And to Angie and Stephanie: I don’t believe we’ve met, but great replies!

Thanks for the post Jarod!

During this time, we were blessed with our sixth child, James, who is extra special, with Down syndrome who needed a number of medical interventions and who, just after our house finally sold, was diagnosed with leukemia!  Through it all, God was incredibly faithful to us, meeting EVERY need we had and more.  We never incurred any debt and now, four years after Vern’s layoff, we are moved and, by God’s mercy and provision all the way (through the generosity of his saints, who are his visible hands and feet), we don’t even have a mortgage.  Our family is closer (though not perfect), our faith is deeper and surer (though not perfect).

Some of the children and I were talking just the other day about how incredible the Lord’s provision was during that time to be able to make the trip to GA for your wedding and how different things might have been had you and Anna decided to marry in March instead of January (I know you and Anna have talked about that too).

So, in hindsight, I wouldn’t trade a day of the last four years, the Lord has used them all for our good and his  glory.  And, as you have already said, he will certainly do the same for you!

You and your family are often in our thoughts and our prayers!

-Laura

Oh, Terry and I know so well how you feel – we really do!  A few days before our wedding last year he ended up in the hospital and had to cancel his summer internship, leaving us with no income (except for the sale of my car), yet continuing medical bills,  for nearly four months.  For various reasons, including our location, it was also impossible for me to teach piano during that time.  Following that, we had a VERY modest (scholarship) stipend on which to live until the year, and moving 1000 miles from home immediately afterward required us to pay thousands of dollars up front for moving expenses, first month apartment rental plus deposit (the same amount as the $1300 monthly rental!), and many other unexpected fees and expenses such as our $80 state inspection sticker.  Just getting to the end of last year without a major emergency surgery, with Terry’s condition, was a miracle and huge answer to prayer, though!  We felt as you do – not having income and completely uncertain as to whether or when we would have any in the future, because of Terry’s health.  I was fully preparing myself for the possibility of using my newly-acquired teaching degree to pay the bills.

Sorry about the long comment, but this post struck so close to home, and Terry and I can attest to the fact that God takes care of His own.  We are reminding ourselves that, even with a regular income now, we are STILL very dependent on HIM!  May yours and Anna’s faith be strengthened during this time, and may your hearts be encouraged in Him.  Know that you are in our prayers!