We are sitting in Iowa City in the stellar and spacious MRI waiting room. Josiah has already had blood work done and a CT scan of his lungs and next he will have the MRI and we will meet with the doctor to go over all the results. As far as waiting rooms go I give this one a 7. It’s nice and big, has an outlet and internet access, so I’m trying to keep busy with some projects that I brought and not think about how much I miss my babies. We are praying with hope and confidence that the test results show great things. But regardless of the results, our trust is in the Lord.
I am so thankful for a great weekend together as a family. We tried to pack in as much as Josiah was up for…but it went by way too fast. Thank you for all your encouragment. You bless us through your prayers, and notes, and cards, and gifts, and food, and by mowing our lawn, and your hugs…and well, I could go on and on and on. Thank you for loving on us and our kids. When we feel knocked down, be assured that God is using you to lift us back up. We love you guys!
Beautiful Things 
I am so glad you had a great weekend to regroup. The testing can be exhausting and we are praying for good news. I know you are missing the little ones. They are in a loving atmosphere I am sure. Thinking of you often.
Phyllis
so glad you guys had a action packed weekend at HOME!!! i’ve been thinking about you 2 all day and praying that the testing goes smoothly and that you’re able to hear results quickly! Lord Jesus please surround Josiah & Jess with Your peace as they face this next week of procedures, treatments, decision making and time away from their precious kiddos! Thank you Father for Josiah & Jessica and the testimony they are living everyday of Your grace! Amen! love you both so much!!! hugs!
We’ve been praying so hard today! I’m grateful that you arrived safely in IA City, and we’ll be praying for the remainder of your time there. Wanted to let you know that I had an opportunity to share the gospel through your “story” today with a good friend of mine. She’s heard the gospel before, but it amazed her that your faith remains so strong through this trial. She knew about Ava, and often asked about her when she was going through her health struggles. Like all of us, she was stunned to hear about Josiah’s cancer. I have no doubt that the Lord is working on her heart tonight, and I’m praying that she’ll see her need for the amazing God that you both are trusting in!
We love you both, and we’re praying for your family. Jess, I hope that Lincoln is done teething…I’ll be praying for wonderful nights of rest for both of your kiddos as you’re apart, as well as rest for Mommy and Daddy! 🙂
Josiah & Jessica,
I just can’t get you off of my mind today. Been praying for you all day. I’m sure the waiting is difficult, but we are praying for you to feel God’s goodness and grace through this week. We also pray for the drs. & nurses to have much wisdom and knowledge in caring for you, Josiah. I’m so thankful we serve a God we can trust. Thank you for showing us how to live with that trust and peace that you so graciously demonstrate to all of us. God bless you and give you rest tonight and strength for tomorrow and the days ahead. Know that we love you guys and are praying for you daily.
Much love,
Judy
Can’t think of anything spiritual to say so I’ll quote someone else … “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.”
Thanks for the light show!
God Bless
Josiah and Jessica
We were in the waiting room at UIH when we heard Josiah’s name called but you were not there at the time. We wanted to encourage you. We are praying that the tests will be encouraging.
Tom and Marilyn
Loved ones:
Just got a note from Michael. He is driving down to Madison to do some work. His first question was weather I had heard anything about Josiah. I’ll share your update, Jess. Tell Josiah that he looks wonderful with his new “do”. I’m going to suggest Mike get the same clean looking cut. :0)
We have been praying for you about these next few days. I was reading in my quiet time about how we grow during hard times. Normally when I am going through something hard someone else has to tell me what they see, because all my effort is being put forth to get through. Let me be a voice to say how the beauty of the Lord shines all around you and your little family. How we thank God for you and prise His name. We love you so much.
May the Lord surround you and give your doctors wisdom over the next days. We are praying for good test results and energy for Jess as she patiently waits for her dear husband’s results. We are so proud of you two. The love you have for one another is so sweetly represented for all to see and share.
God bless and sending love from Wisconsin,
Josiah & Jess – Prayed for you off and on all day yesterday. Strength for you and wisdom for the doctors. Keep up the FAITH that you show to all of us and we know God is in control of all things.
Love you all.
Aunt Kate
No amount of words can make this time any easier but lucky for us we serve a God who knows our hearts and knows exactly what we need at each moment. Trusting in his loving arms as he holds you through these days. We are praying!
Josiah & Jess,
I just want you to know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. My Bible study group has and is also praying for you. I’m so thankful that you could spend the weekend together as a family. I know that it is rough, but God will give you the strengh you need. You are both a wonderful testimony to our Lord. He is able to do abundantly more than we could think or ask. Stay strong.
Love in Christ,
Sue Kern
I am praying for you today Josiah and Jessica! I just saw that Pastor sent out a note that you are undergoing more chemo right now. I will pray that it blasts those cancer cells, and that the side effects are tolerable for you Josiah. I pray that your pain is well controlled and that your nausea is less this go around. Praying, praying, praying for you all.
Amanda
I haven’t written to you in while, but that doesn’t mean that you haven’t been in my thoughts and prayers constantly. As I read Jeremiah 17:7 this morning, I thought of you both. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord.” I pray that you feel blessed and confident even as you face this week of treatments.
Hi loved ones:
Just got the latest update from momma Mary. We, too, had hoped that the tumor would have gone down and it is disappointing. But, we, too, are looking to our God, believing in His promises, knowing that He sees all things, knows all things and is in CHARGE of all things. He rules over all. Especially cancer. We will not lose hope and we will continue in the struggle with you all. Our prayers are with you, Josiah, that this round of treatments will go better. We will be praying for protection for your organs. We are thanking the Lord for you and asking that He will bless you with His presence. all our love,
Praying for you during this next round of chemo – protection, effectiveness, tolerating the side effects – and that you would be renewed and sustained each day by His grace. It is so good to know that He is in control. Your testimony is a blessing to the lives you touch. Praise be to God
I’ve been keeping you in my prayers and also forwarding your updates to Angie (Cierzan) O’Tool in China. Thanks for trusting the Lord through all this!
Rose (Newburn) Miller
A round of shuffleboard and you two are good to go!! You two are such a blessing to all of us — praying for you as God continues to use you to bring glory to Himself through all of this!
Dennis & Karen Anderson
Amigo,
Praying for you …yeah, umm spiritual stuff for you..ahh, nothing really…Friend of God, yea thats you. No greater love, no greater privilege.
See Ya, Randy Noel
Josiah –
I prayed for you today. The posts were that you would be ending chemo today, however I suspect that means you now have the next couple of days to feel lousy. No one can know how bad you might feel except God himself. I remember one day feeling bad and only able to look ahead out of a single window. For hours I stared out the window. Then a male Cardinal rested right in front of the window. It was beautiful. I thanked God that he sent the Cardinal. He had not forgotten me. He hasn’t forgotten you. May He show you in some way this love during the dark days.
Love Jeb and Linda