Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Monday, March 17, 2008

"Give me words to speak."

"The fig trees might not bud. The vines might not produce grapes. The olive crop might fail. The fields might not produce any food. There might not be any sheep in the pens. There might not be any cattle in the barns.'
"But I will still be glad because of what the LORD has done. God my Savior fills me with joy.'
"The LORD and King gives me strength. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He helps me walk on the highest places." (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

A mix of thoughts and emotions whirl inside us, and God's words are the comfort for our tangled hearts.

Thank you for the sweet aroma of prayer that has lifted to God on behalf of Katie, Christopher, and the rest of our family. That, alone, has been enough to swell my heart with joy. God has had immense pleasure in seeing so many draw together in complete surrender to His desire.

Jenny will provide many details very soon, but I will catch you up on all that you have been praying for:

First, the judge heard our case and postponed his decision until next Tuesday (March 25). Things seemed to go well.

Second, Katie's health continues to concern us. Each day she seems a little weaker and uncomfortable. We are not sure the reasons for all of this. However, Jenny took her to the doctors, and her blood test was not normal on several counts.

Third, we are continuing to worship God for who He is. Whether they are all able to return to Montana sooner or not, He will continue to be worthy of all of our adoration.
"I am the LORD. I do not change." (Mal. 3:6)

Our most urgent concern has become Katie. She is not well at all. It is breaking a daddy's heart to have his little girl suffer, and be helpless to do anything about it. However, Jenny will continue to be a terrific mommy, and shower her with love and care.

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see. That is what the people of long ago were praised for. '
"We have faith. ..." (Heb. 11:1-2)

9 comments:

Jenn said...

Thank you Todd, for updating us. What an incredible struggle it must be for such a loving husband and daddy to be so far from his dear ones during this time.

I will continue to pray for favorable conditions for your family, and for a ruling and then quick processing to get them home.

Lifting little Katie up as well. What wonderful timing our God has, that her momma can be there to comfort her when she is feeling so yucky. Every child just wants mommy when they're sick.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Todd for the update. I know I'm not the only one that has been on and off the computer all day patiently waiting for the days results. As we all know it's all in God's timing. We have to believe that there is still things to be done in Uganda before the decision is made. I will continue to pray for your whole family and a lot extra for K. I know the heart has to be hurting knowing she is in discomfort and not able to take it away. Theres not a worse feeling than having a child in need and you can't fix it immediatly. We will trust for a speedy healing for her and a rapid decision from the court system.

Your family has been an inspiration to me since the day that Jenny shared with me a few months ago. I have watched your blogs and prayed during the whole process. Even though it hasn't been in person I have shed many tears along with your family. I have been praying since midnight continually knowing that Jenny was in court today and even though the results are not what we were praying for I am rejoicing with your family knowing that there is a reason and God IS in control. He is a good and just God and he knows the needs and he's taking care of them even though it may not be evident to our naked eyes.

Keep your faith and bless you for being such a wonderful husband and daddy to those 5 precious children. And bless Jenny for being such a blessing of a mother and wife.

Blessings to you and your family.

Sheryl

Matt and Amanda DeSarro said...

Todd and Jenny,
Thanks for the update. We will all continue to stand united in prayer with you. March 26 is coming soon. God knows the number of days you are to be in Africa and has the moment you will be re-united beautiuflly orchistrated.

My heart also goes out to little Katie. Just a thought but do you have any connections with Americain missionary doctors you could take Katie to or even a US military doctor who would see you? I know from our time in Colombia with Dominic it was not a big deal to the doctor that he had spent the majority of his first year very sick in the hospital. He was so ill when we got him with no expination of what was wrong, I was very concerned and all his blood work from a lab came back with levels that were off showing he was fighting some kind of an infection.
Being you are there a while longer I am praying for a devine apt. for you and Katie with the right person to provide you with insight and medicine that will help your baby girl.
God is with you Jenny as you hold and nuture your dear Jesus babies. He knows, he cares, and he is our healer!
I feel with you both and am standing in faith with you for favor in your court case and Katie's health!
We will all be praying!

Todd and Jenny said...

In Kellen's words:

Daddy is funny. Uh...I don't give kisses a lot, but I'm saving one for you, Mommy.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Did you find out if Katie and Christopher can come home?

I like the bouncy "B" "a" "l" "l's".

Thanks, Mommy, for going to Africa to get Katie and Christopher.

Todd and Jenny said...

In Jaden's words:

Mommy, Mama, I'm so excited that you're getting the babies! Bring some presents and if you don't I will even get one for you.

Mommy, I'm going to write some stuff in the Bible:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

P.S. I love you so, so much, to the stars and back three thousand times, and to the sun seven hundred times. Everybody is doing well, plus me, and Daddy gave us ice cream once. It was good. I've been giving everyone hugs so much...I mean a lot. I can't believe that you'll have Katie and Christopher in your hands when you come back. I'm really excited when you come. I'm going to run up and hug you, but not when you have the babies in your hands. I'll love holding them. It's going to be a surprise.

Todd and Jenny said...

In Sagie's words:

I wuv you. Have a gweat day, and don't be sad. You don't be sad when it wains. You just be thankful, and just be happy when the kids and the house at home you just wuv 'em so much.

You just be happy 'cuz you just like to see your babies so much in Afwica 'cuz you just wuv 'em so much.

We wuv you 'cuz I just wuv you so much, and you just pray for us and pray for 'em so much. It's fun going to Afwica.

You just wuv your babies so much, and you don't want to leave them in Afwica.

I'm done.

lana said...

Jaden, Kellen, and Sage,
Thank you for your sweet words to help me smile through my tears. We are so excited with you to see your mom come home with Christopher and Katie!

Todd and Jenny,
I, too, have been checking my computer every few hours today, waiting for the news of a positive verdict. Some might think this news is a huge setback, but God has a perfect plan in everything. I will still pray that the judge would give a positive ruling earlier than the 25th and that all the paperwork would be expedited as only God can do it.

My heart aches for you and for Katie. From what I understand, it is so important that she is well before you travel home, so I will be asking God to heal her little body. I will also pray for you both as you walk through these trials - through this fire - that you would continue to rely on His strength and that His light would shine even brighter in your lives so that ALL would know that Jesus is with you and is the source of your strength.

Blogging on the Yellowstone said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Blogging on the Yellowstone said...

I, too, am anxious...God continues to unite us in prayer and surround you with love! You do good, good work-through our precious GOD!!! May God bring sweet Katie peace in her mama's arms. There is no better place for a sick little babe! I am with you in prayer...Good job Lacey, being so supportive and loving, through your own trials!
-elise