Healing Right Up

Dear All,

Daniel has been home from the hospital for over a week. Hard to believe. His health is getting better every day. We are thankful. For example, the hole in his back has shrunk. It is now 6 by 1.9 cm on the outside with a depth of 3.2 cm. Only two days before the depth had been 4.5 cm.

So what all is happening now? He has IV antibiotics 3 times a day. He still has his Wound VAC (we call it his "man purse") which he is able to plug in at night then go on battery all day. So he is mobile and has had several outings. He can't drive for 6 weeks after surgery (basically till Sept 1) so he is always chauffeured. He has 4-5 doctor/nurse appointments per week that Sara Ann and I divide up taking him to.

We have been blessed by meals (nothing nurtures like food!), phone calls, emails, cards and people contributing to his medical expenses. Daniel specifically said to tell everyone he is thankful for the prayers, cards, food and support. He said he has really been humbled by how people have come in to help him and his family. Every day he checks the mail, looking for cards. And he has certainly enjoyed eating after not being able to for weeks and weeks.

He has also had several visits by his peers. He has been greatly encouraged by that. Just today 3 young women that he went on a Spring Break Campaign with his sophomore year of college came to visit and laid hands on him and prayed over him before they left. He had not seen or talked to any of these young women in years. Praise God for servant hearts.

I have personally been amazed at how God is working in so many lives of so many we are getting to touch base with. God is working powerfully through people who are single, young married, middle aged or retired. Regardless of their walk in life, God has great plans and is using each life in His own unique way. Daniel and I have been talking about how God puts people at different places in life and then utilizes their unique abilities and circumstances in His kingdom. It is great to see the creativity of God and how He works mightily to have a relationship with His people. It reminds me of Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12 and how God has chosen each part of the body for the work He has for that person. Each may look different and have different functions, like the eye and ear, but each is designed to function as God has made them. May God work in your life mightily today whatever your station. May you feel His presence and the peace that passes understanding that comes only through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. May you be aware of being an ambassador for Jesus if you are working in an office, getting ready to go back to teach this fall, wading through lots of laundry and dirty diapers, or being limited in life by your aging body. May you remember that your generous, caring Heavenly Father loves you if you are struggling with your marriage, your health, your children, your finances, your lack of relationships or your mental or spiritual health.

What is Daniel's main prayer request? Daniel is fervently praying and ask others to pray that he will be healed by September 1st and be able to move to Seattle. What will that take? The Infectious Disease Doctor releasing him from taking the intravenous antibiotics. The wound on his back must be closed and no more need for wound care for that wound or the other various holes from surgery, gun shot, etc. And the Trauma Surgeon releasing him.

If you want to drop Daniel a card with a message, his address is 2801 S. Shady Lane, Arlington, Texas, 76001.

Again, we praise God for your interest, love and prayers. May the peace of Christ be with you.

Love,
Eddie, Marilyn, Daniel, Sara Ann and Jonathan