Ben writes:

It's amazing how the time flies here, and how much has happened since our last update!

I'll do my best to summarize everything in short form :)

- My dad joined us here about two weeks ago. He was been dealing with Lyme for about 9 years now. For details on his story, click here. After his 5 week stay here in Germany in November of 2022, he came home a new man. He has been working in construction since then, and doing great. Recently though, he slowly began to develop old symptoms. We had known that he might have to go back for "maintenance treatment" at some point, and now seemed to be the right time. Talking to Dr Renz, he agreed. Since we already had a airbnb and vehicle, we were able to save him quite a bit of money. Doc is treating him at a very reduced cost, for which we are extremely grateful! He will fly home with us on the 21st.

- Germany allows us to be here for 90 days at a time without visas. So, we figured out where to get photos, and submitted the required paperwork. They were extremely kind and helpful, and approved them within a day. The doctor's office helped us and that was a huge blessing. We picked them up on Monday, exactly on the very day we needed it.  

- I don't exactly know how to describe how this has affected Heidi. Not only is she my main caregiver and sweet wife, she is also coordinating schedules for two sick guys, figuring out meals, making sure that we eat in time (as well as what to eat) right before treatment, mothering the girls, communicating with Samaritan Ministries and others, and just generally keeping records, budgeting etc, etc. Communicating with the doc when I have reacted to certain meds, it just goes on. Heidi has been strong through it all, but I can tell it is rough on her. Meanwhile, I rest as much as possible, and help here and there whenever I can. We are hopeful that I will be able to take on more now that the chemo is done.

We have about 2 weeks left here in Germany. We have finally stopped chemo and are continuing with Immunotherapy, as well as starting Mistletoe today. We have another CT scan scheduled for the 15th, which will tell us how successful the treatment has been since the last scan. We are hopeful that it will be clear this time, but only God knows. Dr Renz had previously stated that he felt there was a good chance I would be healed completely after the first round of chemo. (Our first two trips), however based on what he is seeing with my results, he now feels that I will likely be one of the cases that is recurring over time. Only God knows, but there is a good chance that this could pop up again any time, and possibly different locations throughout the body. He is amazed that it hasn't spread so far. So while we are coming home, we have no idea what lies ahead. I am so thankful we can rest in knowing that our Father does, and that is enough for us. 

How am I doing on a day to day basis? While on chemo, it has messed up my gut. I have pretty much had some level of nausea 24/7. Overall lacking energy and feeling weak and wiped out most of the time. Now that that we're done with chemo, I am starting to feel better. We will now be focusing on what kind of diet will help me the most. 

Prayer requests:

- Wisdom for direction once we get home. Who to follow up with locally for continued monitoring.

- What to do for work. I'm not sure what I'll be able to physically do, and there is currently nothing lined up, which is causing some stress. I am doing my best to trust God, but I confess it isn't easy in this area.

Thank you for your prayers and support. We love you!
-Ben