah, Ayden, Jack, & Micah)

We are not exactly sure what all of this is going to look like yet.  We are thinking that we will move Micah's bedroom into our dining room for the next two months as his legs will be wider than his wheelchair making it impossible to maneuver to the back of the house.  A friend is working on some shorts for him that will velcro up the sides, to help with the clothing side of things.  For the driving side of things, we will remove the two passenger bucket seats in the van so that Micah can sit in the back seat, and then take two vehicles wherever we go. That's about as far ahead as we can see at this point. 

(Christopher & Micah)

Will you pray for Micah?  Pray for his adjustment to an entirely new life.  I'm still asking the Lord  that what Micah lacks physically, that He (the Lord) would give back spiritually... I'm praying that Micah would grow in his understanding of how much God loves him and that this journey of pain, struggle, and disappointment would only increase Micah's dependence upon his Maker and Helper...and that God would knit his hip joint back together without deformities and without any further delays.  Will you also pray that we will handle the challenges that arise with grace and dignity?  We know that things are coming that we will have to figure out as we go, and we are thankful again in knowing that our Help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth.  Micah has received encouragement from this Truth as well as the promise that Christ's strength is made perfect in weakness...actually, he is clinging to these Truthes.  We know and understand that this will be difficult. This road has already been painful, heart-wrenching, and tearful.  Even though we don't understand all of what God is doing, we do trust that He is in control and are confident that God has not forgotten Micah...in fact, Micah's name is engraved on His hands...we know that this too shall pass, but nonetheless we are still grieving as this long road just got longer.  Thank you for all of your love, prayers, and support. 

(Micah & me)

(Just a crazy picture.  I hope it brings a smile)

Joshua is ready for his workout

Noah loves it when Joshua tosses him

Cara Beth wants a turn

Christopher wants in on the action

Joshua tries a different method with Micah so as not to injure his hip

Micah decides to give a shot at lifting Joshua

And then Christopher tries too

Fun times!

Cara Beth & Asa (cousins & friends)

 Today, April 10th, 2011, Cara Beth and Asa took their first communion.  As the service progressed my mind was flooded with memories of their first 5 years... how her life was an answer to her older brother's prayers as Micah approached the throne of grace confidently and consistently, asking, seeking, and continually knocking, praying that God would give him the privilege of being an older brother.  When Asa was born Micah thought it wasn't fair that Ayden was a big brother at 2 & 1/2 years of age and he was almost 4 so his prayers grew in focus and intensity.  Cara Beth was born 8 & 1/2 months later. :)  Then for the first year of her life, Micah came home from church every week and shared his Sunday School lesson with her whether she wanted to hear it or not.  I remember Asa's and Cara Beth's baptisms in the "old" sanctuary.  I remember my parents were in town for Asa's baptism and dad prayed a prayer for Asa afterwards.  I remember how members of the congregation promised to pray for them and share the love of Christ with them...I  remember Cara Beth taking her first steps with Joshua encouraging her to "get the ball" he was holding, and how she walked with arms out wide toddling and crawling around a chilly soccer field with her friend Knox, who was a couple of months ahead of her in the process.  I remember when Cara Beth told her Oompah that she wasn't going to get married, she was just going to be great friends with Asa forever.  Thinking of Asa and his painful bouts with pancreatitis, I am thankful for how much he has grown and that he has been an entire year now without an episode.  I am reminded how every time we sing Cara Beth's favorite song in church (Mighty to Save) she sings with gusto, following her older brother Christopher's lead.  The simple fact of it being the month of April I am reminded of their friend Knox and the painful day of his accident almost 4 years ago, the 10 days he lived afterwards, his funeral and burial, and how time continued on as we clung to the hope of the Scriptures and the beauty of the truthes within.  I remember praying and begging God to spare Knox's life.  When he died I remember asking God how I was supposed to live with the guilt and shame that was so heavy...and His Spirit led me to scripture..."not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord."  As Cara Beth and Asa grow up there are moments when I remember Knox, thinking things like, "I bet he would've taken his first communion today too."  But today the Lord reminded me that Knox already has sweet communion with his Savior, one which Cara Beth and Asa haven't tasted yet, but by faith believe that Christ is preparing an eternal home for them too.  The thought is a bitter sweet one (bitter because we miss Knox, sweet because we will see him again when we meet our Savior face to face), but as I worshipped today and the truth hit me again the tears flowed easily and it comforted me.  I am reminded that some trust in horses or chariots, but our trust is in the name of the Lord our God.  He sustains me and my help comes from Him, the maker of heaven and earth.  Today, was a happy day.  Asa and Cara Beth took their first communion and I was reminded again that the promises of Scripture are for us and for our children.  Thank you Lord. 

Dad and Cara Beth

Recently, we found out that Micah's hip has worsened to the point of needing immediate attention.  Noticing that his limp had become more pronounced, Wade and I were both wondering what new information we would receive with his scheduled appointment.  This Perthes journey which began 2 years ago has been a tough one.  Next week we will make another 4 day trip to Dallas in order for Micah to be placed in a Petrie Cast.  While under anasthesia Micah's legs will be spread as far apart as possible and then casted with a bar between to keep them in this position. (I know...pretty vulnerable position)  He will be in this Petrie Cast for 8 weeks...EIGHT WEEKS!!! 

(Petrie Cast)

 Afterwards, he will have a similar brace that he will wear until the ball of the right hip joint grows back in a way that is securely in the socket.  It is my understanding that on average this takes 18 months to 2 years. Because Micah's hip is now categorized in the "worst case scenario" he could be in the brace longer.  As you can imagine, this news knocked the wind out of us.  Just two weeks ago Micah accomplished one of his goals in the swimming pool and swam his first "BB" time in backstroke. 

Micah is in lane 4

(Micah finishing up his backstroke race and earning his first "BB" time)

Looking forward to his Summer swim season, Micah set his sights high on making the Ponderosa Invitational.  He knew his best chances of qualifying were in two events:  backstroke & butterfly.  If I could only communicate how hard he has worked.  Two years ago, Micah had to give up all of his other sports:  baseball, soccer, and basketball... all of which he enjoyed MORE than swimming. But the doctors told Micah that swimming is the best therapy, so 3-5 days a week Micah has been in the pool.  After his last surgery in October 2010, Micah's commitment to swimming increased.  He asked if he could begin competing in USA Swimming meets like his brothers.  And then 2 days after his "BB" success, he learned that he would be "giving up" swimming as well.  Many tears were shed.

(Micah with two of his buds from church: Caleb & Jack)

(Noah, Ayden, Jack, & Micah)

We are not exactly sure what all of this is going to look like yet.  We are thinking that we will move Micah's bedroom into our dining room for the next two months as his legs will be wider than his wheelchair making it impossible to maneuver to the back of the house.  A friend is working on some shorts for him that will velcro up the sides, to help with the clothing side of things.  For the driving side of things, we will remove the two passenger bucket seats in the van so that Micah can sit in the back seat, and then take two vehicles wherever we go. That's about as far ahead as we can see at this point. 

(Christopher & Micah)

Will you pray for Micah?  Pray for his adjustment to an entirely new life.  I'm still asking the Lord  that what Micah lacks physically, that He (the Lord) would give back spiritually... I'm praying that Micah would grow in his understanding of how much God loves him and that this journey of pain, struggle, and disappointment would only increase Micah's dependence upon his Maker and Helper...and that God would knit his hip joint back together without deformities and without any further delays.  Will you also pray that we will handle the challenges that arise with grace and dignity?  We know that things are coming that we will have to figure out as we go, and we are thankful again in knowing that our Help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth.  Micah has received encouragement from this Truth as well as the promise that Christ's strength is made perfect in weakness...actually, he is clinging to these Truthes.  We know and understand that this will be difficult. This road has already been painful, heart-wrenching, and tearful.  Even though we don't understand all of what God is doing, we do trust that He is in control and are confident that God has not forgotten Micah...in fact, Micah's name is engraved on His hands...we know that this too shall pass, but nonetheless we are still grieving as this long road just got longer.  Thank you for all of your love, prayers, and support. 

(Micah & me)

(Just a crazy picture.  I hope it brings a smile)

Joshua is ready for his workout

Noah loves it when Joshua tosses him

Cara Beth wants a turn

Christopher wants in on the action

Joshua tries a different method with Micah so as not to injure his hip

Micah decides to give a shot at lifting Joshua

And then Christopher tries too

Fun times!

Cara Beth & Asa (cousins & friends)

 Today, April 10th, 2011, Cara Beth and Asa took their first communion.  As the service progressed my mind was flooded with memories of their first 5 years... how her life was an answer to her older brother's prayers as Micah approached the throne of grace confidently and consistently, asking, seeking, and continually knocking, praying that God would give him the privilege of being an older brother.  When Asa was born Micah thought it wasn't fair that Ayden was a big brother at 2 & 1/2 years of age and he was almost 4 so his prayers grew in focus and intensity.  Cara Beth was born 8 & 1/2 months later. :)  Then for the first year of her life, Micah came home from church every week and shared his Sunday School lesson with her whether she wanted to hear it or not.  I remember Asa's and Cara Beth's baptisms in the "old" sanctuary.  I remember my parents were in town for Asa's baptism and dad prayed a prayer for Asa afterwards.  I remember how members of the congregation promised to pray for them and share the love of Christ with them...I  remember Cara Beth taking her first steps with Joshua encouraging her to "get the ball" he was holding, and how she walked with arms out wide toddling and crawling around a chilly soccer field with her friend Knox, who was a couple of months ahead of her in the process.  I remember when Cara Beth told her Oompah that she wasn't going to get married, she was just going to be great friends with Asa forever.  Thinking of Asa and his painful bouts with pancreatitis, I am thankful for how much he has grown and that he has been an entire year now without an episode.  I am reminded how every time we sing Cara Beth's favorite song in church (Mighty to Save) she sings with gusto, following her older brother Christopher's lead.  The simple fact of it being the month of April I am reminded of their friend Knox and the painful day of his accident almost 4 years ago, the 10 days he lived afterwards, his funeral and burial, and how time continued on as we clung to the hope of the Scriptures and the beauty of the truthes within.  I remember praying and begging God to spare Knox's life.  When he died I remember asking God how I was supposed to live with the guilt and shame that was so heavy...and His Spirit led me to scripture..."not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord."  As Cara Beth and Asa grow up there are moments when I remember Knox, thinking things like, "I bet he would've taken his first communion today too."  But today the Lord reminded me that Knox already has sweet communion with his Savior, one which Cara Beth and Asa haven't tasted yet, but by faith believe that Christ is preparing an eternal home for them too.  The thought is a bitter sweet one (bitter because we miss Knox, sweet because we will see him again when we meet our Savior face to face), but as I worshipped today and the truth hit me again the tears flowed easily and it comforted me.  I am reminded that some trust in horses or chariots, but our trust is in the name of the Lord our God.  He sustains me and my help comes from Him, the maker of heaven and earth.  Today, was a happy day.  Asa and Cara Beth took their first communion and I was reminded again that the promises of Scripture are for us and for our children.  Thank you Lord. 

Dad and Cara Beth

This will be a short post as I am at a friend's apt. and only have access to the internet while I am here.  As an added bonus Wade's computer battery is low.  I may not have another chance to post so I'll try and make this short but sweet. Our first greeting with Noah Serxhio was everything I hoped it would be and more.  When he saw me he ran to me and gave me a big hug and kiss.  We hugged for awhile and Wade slowly approached, and then Noah reached out to Wade's face and stroked it gently and gave him a big hug.  We kneeled there on the ground for a few minutes hugging and kissing and crying. (Well, I was the only one crying).  We had some paperwork to notarize before we could take Noah away from the orphanage, so we didn't take him from the orphanage until today. We spent a few hours together yesterday, and then this morning we went to the orphanage and had a party with all the children and then said our goodbyes.  I have been so amazed at how well everything has gone. Presently, as I type we are at Austin and Beverly's place (friends here in Albania), and we are conversing as Wade and Noah are playing, and Noah is laughing hysterically, just like any son enjoying his father.  I'll try and upload a few pictures.  Thank you for your continued prayers.  I know God is helping and answering those prayers.   

Sorry Hannah, I don't think we will get to skype today.  Maybe we can try another day.  Noah Serxhio is "goti" ready to go to bed.  Please hug all my kiddos and tell them that we love and miss them.  I am so excited for Noah to meet the rest of his family.