It's a Faith Journey

First - I just want to say a BIG Thank You, to all of you have added Rebecca to your prayers and the words of encouragement! I now somewhat understand why God was pressing on me to keep an update on Rebecca and to ask for prayers.

Second - I wanted to share what God has been doing so far. At our first test results with the ADD/anxiety psychologist he had mentioned that we pursue the further testing for the neuro-psychology. He thought that it wouldn't be until February that we would be able to schedule an appointment, so in the meantime we would start therapy with a counsellor in Zeeland. Andrew and I both decided we wanted to pursue any more information that quickest we could, so after I called to schedule appointments with the therapist (which the first appointment is January 4), I then called to schedule the appointment for the neuro-psychologist. Well - after explaining our situation, the receptionist said, "How about the 14th", which I asked of which month thinking January or February and she replied "December". Needless to say, I was overwhelmed with joy!

Our test result appointment with the neuro-psychologist was enlightening as well. Given that the testing has been done through a Christian service. We had a good 10 minute conversation on Rebecca's faith and how it will be strengthened for her. That more than likely this will be a permanent adjustment and that she will have to rely on faith in God to know when a situation is good or bad. Much like her self-confidence and self-worth is based on faith, that she believes God is who He says He is and that she trusts Him. Surely, our God was speaking to us and surely he is bigger than everything that is occurring with Rebecca.

I love seeing Him work and move, I may not like some parts of it, but when He does reveal His glory, that seems to strengthen me more!

One of my dear friends reminded me that we need to keep our eyes on God and not man - I read Psalm 118 that talks about this specifically verses 6-9:

6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.

I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in princes.

Just a reminder that He is in control!! Praise be to God!!

With Love,

Rachel

A New Year, A Need of Prayer

Dear Friends and Family -

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We have been very blessed with 2009, but the end of the year, God has presented us with a challenge to grow in Him. Our daughter Rebecca is 7 years old and has been going through a series of tests. Rebecca is a fun, loving and kind little girl. She has been created in God's image for His purpose and we have to keep being reminded of that! Rebecca has been regressing quickly in academics this year during second grade. There has been a heightened level of anxiety and separation from learning new tasks. Our journey began with God preparing us for these past few months, but more importantly bringing us to a school that is eager to help us with these needs. During her last conference, Rebecca's teachers recommended that we have her evaluated for an attention disorder. After a first consultation with a counsellor, we were referred to have an evaluation for ADHD and anxiety. Those reports have been completed but not conclusive. While Rebecca did test for ADHD, inattentiveness and anxiety, none-specific, our physchologist thought these were symptoms rather than the cause. Next was an evaluation with a neuro-psychologist. We have met for the initial results and again there was nothing conclusive, but rather a pattern developing. Our next plan of action is to have an EEG with a pediatric neurologist.

What does all of this mean? We are still sorting through it all as well, and as the best a Mom and Dad can! From the information that we have gathered, the pattern seems to be indicating that Rebecca's concerns are not from a behavioral disorder, but rather neurological, most likely due to some type of trauma to her brain. We are hoping the EEG will be able to give more information to help address her needs. While we have been trying to sort through the information, right now the brain trauma is most likely caused by trauma at her birth, however, IF the EEG, CAT scan or MRI show otherwise, and while it has not been mentioned to us, we have pieced together that there is a chance of a brain tumor, but that would be the worst case scenario.

What can you do? We covet your prayers right now for out little girl. Specifically that Rebecca knows who she is in Jesus Christ. That she is not different, weird or stupid, but that she was created in God's image for His purpose. Pray that she can cast ALL of her fears upon Him. Psalm 55:22

We will keep this updated as we receive information given to us. Thank for you prayers and asking us how Rebecca is! We are hoping this will be a great way to keep everyone updated. Thank you!

With Love,

Rachel

Kyle's Preschool Graduation

PRESCHOOL GRADUATION 2009

Kyle had his preschool graduation night and it was soo cute!! The week before he was special helper and got to bring in a bag with a toy he picked out. He then had to write in a book with the help of Mom, three clues that told what the toy was. He was so excited to show everyone his "special" toy which was a race car flashlight that made race car noises. As another part of being special helper, (as if sitting next to the teacher wasn't enough) :>), he gets to pick out the weather. Then as special helper he gets to help set out the snack with Mom! The next week was graduation night! Kyle was very proud! His class sang a few songs and then they were able to walk across the stage to get there certificate. Then cookies and juice afterwards!! Enjoy the pictures, the first are of special helper and then his graduation.



Kyle being Special Helper during his preschool.



Kyle with his teachers.

Up on stage singing songs and then getting his certificate.

The graduate, after!!

Rebecca's Birthday...I can't believe she is 7!!

Rebecca turned 7 on April 29. After school, Kyle and I surprised her by going to the store and getting another Webkinz. Kyle was excited because he scored a Webkinz as well!!! We had cake and gifts after dinner. On Friday May 1, was her birthday party after school. We had 13 girls including Rebecca. Whew - who's idea was it anyway to have 13 and 2 boys girls??? :>) It was great day and Rebecca had a lot of fun with her friends. It was so cute because all of the girls wanted her to open her gifts first!! Most were her friends from school and one of the girls is a teacher/director at Innocademy. Maddie wasn't feeling well and wanted her Mom to come, so when Kendra got there (teacher/director) Maddie perked up and Kendra stayed for a little bit. At one point the girls were running like crazy through the house and Kendra quietly said, "Girls, do we have running feet inside or walking feet?" They all stopped turned around and looked like, "I know that voice and I know I am supposed to listen to that voice!" It was the sweetest thing ever! So for future reference, make sure to invite a teacher to the birthday party!! Ha! Enjoy the pictures!! I can't believe that Rebecca is 7 already!!!


The birthday party girls - all 13 of them!!!

Rebecca and Kyle

Rebecca's birthday cake! Little bro and big sis!

Happy Birthday Rebecca!!!

Frederick Meijer Gardens

Frederick Meijer Garndens is one of my favorite places to go during the Christmas season. Between all of the Christmas trees set up from the different countries, the live reindeer and of course the train and trolly exhibit that run through the indoor gardens, it is a fun place to go!
We meet up with our friends from the great city of Lansing, Scott, Tara, Helena and Cecilia.

The trolly is neat, because it runs by Big Red lighthouse and the older,historic buildings of downtown Grand Rapids.

As you can see, Kyle was either looking up at the train running above of down at the trolley running back and forth! We took our picture next to the Sweden tree for Malin!!! :)

Christmas eve and morning...

On Christmas eve, Andrew's Mom and Dad and his sister and family got here in the afternoon. At about 10:30PM we headed out to go to Christmas eve service at our church. The service was very well done and Andrew sang a couple of songs. At about half-way through we lost Kyle and then Rebecca laid her head down about 15 minutes before service was done and fell asleep. Emily held on to the end and then went to bed after we got home. Santa Clause arrived shortly after. In the morning I was wakened too, "Mommy, Mommy come and see what Santa left..I saw 2 eyes in my stocking that looked like Wall-E, come and see Mommy!!!" That would be Kyle and then he woke up Rebecca and told everyone else that Santa had come!! Rebecca and Kyle were so incredibly excited, it was very cute!! Kyle had even gotten himself dressed in his Christmas sweater BEFORE he came out of his room!!! After stockings had been exhausted we moved downstairs to the presents!! They had alot of fun opening up the gifts and checking out each one! Rebecca, Kyle and Emily especially liked passing out the presents to everyone. Rebecca's favorite gift is her "American Girl" doll (knock-off) and her kitty and horse webkinz. Kyle has been enjoying his new castle with the knights and horses that go with it! They will be discovering their new toys for the next 2 months, I am sure!!!

SNOW, SNOW and MORE SNOW!!

The first day of Christmas break started with a snow day!! We recieved about a foot of snow and the forecast predicts more to come on Sunday! Hooray..snow!! Rebecca and Kyle love the snow - here is a snowman we made and a picture next to our nativity!!