Haven't Heard From Us In Awhile?

Yes, Joni is continuing her treatments here in Scottsdale.  I know that it has been 2 weeks since I last reported and I can't really point a finger on the reason why I have been uninspired to write.  I think the unfamiliar way of life here is starting to get to me.  I'm pretty much a person who is most comfortable in  normal, consistent, non-adventurous situations.  A risk and adventure taker I am not.  I also very much enjoy working with my hands which I have not done for over two months now.  Ok, enough of the excuses, its not often in life we get to control our circumstances so I should have been prepared for this journey.

Joni is ready to get out of here and I certainly cannot blame her.  A daily dose of needles, meds, blood draws, yucky feelings, new symptoms, old symptoms, supplements, nausea, sleeplessness, etc all have a way of wanting one to "escape".  We have two weeks of treatments remaining but that may be cut short because I want to have enough resources to get a good start on a home protocol which will be critical for Joni and the rest of the family.  Lyme is similar to cancer in that it can be in remission and then reappear with a vengeance. It is critical to do as much as possible to prevent recurrence.  The home protocol of liposomal vitC, colloidal silver, rife machine, far infrared sauna, supplements, etc, etc, etc is quite daunting but we are committed to the course as finances are available.  I'm already preparing to work, work, work when I get home to do all I can to help my wife and family.  We did some simple testing on the kids while they were here to get an indication of how things are with them as it concerns lyme and its co-infections.  I am also doing some testing specifically with metal poisoning because of the trade I have been in for most of my working career.

Joni is going through her treatments much better than before.  She was unable to do her last IPAC treatment because her white blood cell count was driven too low by the Rocephin she was getting.  We were a bit discouraged by this because it is the best weapon to use for her neurological issues. It's funny how we got to the point where we were disappointed in not getting the IPACs when at first we didn't know how Joni was going to get through them.  Remember, this was the treatment that caused Joni to collapse on the sidewalk in front of the hotel.  Her last two weeks will include more high dose IV vitC and silver.  This is in addition to the several other treatments she has been getting everyday.  Joni still gets sick from the treatments but her recovery time has been greatly reduced.

Pray that we will make the right decisions that we are facing.  We have to decide on whether to stay for the entire course of treatments or use the money to get started on the home protocol. Second, we need to decide if we should get the port removed from Joni's chest before we leave or keep it in for future treatments.  Joni wants it out and we don't feel we will ever be able to get additional treatments so the decision seems obvious, but it does take $15,000.00 if we were to repeat the procedure. We covet your prayers on these two specific issues.

We have enjoyed attending Heritage Baptist Church in Avondale, AZ for the past two weeks. I wish we could have connected with these folks earlier but Joni's health did not allow. Tonight, Lord willing we will be the guests in a home of a couple that attend there.  They have opened up their home to us to stay if we desire. Pastor Jason (can't remember his first name) is teaching through a series on the Ten Commandments.  This past week he taught on commandment #3 "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain".  What a great job he did!  This commandment has been so minimized in our generation.  I'm looking forward to next week if we are able to attend when the highly controversial commandment #4  "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy" will be discussed.

I have two recommendations for books if you are interested.  These two books have been an incredible encouragement and conviction to me over the past few weeks.  The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by the puritan Jeremiah Burroughs is the finest work I have ever read on the subject of contentment.  I am amazed by the powerful truths contained in this work.  I guarantee that you will see contentment in a way you have never viewed.  It is a book that I will read over and over again.  Thanks to Jim Zes who sent it to Anthony where I was able to intercept it.  I can't seem to absorb enough of it.  The other book was recommended by our doctor here in Scottsdale.  I was very impressed with our first visit with Dr. Oertle as he suggested we start a thankfulness journal, a forgiveness journal and read One Thousand Gifts written by Ann Voskamp.  His recommendations reminded me that healing is so much more than just the physical aspect.  This book is a little difficult for me to read due to my literary limitations.  It is written in a style that is not the norm for me but I am completely in awe of the truths that flow through its pages.  These books open up a whole new world to who God is and the work that He is doing in our lives in every circumstance.  We Christians must have a better understanding of God and how He completes His work in us.  I am "blown away" with all that God is teaching me.

I have also been reminded again on this journey that life truly is a vapor.  Joni and I were blessed to meet a couple here at Envita by the names of Greg and Maggie.  Greg, who is in his mid 40's was diagnosed a few months ago with stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to the liver.  Greg went through a series of chemo therapies and then made it to Envita to get some boosting of the immune system.  Our first and only encounter with this couple was brief and we were looking forward to spending more time with them. When we looked for them one day we were told that they had gone home to enter hospice care.  I found them on the internet and was able to write a brief note to them before finding out that Greg had passed away this weekend.  I no longer try to wonder why God does what He does.  I am finding out that to spend more time thinking about my responsibilities does a whole lot better.  Although God can be known, many of His ways are beyond our comprehension.  I'm just so thankful that I am tethered to the Rock of Ages.  While we make mistakes such as not sharing our faith as we should, I know that He makes no mistakes.  I am compelled to live more like Christ when He reveals death to me and isn't that what He has taught us in His precious Word?  In dying we shall live.

We are looking so forward to returning home to Floresville, and then some day finally making it all the way home to be with our Lord.