Not Alone and Not Afraid

Loved Ones,

For the past almost three weeks it has been easy to not feel alone because we have literally, not been alone. Ray's sister Debbie, complemented by an array of other sisters, has been by our side. A special angel, and a nurse, she has helped so much in our transition to this new life. As you leave today, thank you Debbie.

It is easy, when faced with what can seem like overwhelming changes and uncertainties, to feel afraid. To seek knowing, certainty, control.

Thinking about all these things is no help! They grow. They discourage. And the need for patience seems herculean.

We noticed today that while we are praying, even about these same things, we do not feel alone and we do not feel afraid. Even in the uncertainty and the not knowing, God gives us enough to go on. Today. And then the next day, the same.

We were able to watch the video of the DC prayer service today. What a wonderful gift. It meant even more today than Thursday. Those prayers surround us!

Ray's appetite is coming back a little and he is pressing forward seeking nutrition even without it. Hooray Ray.

His color looks good and he had energy for a great visit with an old friend.

We continue to pray for his liver numbers (all of them, even the lagging one!) to come down and for that liver to be healed!! Tonight we placed our hands on his stomach too. Get out of here cancer!!

The girls had a great day. We painted more driveway messages for Daddy, swam in the pool and colored with new markers. A good time was had by all.

We leave you with these verses from our prayer tonight. They are from when Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego were to be thrown in the fiery furnace for refusing to deny their God:

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:17-18

not alone and not afraid --

kristin and ray