June was, to put it mildly, an emotional roller-coaster month.  We started the month with Sary-Jo injured, having severely sprained her ankle on May 31.  We would not learn the full extent of the injury until late June.  She didn’t go to the doctor until 2 1/2 weeks after the initial injury and it took another week to fully assess a torn ligament.  She is now pursuing an aggressive physical therapy regimen and prospects are good that she will be able to build enough strength to avoid surgery.

Then on the 3rd of the month we lost a good friend unexpectedly and rather suddenly.  We talk more specifically about David in another post.  Through all this, we have seen God use our church and our small group to minister to each other and to David’s wife Madaline.  So it has been a time of pain, but also a time of comfort and growth.  We continue to see His comfort, guidance and growth in our lives and those of our dear friends.

Our oldest daughter, Sarah, was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and is on a chemo regimen until August.  She gives herself shots weekly.  She maintains a positive attitude and is doing well.  In August she will begin a biologics treatment that also involves weekly injections.  This treatment is from human cells, mimics the immune system, and has proven to be very effective in arresting the progression of the disease.  She loves her work with exchange students and is now also working at an alternative high school as the graduation specialist in charge of making sure the seniors have completed all the requirements for graduation.  She has raised support and has been preparing for a mission trip to South Africa late July where she will minister to the youth.  She is a remarkable young lady and we are very proud of her!

Janel moved a couple of weeks ago to an apartment in Oakland.  One of her housemates from UPS is moving in with her in August.  She found the chaplaincy program she was in much too stressful.  She is now working at a shoe store in Berkeley and going to school at night to get her Sign Language Interpreters certificate.  We think this is a great fit for her!  She is dating Ryan and is as happy as can be!

Meanwhile at work, Randy’s key project reached a successful conclusion (except for some paperwork).  This too was somewhat bittersweet because this project will be his last meaningful achievement with the company after a 26-plus year relationship.  Again, we see the hand of God as Randy is mentally prepared to separate from the company.  In addition, leading the project helped re-invigorate Randy in a hands-on role and increased his confidence.  He is now very ready to join another firm and contribute to its success.

As for the adoption, we began the month wondering why we didn’t yet have a court date.  We understood that court dates are typically assigned about two months in advance so we were concerned that we might not actually get the boys until late Autumn.  This seemed like a long delay, but we knew that God was in control.  We just didn’t understand what good would come from the delay so we were a bit frustrated.  Before the month ended, however, we had our court date and it was only three weeks out!!!  Now we’re anxious about the embassy appointment, but that’s another story.

With the court date known, and the embassy date narrowed to a couple likely dates, we’re able to do some “what if” travel planning.  We are so eager to get our boys home, yet we’re also a bit excited about possibly adding some leisure travel to the trip.  Our daughter Sarah has been very helpful in mapping out some alternatives for us, and now we just need to know the date of the embassy appointment so we can put the plans in motion.

This is but a quick synopsis of the month.  Through all the highs and lows we have seen the constancy of God.  We depend on Him fully and are so grateful that He cares for us. 

Please pray:

• that Sary-Jo’s ankle will heal before we have to travel and surgery will not be needed
• for our friend Madaline as she adjusts to life without the love of her life and for us to be tuned in to her needs and available when needed
• that the treatments Sarah is on are successful without serious side effects; safe travel and time in Africa as well as personal spiritual growth
• that Janel would have a peaceful time of reflection and earnestly seeking God’s will for her future; that she is able to meet her financial responsibilities
• for God’s perfect timing for employment provision and that Randy would be mindful of opportunities; graceful exit from WRECO
• for God’s protection over the boys as they leave the orphanage and prepare to come home with us; successful court date July 15th; embassy appointment and details of our trip 

What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?  Psalm 8:4