In the Attitude of Gratitude

Hey everyone!

Recently, we've been thinking a lot about gratitude and how important it is to be thankful for all that we have in our lives.  Being thankful for trials can be really hard to do, but over time we are learning how to do it. We have so many things for which to be thankful, so keeping that in mind, we are going to share a few things regarding Rainya's situation.

Rainya is currently receiving her 7th weekly treatment of chemo therapy and she is doing excellent.  Though the pain and challenges seem quite daunting at times, she remains steadfast and strong.  In fact, within the last week or so, beautiful color is beginning to be restored to her wonderful face.  We are so thankful that she is able to receive the best treatments that chemo has to offer.

Regarding her chiropractic therapy, she is now in a routine of going two or three times a week to see Dr. David Lee, Dr. Michael and/or Abby.  They use several techniques and protocols to empower her body to support her nervous and immune system.  We hope that this therapy will spill over more into her digestive system as well, as she has been severely challenged with proper function of her digestive tract.  Once this system is back to functioning, we are confident that she'll be able to enjoy more fresh veggetable juice and lots of raw foods.  In the mean time, she is doing the best she can and is eating a very healthy diet.  So grateful for all the food and supplements to provide good nutrition for her body!

Recently, we had the opportunity to watch general conference together and this weekend event has been a huge blessing to her spirit and soul.  A friend of mine, from school, watched our kids during Saturday's sessions allowing us to view and hear them.  We were spiritually fed and fortunate.  Truly these priesthood and auxiliary leaders are such a blessing to our life because of their strong faith in Jesus Christ...  So thankful for The Church of Jesus Christ and the great strength that comes to us from so many of it's members.  Additional, we are amazed and thankful that God is so aware of us and in the details of our lives.

We've also been so blessed and strengthened by the help of Rainya's parents, my parents, Tirza(Rainya's sister) and so many family members, friends from church, neighboring churches and Life University.  In fact, nearly two weeks ago, for example, my graduating class sponsored a fund raiser by raising funds through some very kind massage therapists.  The requested donation was one dollar per minute of service.  Over the space of just 6 hours in a three day period, our group raised 550 dollars to contribute to her therapies!  We were humbled and grateful for their kind contribution.  Also, a huge thank you to each of you that have brought meals, helped with baby sitting, driving to medical appointments in addition to all of your sweet comments and prayers.  We've felt and continue to feel your strength and our Lords...

Also, Rainya has continued to receive physical therapy twice a week at the hands and guidance of an excellent therapist.  Rainya's progression has been consistent and steady.  She can now walk roughly half a mile every day and she is doing light resistance training to strengthen her core muscles...  Very thankful for all the instruction and tips provided by her P.T.

Finally, we want to end by sharing a brief timeline of therapy she'll continue on.  After completion of her 9th weekly chemo treatment, she'll receive six 21 day treatments of chemo.  CT scans and blood tests will determine, for our Oncologist, what therapies to administer for the 6 chemo cycles.  The 21 day cycles will proceed as follows: Chemo is to be given on days 1,3 and 8.  At which time she'll then have a 2 week break to recover and then she'll begin the cycle again...

We love each of you very much and hope that you'll rejoice with us in all that we have to thankful for.   We request and hope that you'll continue to keep Rainya in your thoughts and prayers because they provide so much strength and help.  Here is a recent pic of our little one: