It is so hard to know where to begin to write this blog after such an absence! This is Kole's aunt and Janni's sister writing. I have had an eventful summer, full of God's provision and answered prayer! A dear friend of mine has just stepped into a household full of ten children plus her own two. It is a long story full of God's beautiful handiwork. She, a divorced mother with two girls, who just married a widowed man (father of ten children). She predicted that she would be on the mission field this July. Boy, did she end up on a mission field. She is now housed out in the country, with a field and 12 young disciples! This was an incredible answer to years of praying and waiting! We understand God's timing now, though the wait was hard fought! I believe that God's plans are always good even when they seem bleak and answers seem long in coming or out of reach! I think of Kole and I see victory over defeat! A victory brought by our loving and merciful Heavenly Father!

Kole was here to visit us last week! He actually came on two occasions! I cannot tell you how my children waited in anticipation for their first glimpse of Kole and Jaelle after months of separation! They stared out the window and counted down the hours to his expected arrival!! I cannot even put into words the tenderness they had towards each other and the comfort they felt in each others'' presence as we reunited down in the basement of their grandparents. Leah set up house underneath the "carnival type basketball shootout game" they have mounted to the wall! It makes a perfect tent for kids. Kole, of course, was the dad and they had their babies and blankets all spread out like good old times! My kids never asked Kole one question about his hair or his diminished size! I was quite proud of them! Kole could play in freedom, knowing he was fully accepted and fully loved! You know, I find that to be true of God as well--when I feel gang up upon by people of this world, it is God who I seek for comfort! It is only God whose love is steadfast!! Kole eventually had to part with his cousins and streams of tears began to flow as he hated to leave. He wrapped his small arms around the neck of his adoring dad and buried his face into his shoulder!! He left, with his mom promising to return Kole to his cousins in two days! So, Kole came back and we enjoyed him again and he even got to experience a cookout lunch with family and a backyard Bible club! He has become so grown up since last November. He is tender and insightful beyond his years! I would say that though this was a tuff test for such a small boy ---he now has become large in character! His weight might have diminished some, but his character is plump and well fed! I praise the God who is real and who loves and who works all things out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His good purpose! It was interesting watching him as he deals with the after effects of his treatments and sickness! He happened to get a stomach ache after our cook out! Hannah and Leah were hovering over him as his head was down! I walked over to him, full of desire to erase any discomfort this boy could ever have!! I knelt down and asked Kole what hurt! He said his stomach was bothering him and that this happens quite a lot! He said he was pretty used to it, in a nonchalant way! My heart broke for he did not complain, but only stated the facts! I said "you know Kole, we pray over every little hurt we have in our family, and it works every time. Would you like me to pray?" He said " well, my mom has this medicine in her purse and when I take it, it always goes away!" I thought to myself what a good mom is my sister and what a good dad is our Heavenly Father ----for they both desire healing. One works to find healing, and the other provides healing all because they love so much and hurt when their dear little ones hurt! We have so much when we have God and believe Him and His word! We are rich in love and free from fear, for we know a compassionate God! A God who is full of goodness and beauty even in the midst of trial! I have watched a small boy be as brave as a grown man, all because he has been crowned with mercy from our dear Heavenly Father! There is no room for pity or defeat! I have watched Kole and victory should be his middle name! It has been granted to him by God himself! What a gift! This is hope and life! Outside of God this family would only know despair. With Him we will only know victory!

Love,
Jodi