At Three Months On….

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

As you are aware, we have been much challenged of late. Upon recent reflection, words from the apostle Paul resonate with us here, in hope…

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we've been going through… We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And God did rescue us from mortal danger, and will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in God, and God will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

Three months ago this week, as we prayed to know more what we were facing, we were given a more definitive diagnosis of gastric cancer. More than twelve weeks ago this day, I remember… from our conversation with Melissa's oncologist, upon asking what kind of timeframe we might expect to have left, that if we got to three months, it would be a miracle. Well, now, here we are, continuing on, day by day, witnessing God's grace abounding[1], and treasuring every shared moment together as God's perfect gift[2] as we experience love and care, tenderly expressed for one another.

Today along with yesterday and the past weekend has been marked with very low energy for Melissa. We are praying, hopeful for her to regain strength as we aim to have her receive more frequent, moderately high dosage Vitamin C IV treatments (semi-weekly).

Sensing that her body needs "a break" from some of the harder regimens of meds and supplements she had been taking to date, we have also begun letting her rest more and decreasing much of the amounts of prescribed, naturopathic intake while still maintaining appropriate pain management as necessary.

Now and through the days ahead, please pray for Melissa:

• for the healing, rest, comfort, peace that her body needs;
  
• for her energy and strength to increase;
  
• for her ability to receive increased nutrition, calories needed, and for her to have healthy weight gain;
  
• for our family's adjustment into this new season of her healing journey.
  

With renewed faith, hope and love for one another in the Lord, we continue

Prayerfully yours, and His,
The Espiritu's

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[1] so that, as the Word tells us, in all things, at all times, having all that we need, we would abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8)

[2] every good, perfect gift, coming from above from the Father of the heavenly lights Who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17)