As many of you already know, today marks the first day in a very long journey for my dear sister and niece.  After months of much hard work and tireless efforts to get her the best treatment possible, Smiles will be entering an inpatient facility for an undetermined time.  We are praying and believing in faith that it will be for a short time, but we know that this has been immersed, not just bathed, in prayer and that God is leading the way to her completed restoration. 

Many of you have asked what you could do for the family and for Smiles.  At this time, we ask that you continue to pray without ceasing for complete healing.  We ask for strength for the family who are obviously heartbroken at the thought of leaving her there even for just one day, and for her sister who has so bravely and valiantly walked this journey with her. 

In the coming weeks, we (me, as an advocate for my sister) will try to post updates on her recovery and any messages that the family would like to pass on.  This form of communication will lessen the burden on them to have to repeat the responses to your heartfelt and loving inquiries.  I will also post any tangible way that you can help them out as they will be traveling back and forth weekly.  So many of you have already answered so many of their prayers with well wishes, hugs and incredible selfless acts of kindness. Thank you for loving them.  If you would like to send a card or letter to Smiles, please drop them off at the church office and I will make sure they get to her!  I'm sure she will appreciate knowing so many of you are thinking of her!

God knew we would have days like today and His Word provides us with hope:
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by hear or worried by long months of drought,  Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit.  Jeremiah 17:7-8.

This is not my story to tell, it is theirs.  I just want to do what I can to lighten their burden.  That's what family is all about.
Smiles, we love you!