Another Milestone

Acts 5:12
"At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico."

Ever since New Testament days, when the apostles went to the temple in a Honda (see above, loosely translated) experiencing the thrill of driving has been a big deal. So we want to tell you of another milestone in Tammy's recovery. She's getting her stamina and strength back slowly, and it's time to let her drive again.

We need to get my truck worked on tomorrow, so Tammy will follow me to the mechanic in our other car. Today, she drove to the gas station, the first time she's been behind the wheel in about a year. It was a short drive, but a Neil Armstrong-sized leap in her recovery.

It's been a few weeks since we've posted anything, mostly because things are going according to schedule. She still has to keep her numbers under control, a very delicate balance, but I'm reminded daily how much of a miracle she is.

God already has used her in a mighty way, and it's obvious to us that He has more plans for her. Thanks for all your prayers.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Lamentations 3:22-24
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'"

I feel a little like Bing Crosby in "Holiday Inn," only posting blog entries recently on holidays. But we didn't want to let this milestone day pass without taking a few minutes to look back on the past year, and look forward to the year that just started.

When we posted last January 1, we were waiting to hear if either of Tammy's brothers was going to be a match. We knew the chances of a successful bone-marrow transplant were greatly enhanced if Mike or Jim was a match. As you know, neither turned out to be a match, but we did find a match at the beginning of February. Two months later, Tammy got her new bone marrow. That started a long road of recovery that now is at Day 275.

As we start 2010, we look forward to some new "firsts." Her first "birthday" will be April 1. Her first day of church may very well be Easter Sunday. We're hopeful that soon she'll be able to have a first day of work. There's so much still to be determined, and we're excited to see how God works in our lives this year.

We're looking forward to hearing more about David Lee's and Wiola's plans for marriage and a life together. We're looking forward to seeing how God lays the groundwork for David and Julie to return to the missions field in Poland. We are extremely blessed that our children not only love and respect us, but are each other's best friends and, mostly, love the Lord and want to serve Him.

We believe very strongly that God allowed this to happen to Tammy so that we could point people to Him. The way Tammy has dealt with this illness and long recovery has allowed people to see faithfulness and trust in His plan. God has truly used Tammy in a mighty way.

As you start a new year and a new decade, our prayer for you is to be open to God's leading so He can use you in a mighty way too.