August 26, 2007

Many people have been asking us what they can do for us. We have been amazed at how willing people are to carry this burden with us.

First of all we need prayer. Here are some specific things that you can pray:

1. Pray for strength. Rob and I both need physical and mental strength in order to keep on functioning. This has added a whole lot more to each of our daily routines, and without supernatural sustainance, we won't make it through. Pray for strong immune systems for the whole family as we enter into cold and flu season. Pray for our family as a whole to become a stronger unit.

2. Pray for healing. Our desire is that the tumor would disappear, than no new tumors would grow, and that David would regain some of his lost sight in that eye.

3. Pray that we won't waste this circumstance. It is so easy in times of pain and suffering to become angry, bitter, and self absorbed. Please pray that David's cancer will only force us to cling more tightly to the Savior. Pray that through this, we would learn more about our wonderful God than ever before in our lives. Pray that this circumstance would soften the hearts of Hannah and Isaac to be able to trust God themselves one day. Pray that the retelling of this will cause David to walk with the Lord. Pray that as a result of this, our whole family will develop an uncommon faith and trust in the Lord. Pray that as we deal with all the details that we will continue to look out to other hurting people and touch them with the love of Christ. I guess this request is the most important.

So, prayer is the one thing that we would ask of all of you.

Some of you have asked us how you can help in other ways. Here is a list of things that we would find most helpful.

1. Gas cards - travelling back and forth to Durham takes a lot of gas. We usually buy gas at Walmart, Sheetz, or Gate Petroleum.

2. Prepaid Visa Cards - when we are at the hospital, we often have to buy meals, pick up prescriptions, and do other things related to David's care. These cards allow us to be able to do all of these things right there at the hospital so that we don't have to drive all around town and add to an already full and hectic day.

3. Restaurant Gift Cards - the long days at the hospital make evening meals rather difficult. When we don't have to worry about dinner, the day is much less stressful. We are not picky about restaurants, but some suggestions near our house are: Wendy's, IHOP, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Papa John's, and Arby's.

4. Meals, Babysitting, etc. - some people have asked if they can help by cooking a meal, babysitting, running errands, and other things like this. Our good friend, Emily Beasley, is going to be coordinating all of these things for me. You can contact her at: 336-207-3916 or embeasley@gmail.com

5. Moral Support - we love getting your letter, emails, and words of encouragement. It is a great testimony to our kids, and I have saved every letter and email. Just knowing that we crossed your mind, that you prayed for us, and that we don't stand alone does more for us than you will ever know. Feel free to write to us. I can't promise a response, but know that we read each and every letter (sometimes more than once)! If you don't have our address, email me, and I will send it to you. rokihais@yahoo.com

Thank you all again. David is awake, so I must go. I will update you on his progress more later.

-Kim