Rachel's Off Week

I have been speaking to Mark pretty regularly regarding Rachel lately.  The treatment last week seems to be taking effect in Rachel's body.  Her mood, as reported to me, has been positive and she got a chance to spend the weekend with her family, including her mom and dad.  However, overall energy is pretty low and her body is getting sore.  Rachel is starting to see some common side effects of treatment take place in her body, which affects her bones, muscles and mouth.  This is Rachel's off week from chemo, but these next few days are expected to be particularly draining and tiresome.  She will get her blood drawn and a better picture of what is happening inside her should be seen on Thursday this week.

On a positive note, the kids have lots of fun planned for this week.  Regular summer programming continues. Camps, swimming and friend time along with VBS and cousin time.  While it is super fun to have lots of activities, and great for Rachel and Mark to have the kids taken care of, lets pray that the kids stay happy and rested.  In a time like this it can be easy to over-schedule the little ones.  Pray that when the kids are out and about they are also getting some downtime in and stay cheerful. 

Let's pray for a great and positive start to the week.  Let's pray that Rachel can get some sleep and peaceful rest in tomorrow while the kids are away and that God uses this rest to restore her body.  Pray that Rachel's mind is content and that she feels a peace that surpasses understanding.  Pray that she would not be anxious about anything.  Pray that the cancer leaves Rachel's body and that God rid her wholly of the disease.

Let's especially take the next 24 hours to pray for Abby and Rebekah (then we will pray for Sam and Luke), that they would have positive and encouraging interactions with others, that their minds would not be full of worry, that they would be motivated to make good choices, that they would be especially protected by God.   As a mom, I can't think of any better way to offer strength and encouragement to another mom than offering to lift her children up in prayer.

Rachel, we are with you in prayer!  Be strong and courageous, friend!  We love you!