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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Pain

"The reward for considering the helpless is not just the end result, but the pain, the heart pain, that accompanies it. It is cleansing to hurt when God Himself hurts; it is a good thing."

A good friend of mine gave me that quote 4 years ago when I was struggling with some tough issues surrounding our first adoption. I keep a copy of it in my office so that i am often reminded of its truth. Today it is more real than ever. I really dont even want to write this because I just dont have a lot of words to describe how we are feeling. I just have a pit in my stomach as I write this.

Josie is sick. During a routine exam yesterday, she tested positive for HIV. She had tested negative before so this was a shock to everyone. At this point we have more questions than answers, so we just ask that you pray for us, for Suzanne whose mother's heart is ripped to shreds right now, for Josie that all the diagnoses and treatments would begin asap and that her little body would begin to heal, for our children at home who are also hurting over this news, for wisdom and clarity for our family as we try to process what this means, and that someday we will see the good part of the pain we are feeling. Thank you all for praying. Thats all Ive got right now.

Mike

107 comments:

KT said...

thank you so much for posting the quote, I too will have it up to remember.
I don't have words either, but wanted to comment that I read it and am praying for Josie, you and Suzanne there and your children here.

Amy said...

Oh, Mike and Suzanne back home. My heart aches for you, Josie Love, and everyone. Like KT above, I have no words, just prayers. Love to you all.

Beautiful Mess said...

Praying for blessing in the pain!

Praying for you all! God bless!

Tracy said...

Oh wow- for sure God sent you to sweet Josie at this time in her beautiful life. Praying for your whole family and trusting for God's providential care for you all!

Kim said...

What truth there is in this beautiful quote. I wish I had adequate words to respond to your news. Just know that prayers are being lifted up from your Hong Kong friends.
Love & Blessings,
Kim

Gwen Oatsvall said...

on my knees ...

Our journey following Christ said...

Praying for your wounded hearts and for sweet Josie's health. Please keep us updated. We'll keep lifting you up in prayer.

God knows.

Blessings,
Laura

Anonymous said...

Mike and Suzanne,
Just know that the Kemp's are praying for you right now. We love you all and we are standing with you through this time.
Phillip

Traci said...

God's got it and He's got you too. So sorry. We're praying.

Anonymous said...

My Prayers are with you.

Isabelle

Heather said...

Praying for your family & sweet Josie Love.

Whitney said...

Mike & Suzanne,
Mike, I am a friend of your sister Mandy and found out about your story through her blog. We will be praying for your family and for healing for sweet Josie.

Whitney Saucedo

Anonymous said...

I am weeping for your pain and asking God to begin His revelation of His redemption in this pain. I just can't say much except I'm hurting and praying with you.
Love,
Rachel Roper

michelle smalling said...

You guys are deeply loved...my heart breaks for you. praying, praying, praying....

shawn aswad said...

Suzanne and Mike I know that you are so strong and that all of this will somehow be okay, it is just a bump in the path that you weren't expecting. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you.

loves and hugs,
Shawn and Patrick

Auntie Amanda said...

I'm not sure what to say right now, but know that I am thinking of you all, praying for wisdom and healing and for all of you. Wish I could embrace your entire family today, especially Suzanne. Lots of love.

Chris and Lindsey Wheeler said...

Mayernick family,
We are praying like crazy right now!! I can't imagine the heartache and pain....just know that we are going to be lifting you and your family up non-stop. We are praying for miraculous healing of precious Josie Love and wisdom for everyone involved!! We love y'all so much.

The Wheeler Family

Karen Phillips said...

He goes before you...He shields the way...His hand upholds you...mike and suzanne...know you are loved and our hearts are breaking with yours...we are in prayer. if we can do anything to help at home, please let us know...

Lindsey Doyle said...

Love you so much....praying without ceasing my friends...hurting along with you

Diane said...

I left this comment on Katie's blog this a.m., also. Holding up your family's arms when they are weary.

Exodus 17:1-16

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

I am crying.....for your sorrow you must be feeling.....can't put words to it, but I know that God is sovereign even in our doubt. So I will bring your entire family to JESUS!!!!! God we need miracles!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:17-18

Praying that you feel His presence in an intimate and powerful way.

Without ceasing...The Knox Family

Our family said...

crying with you and praying for all 9 of you. we will pray without ceasing today and in the days ahead.

rebekah wright

Goosegirl said...

I am so sorry. I am so sad for you all and little beautiful Josie. I am praying for you all for wisdom and comfort and peace.

Anonymous said...

Praying for your sweet family. Roger and Julie

Unknown said...

Hey,
We are in this together. You two are not alone. All over this world people are praying. He knew every single one of these days long before you ever thought about them. Gwen and I are here talking and praying. I'm breaking with you, desperately wanting to be there to hug you, hold you, hold her, and speak His truth over you. Know that I'm doing all of those things from here.
You aren't alone. He is over this. He is clarity, truth, strength, courage, wisdom, Father, broken with you. He's here.
love you
ali

Unknown said...

I only met you once, but have kept up with your sweet family ever since! You have been heavy on my heart this morning and, as I was in Bible study, it seemed every word spoken I wanted to somehow transfer to you! As you walk through this wilderness, God is with you. He is that pillar of light before you. He catches every tear in the palm of His hand. He also will lead you to the promised land to which you have been called, just by a route you did not expect. So now I pray that God will use what appears hopeless to SHOW HIS POWER and heal sweet Josie's body. I pray for His very best, for you to SEE Him and His heart in the middle of all this, and for a miracle.

Here is one of the verses that stood out to me this morning:
Ex. 13:17-When Pharoah let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, THOUGH THAT WAS SHORTER. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Isrealites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.

And you ARE armed for battle by the One who has already won the war! We are praying for you and your entire family.

Holly said...

I won't pretend to understand. I have never been where you are. I have however had God ask me if I would trust Him with everything, including HIV. We actually pursued an HIV+ adoption but God closed the door and the child found another WONDERFUL home! I just want you to know that when you are ready, there are SO MANY resources out here to help you and your sweet girl. One of my dear friends founded Project Hopeful and her heart led me to become an advocate for HIV+ adoptions. There are some amazing pediatric infectious diseases doctors available and the little girl we were trying to adopt is so healthy that she isn't even on the antiretroviral meds!! HIV is not the end. I am sure it must feel that way to you today, in the darkness. But God can turn your mourning into dancing and your sorrow into joy.
Josie CAN be a healthy very normal little girl. She may have to take meds and she may not for a long time. Praying for direction, wisdom and PEACE that passes all understanding. HIV is so super duper hard to contract...really it is. If I can help direct you to help regarding paperwork or immigration issues, please feel free to email me at hollymac828 at yahoo dot com.
God has known this all along and He has been preparing the way.
Blessings,
Holly

Mallory said...

This breaks my heart to here this again I think about you all day at school and can't sleep at night. Praying for your heart and all that has happened!
Love you,
Mallory

Anonymous said...

I am praying for strength for all of you. Please know that Josie being HIV positive in the US is not a death sentence and can be managed well with our access to health care. Many people are adopting children that are HIV pos and it poses no more health risks to your family that if she were Hep B positive. In the US it is considered a chronic health issues but managible. She's going to be okay and so are you. God will hold your hands throughout it all. When you get home, I'll send you some links to large families that have paved the road ahead of you in this area.
Love in Christ, Ally Pedicini

Anonymous said...

I am praying for your family as I know this was unexpected news. I am writing to tell you that it will be okay, Josie will be okay. We adopted our daughter this year with HIV, full blown actually. We knew that she was HIV when we adopted her but from her country they dont test the viral loads that tell you what level of HIV. The doctors were amazed after we got her home and after just two months of medication how much her counts improved, they were shocked, and so happy! I've never seen doctors "celebrate" the way they did when going over her blood work with us! It was amazing! The following month she became undetectable! In only three months!!! Our daughter is the kindest, compassionate, loving child I have ever seen, really! She is a beautiful, precious gift from God. She started school a few weeks ago and is so happy. She loves us so much and we love her. I know that your news is shocking but I know that she is going to be just fine, just like our little princess. We are praying for your family. If you would like to talk, please provide a private email address. God bless you.

James 1:27 Family said...

I've been following your story through Gwen's blog. We are in the process of adopting through Amani as well.

I want to echo the comments of Holly above. HIV in America is not a death sentence anymore. She can be healed and live "normally" and even bear children safely one day. It just seems that the Lord brought you to sweet little Josie just in her time of greatest need. HIV is dangerous where she was born but not where you live.

When we brought home our adopted son, he appeared healthy for many months and then our world came crashing down when he was diagnosed with a dangerous blood disorder. We were so broken and confused. God saw us through every second of that pain. He molded us and helped us to grow closer to Him.

I know our loving God will do the same for your family. There will be pain and confusion and sorrow but He, who can move mountains, Creator of every living thing, knows your pain and He holds your tears in His hands.

My sweet widow friend who is 86 gave me this poem. I hope it blesses you.

God's Boxes

I have in my hands two boxes,
Which God gave me to hold.
He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box,
And all your joys in the gold."

I heeded His words, and in the two boxes,
Both my joys and sorrows I stored,
But though the gold became heavier each day,
The black was as light as before.

With curiosity, I opened the black,
I wanted to find out why,
And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole,
Which my sorrows had fallen out by.

I showed the hole to God, and mused,
"I wonder where my sorrows could be!"
He smiled a gentle smile and said,
"My child, they're all here with me.."

I asked God, why He gave me the boxes,
Why the gold and the black with the hole?
"My child, the gold is for you to count your
blessings,
The black is for you to let go."

Praying for your hearts.

"Come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest."

In Jesus,
Amy

Rachel said...

Mike and Suzanne,
We are praying for your family and sweet Josie Love's health. He knows the way.
Rachel

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers with you and Josie Love.
Jenny Perkins

Jen said...

praying for you. God is Sovereign.

Jenn in GA said...

now i know what i was praying for, and i my first response is that of holly and a few others. 2 of my sbux friends shared with me just last week that they'd heard at a conference at the CDC that 2 types of HIV has been cured. i know this is a shock, and i don't know what it means for your adoption, but i know that you know that God will see you through it, because he ordained this. He laid this little girl on your hearts, and He has a plan. hugs from here...

The Ferrill's said...

Oh mercy...we have been praying and will continue to do so. May you find solace in His word and find wisdom and discernment from Him each step you take from here on out...we're holding you up...

Anonymous said...

Suzanne,
We don't know each other but God has called us to a similar path. My dear friend Kim is 'online' buddies with Gwen and she let me know today about your sweet girl. We will bring home our baby girl soon from Ethiopia and she is also HIV+. Not in our original plan...but clearly in God's. I believe He is calling His people to love the very least of these...and my husband and I (maybe like you all) are terrified and humbled that our God would trust us with this. We trust HE will be sufficient...even when we are not. If you EVER want to talk...please ask Kim (through Gwen) for my private email or phone number. Until then, know you have new friends praying for you in Tennessee.

Love!

Anonymous said...

We love you all and KNOW without a shadow of doubt that GOD is in all you are doing. His plan is so much larger that what we see and HE is faithful to see us through! St. Joe kids are lifting you up in prayer also.

Ruthie

Holly said...

Words to a song I learned in high school-
May it bless your hearts as you reel in Uganda.

I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength,but sometimes I wonder what He can do through ME.
No great success to show, no glory on my own, yet in my weakness He is there to let me know:
His strength is perfect
when our strength is gone.
He'll carry us when we can't carry on.
Raised by His power,
the weak become strong.
His strength is perfect.
His strength is perfect.
We can only know the power that He holds
when we truly see how deep our weakness goes.
His strength in us begins, when ours comes to an end.
He hears our humble cries and proves again...
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone.
He'll carry us when we can't carry on.
Raised by His power...the weak become strong.
His strength is perfect.
His strength is perfect.

Erica said...

Know that we are standing in the gap here in the Shubin house. Interceding for you. Praying the Lords PERFECT peace and HIS strength would carry you. Praying for clarity and wisdom as you seek Gods will in your lives and prepare to care for sweet Josie. His plan is perfect. His way is perfect. HE had your path designed before the foundation of the earth. This is no surprise to HIM and HE has you and Josie and your whole family in the palm of HIS hand. May HE shine through your weakness. You are a powerful example of Gods perfect love through your lives. Keep shining. HUGE HUGE HUGS!!

MommyBrec said...

We are sending up mighty prayers for you today!

Rhonda said...

Oh Mike and Suzanne,

I am absolutely heart-broken for y'all right now. Phillip just came home and gave me the sad news. I cannot even begin to imagine what you're feeling. All I can tell you, and Josie, and that y'all are greatly loved....that you're been interceded for...that our great God has all of this in His TRUSTWORTY Hands.

We love y'all!
The Kemps

Rhonda said...

*being

Anonymous said...

mommy and daddy,
we have just about 1/2 the people at CPA praying for our family and that God will be with yall and josie...every time i start to doubt I just have to keep retelling myself that if God can move mountains, he can sure as heck heal josie. the comments above have been an encouragement to me and I know they are to yall too...we just have to trust that God will make happen what he wants to happen, and we cannot try to control it. i have been and will continue to keep yall in my prayers and just know that there is ABUNDANT love for yall, josie, the kecks, mrs. manuel, asher, and all those other little babies over there waiting to come home coming from all over the US (especially NASHVILLE!). ill talk to yall tomorrow (the teachers said I can keep my phone with me all day tomorrow so call me whenever..) I LOVE YALL!!!!

yours truly,
grace

Rhonda said...

Grace,

You are precious. Your name fits your perfectly. What an inspiration you are and what a gift you are to so many!

~Mrs. Rhonda ;)

Anonymous said...

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strenghten those whose hearts are fully committed to him". (2Chronicles 16:9) ...you both are a beautiful picture of hearts committed to act..to love..to go...and to trust in His perfect plan. Praying for you and your family as you walk through this journey.

We love you guys.
Michael and Amy

Mom 2 six said...

I am praying for you during this time. Know that you are in our thoughts- Find strength in the support of your family, friends and the Lord.

Anonymous said...

Praying

Kay Daniels said...

Praying with you and for you....."I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Ps. 27: 13-14) I know you know God knew this way before you ever knew or even thought about precious Josie. He will walk with you through this storm and hold you tightly. You have been chosen by Him for a very special assignment. That's because you're such special people! I am lifting you up to the One who is your Strength, your Saving Refuge, your Healer and your Deliverer!! Love, Kay V.

Jill said...

Our family is praying for your family. Just know we are pouring our hearts out to God for His good and perfect will to be done and that you guys remain faithful and trust in His goodness. In Christ Alone, Love, Brad and Jill

Anonymous said...

Suzanne and Mike:

We are so saddened by this news but I know that God's love and grace will see you through this. Like many others, our family is praying for you, your children here in TN and Josie.

Much love,
Vallie

Amy Lafayett said...

Mike and Suzanne - I have been praying all day for you and for sweet Josie Love. Continuing to pray and trust God for you all.

Anonymous said...

Suzanne & Mike, please known that you and Little Josie are in my prayers. He is the GREAT physician. LOVE, HUGS & MUCH PRAYER,
Shirley Buchanan Payne, Dallas, TX

Anonymous said...

I love You! I pray God holds you tightly in his precious arms.(i wish i could) God has great plans for this angel Josie Love. You are not alone your brothers and sisters in Christ are here to hold you up.
Love and blessing, The Hackney Family

Tim said...

Mike and Suzanne,

Well little sis, I know you are experiencing an avalanche of varied emotions. It's time to be still and listen to your heart. G0 with your heart, not your rationale. Circumstances only masquerade the reality that God is truly sovereign. This issue did not surprise Him. He has known it all along. In fact, He planned it this way. Wait with open hands and open heart. He will surely meet you in that place of brokeness and there will be no doubt as to HIs leading. What an exciting chapter in God's great adventure for you guys. Can't wait to see where He is headed with this one! Love you both.

The Whitehurst Gang said...

Sister! Remember, what dad always taught us growing up. We can't let our circumstances control us or cause us to waiver in our faith. This wisdom has sustained me through many difficult times. I'm confident that God has a plan that we can't see! Therefore, I'm praying for you to have peace that passes all understanding. Your faith is an inspiration to soooo many! The Whitehurst crew have decided to fast and intercede.

I love you!
Dana

Mandy Harvey said...

My sweet brother and sister in law, I have not stopped praying, crying, and praising on your behalf. I agree with Tim, He knew. He knew. I know He will finish the work that He has begun. He will not leave you or with hold any good thing from you. Mike, I left you a message on your comcast account...something laid on my heart yesterday before I got the news, if you get a chance to check it. Love you both with all of my heart.

Worshipping in expectation of the glorious dawn that WILL follow this dark night.

Your sis

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike and Suzanne, I hear that you have to stay longer. I would love to help you with your kids...they can spend the night, eat meals, swim, come for the day...whatever.

Dear Jesus, please hold my friends as they walk through this valley.

Caroline Cone

Cindy Hannah said...

Mike and Suzanne -
Picked this scripture up today from the Y and know God wants you to have it:
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14
God is there, He is with you and is in control.

anna said...

My family and I have been praying constantly...not much to say but that I am praying for you all in Uganda as well as your kids here...

Much Love,
anna

Gwen Oatsvall said...

I just had to come back and see your faces in the pictures .... and read all the comments that people left ... you are all 3 being loved and prayed for here ... i am humbled to be your friend, sister, and prayer warrior, Suzanne ... you know i am proud of you for taking this journey ... No matter what God has planned for you al,l I know you will see HIM in it ... love ya sister ...

Mike,

just wanted to say that I love ya bro ... Scott has been praying for you non-stop and I called the church today ... Pastor Chris and staff are praying for you as a leader and their brother in Christ ...

Kids are doing good ... Grace is spending the night Friday and Michael sold a camo bag today ... JO is going to hang w/ him at the Edgils this weekend ... I have some goodies lined up for the kids in the afternoon to put a smile on their face when they get home ...

You guys take care of each other and we will love on the others while you are gone ...

Renee Click said...

Mike & Suzanne,
I am so sorry you are are going through this. But remember that if He leads you to it, He will lead you through it! Know that there are so many people praying for you ALL! Hang in there! Love, Renee

Anonymous said...

Mike & Suzanne,
I just saw your blog for the first time tonight and read your precious story of Josie Love and then saw your note today. There are no surprises for God even though we are stunned at times. I am praying for your precious daughter and your family.
Love,
Janet Denton

florence said...

"Because of the Lord's great love for us, we are not consumed." Lam. 3:22

Striving for you in prayer.
Much love,
Florence

Anonymous said...

We've never met, but I just came on your blog thru Erica. Please know that we're standing in the gap for your entire family. There are no words, nothing I can say. We serve a mighty God that has a purpose for every single thing He does. Praying you'll feel His almighty arms wrapped around you of all.

Anonymous said...

Been praying & will continue to...with love.

Unknown said...

We will pray for you and for your sweet girl.

Ang said...

Hold Fast to His promises:

"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." ~Genesis 50:19

"I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: The Lord's right hand has done mighty things!" ~Psalm 118:13-15

Praying for you

Special Delivery said...

Praying for your strength, peace, and understanding. You are embraced and loved.

Kelly said...

Praying.

The McBs said...

We love you all and are praying u have wisdom clarity and courage. This does not catch our sovereign God by suprise. Praying on our knees.

emily said...

I love you guys. Have been praying and will continue to pray. Feel blessed to have been called on this journey with you and I will be here every step of the way. My heart hurts..........

Anonymous said...

Mike and Suzanne,
Words can't express how much we love you and how much our prayers are focussed on you guys right now. Davidson Academy is praying for and obviously so are so many people, draw strength from that! Proverbs 3:5-6
We love you, The LeGate Family

The B Family said...

Prayers for your family and especially sweet Josie.

Anonymous said...

Mike and Suzanne,

Just wanted to let you know how very much we love you and are praying for you and sweet Josie Love. Please know that your kids at home are being loved on alot by many different people. We are walking through this time with you.(wish I could give you both a tight hug.)

We love you,
Mark and Susan

sallee said...

Praying for your peace...for His perfect will... His direction...
Montie and Sallee Couch

Anonymous said...

We are all praying here at CPA. Anne Purdy told me that Michael testified in Chapel this morning, and cute & bubbly MillerAnne just said hi to me in the restroom. Your children in Nashville are all being loved on. We will continue to pray for Josie.
Mary Bess Smith

Anonymous said...

Dad and I are so thankful that you and Mike have kept a faithful focus on our Saviour. We love and appreciate the blessing of walking along with you . Be assured of our loving presence each step of the way of the journey
Your children's faith has been a special blessing to us. We are so proud of you
Luv U Mom and Dad

Jennie Allen said...

Praying

Anonymous said...

Mike and Suzanne...so this was unexpected, but not to God...He will lead you in the direction that He has had planned for you and your family all along...you have been such a faithful follower...God has this. Chuck and I will continue praying for your family. We love you very much!

Amy

skitkat19 said...

hi, i am a friend of rebekah wright and i'm so thankful she posted the link to your blog today because i have already been praying for your family and am thankful i will now be able to stay updated. i have post it notes on the mirror in my bathroom of families who are somewhere in the journey of adoption and you are one of them. i will be praying that you will feel His arms holding you all tight.

God is good...ALL the time.

kathryn hallquist

Anonymous said...

hi - i heard about your blog through "from diapers to dating". i'm weeping for you as i read about your sweet josie and think of how your hearts are breaking at this unexpected news. we are praying for God's guidance and peace and for josie's healing. many blessings.

aimee

Debbi's Blog said...

I don't know you- but am praying for your family in San Antonio.
Blessings,
Debbi Chesney

Amy said...

Praying for your beautiful, amazing family. As many have said, HIV in America is no longer a death sentence. It's actually easily managed and they are giving those living with it almost the same life expectancy. I know it's hard when you didn't expect it, but God knew and He will hold you through this. Amy

Unknown said...

Hi sweet, dear friends... I just checked your blog...Savannah and I were overjoyed to see sweet Josie's face...she was so excited; then I read Mike's post...
She heard my voice change and then I shared with her that little Josie Love is sick...
Savannah's prayers tonight were all and only for Josie and all of the orphans you are with.. her little heart is sad: but the faith of a child...

Anonymous said...

Praying. Pleading with God on your behalf tonight...

Jill Joiner

Anonymous said...

praying for you all!
chelsey

Heidi Garner said...

Mike and Suzanne, and Sweet Josie Love,
We just wanted to let you know we are praying for you, so many dear friends at Grace are following your blog- and we are all on our knees.
The Garner Family

Andrea Hill said...

Dear Mike and Suzanne, this is the first time I have been on your blog through Emily but I wanted to tell you that I will be praying for your family with all my heart. I did want to tell you that many, many of us families have adopted HIV (+) children (of course knowing it and your situation is different). Both of my kids are. HIV is so manageable these years its not even funny. Bless your precious family. I am amazed by the outpouring of comments

Rachel P said...

Praying for you everyday.

debbie jamison said...

Praying for you and with you. Much love, The Jamisons

Anonymous said...

Suzanne,
I'm praying James 1:2 for you and your family right now! "Count it all JOY my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces STEADFASTNESS. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be PERFECT and COMPLETE, lacking in NOTHING!" We are praying for you in Knoxville!!

~Becca James

Lori said...

Praying for all of you!

Gigi and Grandy in Katy said...

Praying in Texas. We moved here last year from Nashville and I know Kecks and Gwen better than you, but have been following your journey. These steps were planned from the foundations of the world, and our God will be glorified by it all. Loving and praying for you and your sweet family. Be strong in our mighty God. Standing with you.

Marla Medlock said...

Mike and Suzanne,

I am praying for you all!! Just know that God's will will not take you where his Grace will not protect you. The Preschool Team at Long Hollow prayed for you all yesterday and my family will be praying as well. You are so surrounded by prayers and your love for Orphans is amazing!! Marla Medlock

Beautiful Mess said...

I am so blessed and encouraged by all the comments and encouragement people have left. Especially family--it lifts my heart!

Praying for you guys! God bless you! Jen

Wife of the Pres. said...

When we got to China and went to meet our daughter on Sept. 16, 2008, we were not prepared for what we learned. Our daughter was dying in the hospital. But you know what … we learned that God does not operate on a timetable like we do. He works in time eternal, a dear friend told me then.

Many told us that we had arrived not a day late or a day early. I think the same applies in your journey to Josie. God has brought you there for such a time as this. I know the pain of wondering … will she live? We had no idea if we could even make it home w/ our little girl alive. Her heart was so worn out and defected, but God in His sovereignty moved mountains.

I don't know the details you are facing, but I KNOW God knows and He alone can take your pain and SHOULDER it. I said yesterday in a post remembering the pain we felt last year that "We have never known God to be more real than on that day." I pray the same is true for you--that He is never more real to you than He is RIGHT NOW.

With Him, all things are possible. And with him, nothing is impossible. Lifting you to our Father who collects your tears in a bottle. In Him, Leslie

Al said...

Mike and Suzanne,
We are praying for you! When Job was at the very end of his rope, he longed to bring his “complaint” to God. In Chapter 23 Job comes to this conclusion about the Lord, whose hand he could not see,

8“Look, I go forward, but He is not there,
And backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him.
10 But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Remember that He knows the way you and Josie take and, having promised never to leave you, is there at the destination. You shall all be as gold.

With great love and affection,

Alan and Mary

Gail said...

Praying for God to reveal His good and perfect will to you and your family...

Amanda said...

I am friends of The Wheeler's. I just found out about your sad news...I am praying and will continue to pray for you and your family. I pray that God would touch Josie's little body & that He would breathe life into her. I am trusting that one day soon you will be able to bring her home & I know that she is going to have an awesome testimony to share.

Blessed Mom of Four AND More said...

Oh, how my heart hurts for you, and for sweet little Josie. I look forward to the day when we meet our Jesus face to face and truly see His glory and His perfect plan.
What precious words have been left by your family and reminders from your dad. What an awesome family the LORD has provided you with. I pray that you will feel the sweet arms of Jesus wrapped around you in love and prayer.
And, know this, not only did this NOT take Jesus by surprise,
HE was praying for you, making intercession on your behalf to our Heavenly Father. He knew the trial you would face, as He knew the test of Peter's faith, and He prayed. He prayed for you and He prayed for you faith not to fail.
Be strong in the LORD and the power of His might!
Robbie

Abbie and Kendall said...

LOVE YOU UNFATHOMABLY!!! YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS!

LOVE, BLESSINGS, and PRAYERS,

Abbie

Jason and Sabrina said...

I pray that God will strengthen your family in the face of this painful news and reaffirm your faith in His deep and abiding love for you all, especially for His precious princess Josie.

Your sister in Christ,
Sabrina

Anonymous said...

Well, you know I like to plan, have an agenda, and certainly be in control...you have seen how funny and useless these qualities are of mine. I love that He reminds me that His Manna ONLY lasts for ONE day at a time (Ex.16)."Because of the Lord's great love we are NOT CONSUMED, for His compassions NEVER FAIL. They are NEW EVERY MORNING; GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS! I say to myself, THE LORD IS MY PORTION; THEREFORE I WILL WAIT FOR HIM." Lamentations 3:22-24


Praying that you will take refuge in Him and be sustained by His daily Manna...Taste and See...

Obedience trumps all :)

love and prayers, RK

Audrey said...

I'm sure that this came as a huge shock. Prayers for you as you learn what this means for your family. We just arrived home last week with our son from Ukraine who is HIV+. God, in His perfect wisdom and timing, brought you to this child and He will give you all that you need to love and care for this precious child. Glad I found your blog - I'll keep praying!!

Annabelle said...

I miss you so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love you so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much,
Annabelle

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suzanne
I am a lover of Jesus. I have the most fabulous husband that anyone woman could ask for. The Lord has blessed us with 7 beautiful children. I started this blog so that friends and family could follow our trip to Uganda to visit Katie Davis. I have decided to keep blogging to help bring orphan awareness to the world around me.
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