March 20, 2006 So much has happened...

Hello everyone! I am not sure where to start this email! It has been a busy time. Physically, spiritually, emotionally . . . First, our computer is acting up. If you have emailed us and we have not responded, just know that this is why. We can see and read emails but we are unable to compose responses, forward, or send. I am "borrowing" a friends' pc now to send this. Anyway, we have had two main prayer requests over the past few weeks. First, for the bump on Erik's surgical site to go away and stay away. Second, there have been problems within our church which have been tough to get through. Well, since last Thursday (3/9) the bump on Erik's surgical site (where the infection was before) has been barely noticeable! Praise God! We have just been waiting to see if it will remain small or come back and so far so good. Please keep praying for this to stay under control. We understand that we are approaching the time frame where the infection could resurface (6-9 months from the onset which was 10/05) so continued prayer about this is appreciated. Our church family has suffered a split. This has been spiritually and emotionally taxing on our family. We have been visiting churches in our community and are focusing on our family and on our roles as parents to instruct/teach our children about our faith and salvation. THIS HAS BEEN WONDERFUL! This has been added work but we feel like we are getting closer to our children and have received a much needed push in this area of our lives. So often we have allowed others take this role but our current circumstances have allowed us to reclaim this privilege. Please pray that we will continue to follow God's direction. In addition to all of this, Mom had the flu for a week or so and was really sick. Isolation for a week during which pneumonia and a sinus infection also came along were tough. The rest of the gang have been doing well. Margot has been busy with school and is excited about softball starting up soon. Brigitte is working on math and her handwriting which are coming along. Nick is enjoying school on Tuesday and Thursdays and is enjoying the warm weather and outside play time. We cannot forget the following verse and how it relates to our personal life experiences. We must always remember that God has been so good to us and has gracefully healed our precious son Erik. We are obligated to share this miracle with others who hopefully will see God's love through our experiences. "My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love." Acts 20:24 (NLT) Well, keep us in your prayers and know that we love each of you and appreciate your continued prayers, support, and encouragement! We now are working hard to keep our focus and eyes on God as we watch him continue to heal and work through our family. Love, Erik's Family