Monday, September 14

This has been a day we have been waiting for, in hopes of receiving more information regarding Miriam's journey. The day actually started yesterday evening. Let me give you just a little glimpse into a very intimate evening we as family shared together last night, along with a few close friends. We met at Vic and Sandy Schellenberg's last night(Sunday, September 13) for the express purpose of spending time together in worship, Bible reading, and prayer, as we anticipated a day that was designed to bring some direction and news. Our prayers and tears mingled with the prayers being offered by many of you as we came before the throne of grace on behalf of Miriam. It was indeed a beautiful time as we felt the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus flood the room and engulf each of us who was there. Vic shared the story of Jehoshaphat who sent worshippers ahead of the mighty army to indicate that it was the Lord who would provide the victory and not the might or power of humans. We left last night knowing that the Lord himself was going ahead and would be preparing the way for Miriam today. He proved to do just that.

So, today started early, with Miriam and her two sisters, Marylynne and Ruth, heading into the Vancouver General Hospital by 5:00 am. The day included a number of tests, including an MRI, x-rays, followed by a consult with the Oncologist, and concluded with a CT scan and biopsy mid-afternoon. The CT biopsy will indicate what exactly it is she is dealing with, and we will have to wait for some word on this in the next few days. The most important thing at this point is that Miriam try to protect her leg as it is very vulnerable right now. He indicated that surgery is imminent to try to stabilize her leg, regardless of whatever else is going on. There is danger of breaking this femur, which would greatly complicate the treatment schedule.

Miriam is staying with Vic and Sandy, where she will not have to go up or down any stairs. She has been buoyed by your prayers and is a testimony to the tremendous grace of God through this difficult day. We ask you to continue to pray for the protection of her femur, as well as asking God to continue to wrap his love and mercy around her. She is amazingly peaceful, but we also realize that fear and doubt are always waiting just around the corner, so we count on your prayers for God to continue to uphold her.