To Eden

Friends and family:

"For Your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in Your faithfulness..." Ps. 26:3

We are writing with joy to share how the Lord has paved the way before us with His faithfulness with Eden. Randy and I thank you all for your powerful prayers over our time here.

We had a good day flying north. On the first flight Eden melt-down-screamed for the first twenty minutes and then proceeded to be an angel for the rest of our day-long travels. My extended family met us at the airport and took good care of us as we were thoroughly worn out.

Mayo clinic was amazing. We felt at every turn that we were getting insightful diagnosis and practical help for Eden's future. The staff went out of their way to be kind to us and to love on Eden.

So here's what it all boiled down to:

#1 No Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Thank You Lord, Yahweh-our-Healer. This is blessed news indeed. Apparently EDS diagnosed at a young age can be pretty scary.

#2 There is nothing wrong with Eden's hips. There were thoughts of hip dysphasia but it was ruled out via X-ray. She has bizarrely flexible hips and probably will in the future. We were given helpful physical therapy coaching and a brace that she will wear to keep her legs together until her muscles strengthen for crawling/walking.

#3 Eden's small size and eating difficulties are still somewhat puzzling to the doctors ("mmmm... well you are a puzzle, aren't you?"--said Very Smart Doctor) We met with an occupational therapist to help us creatively help our baby who refuses to drink like a normal person. She was so dehydrated while here that the labs couldn't take her blood work. Holding her down for all the pokes was definitely her momma's least favorite part of the trip...

#4 We are excited to connect with Mississippi's Early Intervention program that with continue physical therapy in our area. The doctors also want to track with Eden to see if she continues to stay small over the next few months. They will do long distance blood work to continue to work on her case if there is still concern.

Thank you all for your LOVE (calls, texts, subbing, gifts, hugs, notes...)! We feel so loved by Christ's hands and feet. We look forward to returning to MS this weekend.

In Him,
Joy&Randy&Eden

Blessèd Jesus, Gentle Shepherd, You have led us here and You have loved us. We are humbled by Your kindness in the sweetness of the answers we received about our little one. Thank You for grace in days of sunshine and storm. Thank You for many of my brothers and sisters who have walked darker paths and have maintained Your praise on their lips. I am humbled to serve by their side in Your Kingdom.

In the matchless Name,
Amen