Friday, August 15

Hi - Amy writing again. First some thoughts from Rhonda, then an update on how she's doing. Also, we'd like to ask that people refrain from visiting for now.

Today, as most other days, Rhonda received cards in the mail. She wants to thank all of you who have written. She has been so encouraged by people who have shared their stories with her. Her hearts resonates with their struggles, their faith and the lessons they've learned. Today someone shared Psalm 91 with her. Psalm 91 begins, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." It continues to praise God for surely saving us and for commanding His angels concerning us. It ends, "'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." What worship! These scriptures turn Rhonda's thoughts, heart, soul, and reliance to the truth of who God is. She spoke to me of how important it is to her to hold these scriptures as truth whatever God chooses to do in her life. She wants to be open to allow God's promises to her life to not just refer to physical healing but to whatever His hand brings - to know that all His promises are true. She doesn't want to allow herself to put God in a box and see with eyes that only view the here and now and this small world we live in. God is so much bigger than we can know or imagine. His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways. He could allow everything to turn and Psalm 91 would still be true.

Now, an update. Rhonda's fever did come back down yesterday. The doctors ordered a chest x-ray and bloodwork and started her on another antibiotic. She did have another fever spike during the night. They started another different antibiotic. The doctors received the results of the x-ray and said she has some fluid on her lungs. Today the infectious disease specialist came by and says he suspects atypical pneumonia. He said it is probably of the walking pneumonia variety. He ordered a chest CAT scan and mentioned he may do a bronchial endoscopy-type test (sorry, I didn't get the official test name). They will also do more bloodwork. The better they can identify what she is fighting, the better they can give her the antibiotics that will help her. She's had her ups and downs today - a slight headache upon waking (as most mornings) and some lightheadedness earlier. She napped and is resting but still seems to be coughing. Please keep up your prayers for her to be able to fight any germs and infections.

Now - the BIG NEWS! Guess who shaved their head? If you guessed Rhonda's father - you're right! Rhonda had decided she would shave her head today as her hair was falling out all over. Her parents were here with her. After her father read a scripture he selected, we sang "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it", and Amy said a prayer, her father spoke to Rhonda encouraging her that she was not alone in this. He reminded her of how many people love and care for her and . . . he told her that he would be shaving his head with her - did she want to go first or second!?

She bravely faced Debbie's buzzer first. The mood was one of excitement, anticipation and trepidation. First, Debbie gave her a pixie-type cut with the scissors . . . it looked cute! Then she stared with the buzzer. The more she buzzed, the more the excitement built . . . Rhonda looked great! Her eyes stood out all the more and her smile lit up her face! Any trepidation that was in the air vanished, and relief and celebration took it's place . . . Rhonda still looks like Rhonda! Beautiful as ever! We'll have pictures soon! As for Rhonda's Dad, he looks great too! I think he looks younger than ever! Thank you again for your prayers.