June was, to put it mildly, an emotional roller-coaster month.\u00a0 We started the month with Sary-Jo injured, having severely sprained her ankle on May 31.\u00a0 We would not learn the full extent of the injury until late June.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then on the 3rd of the month we lost a good friend unexpectedly and rather suddenly.\u00a0 We\u00a0talk more specifically about David in another post.\u00a0 Through all this, we\u00a0have seen\u00a0God use our church and our small group to minister to each other and to David’s wife Madaline.\u00a0 So it\u00a0has been\u00a0a time of pain, but also a time of comfort and growth.\u00a0 We continue to see His comfort, guidance and growth in our lives and those of our dear friends.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Our oldest daughter, Sarah, was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and is on a chemo regimen until August.\u00a0 She gives herself shots weekly.\u00a0 She\u00a0maintains a positive attitude and is doing well.\u00a0 In August she will begin a biologics treatment\u00a0that also involves\u00a0weekly injections.\u00a0\u00a0This treatment\u00a0is from human cells, mimics the immune system, and has proven to be very effective in arresting the progression of the disease.\u00a0 She loves her work with exchange students and is now also working at an alternative high school as the\u00a0graduation specialist\u00a0in charge of making sure the seniors have completed all the requirements for graduation.\u00a0 She has raised support and has been preparing for a mission\u00a0trip to South Africa late July where she will minister to the youth.\u00a0 She is a remarkable young lady and we are very proud of her!<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Janel moved a couple of weeks ago to an apartment in Oakland.\u00a0 One of her housemates from UPS is moving in with her in August.\u00a0\u00a0She found the\u00a0chaplaincy program she was in much too stressful.\u00a0 She is now working at a shoe store in Berkeley and going to school at night to get her Sign Language Interpreters certificate.\u00a0 We think this is a great fit for her!\u00a0 She is dating Ryan and is as happy as can be!<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile at work, Randy’s key project reached a successful conclusion (except for some paperwork).\u00a0 This too was somewhat bittersweet because this project will be his last meaningful achievement with the company after a 26-plus year relationship.\u00a0 Again, we see the hand of God as Randy is mentally prepared to separate from the company.\u00a0 In addition, leading the project helped re-invigorate Randy in a hands-on role and increased his confidence.\u00a0 He is now very ready to join another firm and contribute to its success.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As for the adoption, we began the month wondering why we didn’t yet have a court date.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 This seemed like a long delay, but we knew that God was in control.\u00a0 We just didn’t understand what good would come from the delay so we were a bit frustrated.\u00a0 Before the month ended, however, we had our court date and it was only three weeks out!!!\u00a0 Now we’re anxious about the embassy appointment, but that’s another story.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
This is but a quick synopsis of the month.\u00a0 Through all the highs and lows we have seen the constancy of God.\u00a0 We depend on Him fully and are so grateful that He cares for us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Please pray:<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?<\/strong>\u00a0 Psalm 8:4<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"