Janni and Steve are excited about the good news the doctors delivered to them last week. Kole spent the week preparing to undergo his five days of chemo. He underwent an MRI and a spinal tap plus other tests. The MRI showed no signs of cancer in the brain and the area in the spine is barely there. They think it is like a "shell" of the tumor. In other words, they believe the cancer is gone there too. Radiation takes effect over a period of time. I don't know how long the residual effects of the radiation continue to destroy cancer cells. I do know that radiation can effect learning more noticeably after three years than directly after receiving radiation. The spinal tap came back clear of cancer cells. We are thrilled with the news. Please pray that his body remains free of cancer cells. I say let's do "preventive praying". To me it is more effective than "preventive medicine".

We had a Sprunger family wedding this weekend. We would like to congratulate Jessica (Sprunger) and Aaron Bell on their wedding. Janni and Steve were not able to attend of course, but they were greatly missed. We talked quite a lot about them. They are an inspiration to us all! Amanda, Janni's nearest cousin in age, and I discussed going back to St. Jude. We love all the parents and kids we met there. We are keeping the other children from St. Jude in our prayers. My parents pray everyday for Dominic and the other children there. Thank you to Dominic's mom for updating us. We are glad to know what we need to pray more specifically about and with more fervency. It is funny how you go to St. Jude and find a whole hospital of people and kids that you find irresistible. It is a joy to be around such unselfish, caring, and compassionate people. There is a real community feel about the place. I truly was sad to leave and have a deep longing to return. To everyone there we send our love. Both sets of grandparents have said they will never be the same and also feel a deep compassion for all the families at St. Jude. We want all the kids there to be well. I think that is how we feel about all you out there as well. We desire God's blessings on your lives. For you have given so freely and have poured out so much care and concern that at times it feels overwhelming. How can we ever repay. But, Janni has said that it is your support that is like the extended hand of God keeping them afloat with hope. As a big sister I thank you for taking such good care of my little sister and her family. I believe you can never out give God or waist resources on God. "Whatever you do for the least of these my brethren you do it unto me". What you do for Kole, you do it for God. Janni and Steve have dedicated Kole to God. Steve said God has promised to take care of his son, Kole. God uses you to be His hands, support, and encouragement. We feel blessed to be so cared about. You have been an example to us. I hope to be in your shoes someday and return the blessing to other hurting families. Thank you again.

I also want to thank everyone out there keeping our "faith" a float. The evil one likes to tempt us to feel sorry for ourselves, despair of life, and even become bitter. But thanks to you guys out there sending us tapes, Bible study books, Inspirational music, prayer promises to pray, etc. We are keeping our faith and even growing in our faith. Thanks to Lisa Branton who sent a wonderful tape from pastor Ortland (I think). I have to admit I am horrible with names. Anyway, Lisa, my parents and I listened to the tape on the way home from the wedding. Wow, it was just what the doctor ordered. Anyway, the pastor talked about King David spending ten years hiding out in a cave of exile. I would say it is kind of like the "cave of life's trial". He did not know when he was getting out or if he was getting out. But, he chose to cling to God. It did not matter if he was in great danger, he simply placed himself in the hand of God, and drew near to his heavenly "loyal" father. There were times in King David's life that God was all he had. All human love and support was removed. God was enough for David. In fact because God became David's "all", God blessed David and called him an "man after God's own heart". Actually, we have potential to fill up with God's life and light in a dark cave. It is in the "dark cave" of trial, where God is our only way out. They say that the stable where Jesus was born actually could have been a cave. If so, the life of our Savior began in a humble cave. Jesus also conquered sin and death in the cave of his "tomb". The tomb is empty! Being stuck in the "Cave of trial" is temporary. One day we will break free, but until then we will remain with our Savior. Or should I say our Savior remains with us in our trial. Even when we are free from our "trouble" (like you can be free of trial on this earth), we hope to still remain with our Deliver. It is funny how Jesus is both our shepherd who cares for us his sheep, an the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. I guess Jesus is everything to us from every spectrum. Our lives are full to overflowing. It is simply because of God, though He in himself is very complex and complete (not forgetting tender and loving).

Jodi
(end of March through end of July)
Address: Target House (Janni and Steve Keller)
1811 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104