I hope you don’t mind the diagram, but I thought it might help with the understanding of the catheter and the problem I’m having with it.   My  body is covering the part that lies near my heart with a protective coating or sheath.   As a result, it won’t draw blood, and there is the possibility of further risks and trouble.   Tomorrow I head back for a blood draw, and I am praying that somehow that sheath would dissolve and this very necessary catheter would start working.   I would be so grateful if you would pray with us!   It’s going to take a miracle!

There isn’t a lot of new news here... I am pretty much lying low because my white blood cells are also low.   We’re starting to talk through the logistics of returning to Nome.   To all of you in Nome, I can hardly wait to get back to that dear dusty town and all of you who make it so precious!   Thank you for your words of encouragement to Nathan while he was back over the last week and a half...  You are the most amazing community ever!  

My hair is starting to fall out in massive handfuls.   It’s sort of sad to see it go, and now comes the wondering of when to actually take the plunge and shave it.   Some people have cautioned me not to shave it too soon because sometimes it just thins considerably and doesn’t all fall out.   So I’m waiting, but it’s really annoying.   We were trying to find hairnets for me to wear to bed, but to no avail.   Mom finally found a creative alternative.   It’s a wave cap... sort of like a thick nylon that according to the package, my African-American brothers use to help make their fro more wavy.   Cool!   Nathan has always told me he thought I was beautiful, and I love him for it.   But in this cap... stunning is the only word that comes to mind! :)  

Wesley learned how to say please yesterday, Kate is regressing on her potty training, Noah is living and breathing baseball since Poppi taught him to play catch, and Shaina loves rubbing Caleb’s back during his little tummy time.    So that’s the latest from Hobbitsville... thanks to all of you who are praying for us!  

Nathan just walked past and I asked if there is anything he wanted to say to the friends reading our blog.   He tossed a little card onto my lap, it’s wrinkled a bit from being carried in his pocket, but the truth printed on it is flawless.   “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”   -2 Cor. 9:8   This is what he is praying, for us and for you, the dear ones who are holding us up when at times we feel too weak or weary to do it ourselves.   Our hearts are strengthened, may yours be as well, in the trials you are facing.