Take a look at our sometimes crazy but always blessed life as we homeschool our eight children, run a homeschool business, and serve God as He leads us. You can also follow our baby Noah as he struggles with some serious health issues - we covet your prayers for him.
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Our Quiverfull
Jan. 21, 2008
Monday update #1
I am going to date and number the updates for now since Noah's condition may result in multiple updates a day. I hope this makes it easier to for readers to stay current.
Noah is very sick, and no one knows what is going on at this point. All afternoon and into the night yesterday he was vomiting large amounts of bile/stomach acid as often as every 3-5 minutes. He was given fluids and anti-nausea medicines last night. A drain was also connected to his g-tube. When the drain was connected the nurse pulled out 45-50 cc's of stomach acid - a huge amount, especially considering the fact that he had been consistently throwing up such a large amount so frequently. The drain is staying hooked up so that his stomach acid can drain out instead of being thrown up. This has made a difference in his comfort level and as long as the drain is open he isn't vomiting.
A series of abdominal x-rays was taken last night but didn't really reveal anything. What we know is that Noah's intestines are absolutely not working. He has no bowel sounds at all and the enormous build-up of stomach acid means that the stomach acid isn't moving anywhere at all. This could be a matter of some sort of twisting or blockage that is stopping things from moving. It could also mean that his intestines have completely stopped moving and working at all. You see this happening after major abdominal surgery - the intestines need time to "wake up," but there is no good reason for this to be happening to Noah.
Surgeons were in and out all night last night and are trying to decide how to proceed. His belly is soft and the x-rays don't show a blockage (not conclusive), so a blockage doesn't make much sense, but an ileus (intestines stop working) doesn't make sense either. They are trying to decide what sort of testing to do. An upper GI with contrast won't do any good if nothing will move out of his stomach. Everyone is honestly mystified and very grave and concerned.
He still has a terrible cough as well. This seems to be a second issue and unrelated to the GI issue. His lungs are clear. His oxygen sats aren't great, but they aren't terrible either. It's just another thing to watch right now.
Noah doesn't seem to be in pain right now. He has periods of alertness but is largely indifferent to his surroundings and has simply stopped fighting against any sorts of procedures. The most that anyone could get from him last night was some mild whiny crying but he wouldn't fight. As soon as the doctors or nurses would leave him alone he would roll over and go to sleep or just stare. He hasn't even objected to my walking out of the room.
I know this isn't much info, but I didn't want to keep you in the dark - and we certainly need prayers for wisdom and discernment for the doctors. I will update throughout the day as I can and as we have information.
Last night for the first time I truly battled deep fear for Noah. I have been deeply concerned before, and have at times known that he might not pull through things, but last night I seemed seized by true, deep fear. I know that God doesn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a strong mind. I battled this fear every time I woke up. I have often said that I don't know how people go through something like this without the Lord, but I have a new, profoundly deep appreciation for just how precious God's peace and grace are. Having battled that fear and despair for even one night was almost more than I could bear. On the way up last night we heard a song on the radio that I had never heard before. It was exactly what I needed to hear - truly just exactly perfect. All night as I was up and down with doctors and nurses I found myself falling asleep claiming these words and waking up with them in my heart as well. I KNOW that my emotions aren't to be relied upon and the only way I stayed above the fear last night was to constantly look to God and to KNOW that He is in control - even if I didn't FEEL that way. I found the song online last night and am posting it below. I can't tell you how much it blessed me. The video itself is filled with Scriptures that also ministered deeply to me in the long night.
for peace and comfort for Noah and for you and your family.
thank you for the update, I don't always post but I always check your blog. You are all in my prayers.
Beth
My heart aches for you right now. I love the song you referenced. I cry with you. "Your beloved needs you now" I pray that God will give you comfort and peace and mercy that only he can. I pray for the doctors to find wisdom and an abudance of knowledge with little Noah and that they will be able to find what is wrong and fix it very soon. I pray for your precious family that never ceases to amaze me at your profound faith. You have minstered to so many through your pain. Even though I don't know you personally, I love and care about you. May God bless you, Kate & Noah and your entire family!
I am praying constantly for Noah and will continue to do so. It is a comfort to know that our children are in the hands of God and that He works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Cling to the promises of God.
I don't know how people get through these trials without the Lord either. As one who has had a child in NICU, near death, I know how it feels to go through what you are going through. Even with trusting in the Lord, we all have times of fear, especially in times like these. I pray that God will pour down on you His peace that surpasses all understanding and that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Just want you to know we are praying for Noah. We've grown to love your family so much through your blog. Thanks for sharing and allowing us to join in prayer for your sweet little man. :0) Heidi
I'm a fellow homeschooler from Illinois. I believe I found your blog through another homeschooler. I've been reading here for at least 6 months now. I do pray for you and Noah (and of course the rest of your family). Your family and story has grown in my heart. I just couldn't read today and not comment to tell you I'm praying too! I'll be checking back frequently today, for updates on Noah.
Kate, I'm sorry my last couple posts have posted "Anonymous". Continuing to pray. So sad to hear of Noah's current struggle. I know that battle with fear. No, it isn't of the Lord, but yes, it is very human and thank you for sharing so we can stand along side you, lifting your arms up for this battle. Praise the Lord that He is always with us!
Continuing to pray for Noah and all of you. I am so encouraged, Kate, that you were able to find comfort by God's Holy Spirit in this song and the word of the Lord. I have so often found that songs can really minister. Thank you for sharing. I am sending the song to several who are walking with me through a hard time that causes fear.
Thank you for your obedience to the Lord and your faithfulness to share your testimony with us.
I've been reading and praying for you all since the homeschoolradioshows benefit. This passage was on my heart as I read your post.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
Psalm 34.1-10
We do not always know what good things, deliverance, rescue, etc. mean to our Lord. But we can taste and see that the Lord is good, and when we can't see what He has planned, we can still trust His loving heart.
Praying for Noah and family. And for wisdom for the hospital staff too.
God bless you all~
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything
by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:6-7
On my knees Kate! - we are all praying for little Noah and will be watching for the updates as they come thru. YOU are on my heart as well and I'm bathing you in prayer too.
Was tomorrow your induction date or next Tues? Is that still on or postponed? Let us know how to pray for that as well.
If you have time today, check your email. I have a question for you.
I read your updates faithfully but do not believe I have ever commented. Today, your post broke my heart and I felt the need to leave a comment. Words can only say so much, but the words that came to my mind are the words from Mark Schultz's song, "He will Carry Me". I am not really good at computer stuff so I posted the lyrics below. It is a song we have listened to often the last few months since we recently lost a young man who was a good friend of my daughter's...he was 16 and was one of the Godliest teens I have ever met. I continue to pray for Noah and all of your family and commend you for your faith through these trying times.
Becky in Minnesota
I call, You hear me
Ive lost it all
And its more than I can bear
I feel so empty
Youre strong
Im weary
Im holdin on
But I feel like givin in
But still Youre with me
chorus:
And even though Im walkin through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And Ive been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will
Ever need
And He will carry me
I know Im broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
Youre always with me
chorus
And even though I feel so lonely
Like Ive never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said youd see me through
The storm
And even though I'm walking through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone and I've been
Wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need.
He will carry me.
I am so sorry to hear of all of this. We all know our God is in control, but it breaks my heart to hear of Noah's trials at so young an age. Makes me cuddle my own 16 month old son even closer. Sending my love and continuing to pray.
Kelly
Thank you for sharing this update with us so that we may join you in prayer for precious Noah. I am praying for wisdom for the doctors, for God's hand to be on Noah, for peace for your family.
Noah is in my thoughts and he will be in my prayers... Noah is a blessed little boy to have been givento parents with such a strong faith, continue to stand firm looking to Him who gives you continual strength through his grace.
That is a beautiful song btw, thanks for sharing your heart.
Jan. 21, 2008 - Praying for you and Noah and family
Posted by Nancy
I'm a fellow homeschooler and have been reading your blog for about 6 months now and have been praying for Noah and your family. I am amazed at your strength and know that it could only come from the Lord. I had tried to post a song a while back, by Mark Schultz, a Christian singer, that reminded me of you and your family every time I heard it. I don't know if it came through, or if you were able to hear it. I will post the words here, for you to read and hope that you will be able to listen at some point (it's on YouTube), but I pray that the words will touch your heart as well. Peace and grace be with you and your family...even though I don't know you, I love you all, and am "here" with you, in heart and mind, praying for you all, everyday! God Bless you!
He's My Son
by Mark Schultz
I'm down on my knees again tonight
I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right
See there is a boy that needs Your help
I've done all that I can do myself
His mother is tired
I'm sure You can understand
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand
And she tries not to cry
As the tears fill her eyes
CHORUS:
Can You hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can You see him?
Can You make him feel all right?
If You can hear me
Let me take his place somehow
See, he's not just anyone
He's my son
Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he'd like to be
I try to be strong and see him through
But God who he needs right now is You
Let him grow old
Live life without this fear
What would I be
Living without him here
He's so tired and he's scared
Let him know that You're there
CHORUS
Can You hear me?
Can You see him?
Please don't leave him
He's my son
I've only posted a few times but read every single blog about Noah. I've been following your family so long and our church has been praying so long that people constantly ask me how Noah is doing. Everybody here knows him! I just want you to know that there are so many prayers around here going up for Noah, you, your family, and the doctors. I feel like I've come to know God a little more just by reading your blogs. Praying, Lynn
It amazes me how those musicians just seem to hit the nail on the head - every time! I have tears right now for you and Jeff - Kate. But I, too, am amazed at how people think that they can go throught life w/o the Lord. That song says it all. We have sung it in church and it has brought tears to my eyes.
We will keep sending the prayers your way double time!! I am not a dr. but could there have been something in one of the tranfusions that his body did not like??
Thanks for the update #1!
Hugs and Blessings from the Kiessling family from Fresno, California
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please encourage this dear mother Lord... give her strength when she has none... give her courage when she's afraid... and let her feel You... REALLY feel You through every moment and be with Noah... take away the pain so he's not suffering. Whatever he goes through Lord, let him remain strong and seemingly "painless" for his mother who watches nearby. Carry him through Lord... heal his little body. Bring the wisdom that comes from You Lord, to the ones involved in the care and decisions of this little boy. May they know each step to take as You've prepared the way ahead. Be with this family and draw them into Your presence and may Your peace envelope them with confidence that You are in control.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Kate I pray for Noah to feel better. I pray the Lord will reach down with his precious healing hands and touch little Noah. God Bless you Kate, Noah, and all your family. Love, Ruby
Kate,
My prayer partner and I just prayed for you, Noah, the doctors and your family. When we did I just felt our prayers were joining hundreds of others--just that sense that the Holy Spirit was so "there" and He was ready to hear our prayers as something not new to Him right now. We are all with you in the Lord.
Much love,
Psalm40
The fear you are feeling is something I remember well. It wasn't truly a scary fear, but more of an "I'm afraid because I don't know what the day will hold, and there is absolutely nothing I can do other than pray right now" fear. When my son, Matthew, was born prematurely 5 years ago, we sat next to his incubator listening to the doctors tell us to prepare ourselves to tell him goodbye. I didn't know how to "prepare" myself to see him die, so I chose to believe he would live as long as God chose for him to do so. There was a song sung at our church that came to mind, and I sang it over and over in my mind, whispering it to Matthew as I watched his tiny body fight for every breath. "I lift my eyes up, to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from you, Maker of Heaven, Creator of the Earth. Oh how I need you Lord, you are my only hope, you are my only prayer. So I will wait for you, to come and rescue me, come and give me life." And so, precious Kate, I waited and watched throughout the night. And 5 years later, I have my little snuggle buddy who will remain here on this Earth, until God chooses to call him home. I cherish each day, because I have no idea when MY day, or MATTHEW's day, or anyone's day will be our last.
It is such a blessing to witness your faith and see the trust you have in God through your blog posts. I know that God sees Noah, and you and Jeff, and the kids. I know that He understands your fears and hears your prayers, and the prayers of those who are interceding for you right now. He is a good God in the midst of a raging storm. And He is holding you right now. I'm especially praying for you as your pregnancy comes to a close. The last week can certainly be exhausting, but God will give you the energy and strength you need, as you need it.
May you feel His arms surrounding you. May you see His mighty hand move on Noah's behalf.
I am so sorry to hear that Noah isn't doing well. My eyes welled with tears when reading this update. Kate, you are such a beautiful expression of God's sweet love for us. I understand about the battling of fear when our baby was so sick a few months ago. God doesn't give us a spirit of fear, you are right! However, we are of a human nature, and we have days where our minds take over what we know to be true. It's a battle of the mind that satan likes to control when the fear comes in. It's so hard not to let the fear consume us when we are but mere humans. I praise God that we have a God who loves us so very much. Yes, lift your eyes to the heavens Kate. Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. He is also the God of miracles and we just pray he sees fit to grant one to Noah. You have an amazing spirit and I pray God gives you peace tonight as you lay down to rest. May your precious baby boy be given comfort. I pray that the reason he didn't put up a fight last was because he was surrounded by Angels of Mercy and he was in no pain, therefore he could be so peaceful. Our hearts ache for you and we wish we could shoulder some of this pain right now for you. May the sweet presence of the Lord fill the hospital room and may the Doctors be given the wisdom and knowledge they need to treat Noah's illness. I am sorry I can't be close to help your precious family. Rest in His arms of Love. The McCreary Family in Pennsylvania
I can't say anything more eloquent than has already been shared by so many others. Just know that yet more are praying for dear little Noah, you, and your family.
Bless you for your faith; remember, when we are weak, it is then his strength really shows. Bless you for your honesty as well; I can't think of a mother who wouldn't be scared or discouraged or even angry sometimes by all these series of trials. God knows and understands all of our emotions.
We will continue to pray for as long as it takes, but our family is hoping for a fast solution and plenty of comfort and rest in the meantime.
Praying for darling Noah and for your comfort and peace and for the fear to subside...may God our physician look his eyes onto you and give you comfort, good rest and to enlighten the minds of Noah's caregivers and give them knowledge and assurance of the care that Noah needs Blessings and many prayers, Robin and the Immel family Can you share the name of the song or group who sings it it is truly a blessings
These are the lyrics that comfort and encourage me. I hope they'll help you, too.
Matt Redman - You Never Let Go
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when Im caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I wont turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
Kate;
That song has ministered to me before, too.
Praying for the Father's compassion to be evident, for insight and skill for those who care for your family...beyond their natural abilities.
Monique
Oh, this all brings back the day my son died, a week and a day before his 2nd birthday. All I could say, all that my brain could form was "The Lord giveth. The Lord taketh. Blessed be the Name of the Lord." Not blessed because He gives or because He takes, but Blessed because of Who He is. He will walk through every storm with you, holding you. That was not a walk I would wish on any one, and you are right, I honestly don't know how anyone who does not know the Lord could survive that walk. May you not have to go through it for a VERY long time and may you have an Engima Boy who turns out to be a Miracle Boy. But nevertheless the outcome, Blessed be the Name of the Lord. He is walking with you no matter.
Praying mightily for your sweet Noah, for health and healing, for doctors to have discernment and wisdom in what to do and how to do it.
Praying for you and your dh and your children. That your faith be not shaken and His love enwrap you, and may His Name be a witness to all those who are watching, nearby, in the hospital, in your town & area, and across the globe through this blog. You are not alone.
We are praying for your precious Noah here in Texas.
Thank you for allowing us to watch God work through Noah, you and your entire family's life.
May God bless you richly today.
Kate, we don't really know you, but our family has been praying for you and your family, and especially for baby Noah for many months. We rejoice when we hear about your happy days. And we weep and pray when we hear about the struggles and hard times.
You see, we have been through so much of this. Our hearts are so tender towards anyone experiencing the illness or loss of a child. There are just no words to describe the depths of emotions that parents and families go though at times like this. There are also no words of comfort I can offer that are adequate.
But, I can assure you that God is right there with you. I can assure you that He cares (oh so deeply) about you and Noah and your whole family! I can assure you that He will walk with you right THROUGH that dark valley of doubt and fear (Ps 23). And I can assure you that you will (with His help) get through this, even when you feel so tired and afraid and overwhelmed. Cling to Him and His promises, sweet sister. The promises that lifted me up though my own time of fear and loss were Jeremiah 29:11, Psalms 121, 23, 145, 94:19, 55:22, 46:1, 62:5, 31:24, Hebrews 10:23, John 16:33.
I leave you with this one special promise which just seems so fitting for a weary mom, so close to birthing a baby and yet watching another sweet baby struggling and feeling so bad. "Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'" Matthew 11:28
Praying for rest and comfort and peace for you, Noah, and your whole family,
What a beautiful song Kate. Yes, totally and completely perfect. We are praying for Noah and all of you, and thanking Him for His grace to you during the night last night. I know He will continue to give grace as you have need. He is so faithful.
Kate,
I've been reading your blog for a while. I've seen you over on the yahoo mito group. Your son is the same age as mine. I wanted you to know you are all in my prayers and thoughts continually. I also wanted to share a verse with you that just popped into my head.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths."
I know that fear that you are feeling. Not in the same way and probably not as great but I know that fear of the unknown, especially with a child. I doubt I can offer any words of comfort as I'm at a loss of what to say but I can, and will offer up a prayer for Noah, and for you and your family. I know you're due to have a baby and that must all be very stressful right now.
Dear Kate,
I am only one person in a million who are here holding you up in prayer,and I hesitated even to add my comment,since I am sure you don't have much time for reading right now, but...well God moved my heart so here I am, a humble servant but truly a sister in the Lord offering you my prayers and to just say, that I have been in a place like this and my heart is right there with you tonight. My dd was born with a rare liver disease and many a day I spent at the children's hospital,even days when, like you I was pregnant with yet another sweet blessing, wondering if my big belly would stop me from rolling off the little cot they had for me !,( lol, theres a smile for ya :) And I remember these times, when it just feels SO very dark, all I can say is, I understand, and I remember feeling like I had gotten to the point where ,I knew my God was there, I knew He was with me, but all I could do is hold on...hold on and press forward as if being lead through a dark hallway where HE was the only one who could see ahead and I said, Well Lord, I am holding tight, just lead me.........and that was the best I could do at that moment, my Super-Mom image was long gone, my strength was gone, my "isn't she so brave" persona was turned to jello, I just held tight, and as always, God never let go, this last month my now 15 year old girl went to Switzerland to ski with other transplant kids...God is so good, if you had told me that could happen those nights, I am not so sure I would have beleived it, but here we are! So just hold tight tonight sister, thats all that is required of you right now. With all of my heart~Carole
Ohhh goodness that poor little one.... I have no amazing comforting things to say, but will pray for knowledge and wisdom for the staff, and peace for you all..
Psalm 13
How long, Lord, will you continue to ignore me?
How long will you pay no attention to me?
How long must I worry,and suffer in broad daylight?
How long will my enemy gloat over me? Look at me! Answer me, O Lord my God!
Revive me, or else I will die! Then my enemy will say, I have defeated him!
Then my foes will rejoice because I am upended.
But I trust in your faithfulness.
May I rejoice because of your deliverance!
I will sing praises to the Lord when he vindicates me.
Psalm 13
May you continue to trust in God's faithfulness even in the midst of your storm. My family is praying for Noah and your family.
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