And we have a cautiously hopeful update: after 3 weeks of feeling really badly, Leanne seems to be back to just her ''normal'' symptoms! we ask that you pray with us that she stays more stable, and that her body handles the new changes and stressors coming - she begins 3 classes in person on 8/23, and another virtual class on 8/29. She will also have at least 2 tutoring sessions each week, in addition to a minimum of 2 health-related appointments weekly. 

Leanne came quite close last week to being dehydrated enough to at least visit the ER, but was able to rally enough to drink and stay hydrated. She has other aspects of her illness that are challenging to keep up with, and especially so since there's no definitive end in sight.

Our faith sustains and informs us, but it doesn't answer all our questions. If my own (and Rick's) ''why?''s echo in our hearts and minds, we know that those questions are ones our girl wrestles with also. Her season of suffering - just this season alone - began 17 months ago - and while we praise God for Leanne's progress, for some relief, for some diagnoses that seem to be accurate - each day, and sometimes each hour - brings some pain and discomfort; some reminder of her weakness; some small disappointment along with small victories.

we ask our praying friends, our faith-formed family, to join us in both praise and pleading.

*below is a photo from this past weekend with dear friends/family - thankful to see her dimples shining forth :) 

we're grateful, always....
Rachel for the 5 of us