Going Home

Day 8: We hope to be going home this afternoon. Jon is doing better
but had a rough afternoon yesterday after his doctors stretched his
arm to capacity and splint it in that position. He is off of all IV
pain meds in hopes they will release him. He is ready to go home. I
think he misses his babies ;-) Its been a bit of a lonely week for me,
wanting to talk with him about anything and everything like we
normally do. I know it's just a season. I'm thankful it's just a
season. I'm thankful he came out of that operating room like I made
him promise he would :-)

We will ne trying to clean and move all the way into our new house
this weekend. We have lots of cleaning, painting and laughing to do if
any of you are interested.

Love you all.... Please remember us in our journey ahead. We now look
forward to much healing and supernatural provision for our family.

Learning A Lot About Hope and The Quiet Nearness of God,

Carla

Day 6 Post - Op:

Its been a long and winding road. Jonathan is doing well, but is of
course in tremendous pain. He has developed a large bruise on the back
of his arm and last night ortho had to come in and loosen the splint
as he was swelling immensely. It was quite the fight to get them back
up here. As of right now, the splint will come off tomorrow to check
for more potential swelling and hematomas. Note to you: don't ever
leave anyone you love alone in the hospital. While we are grateful to
have doctors, they are looking after MANY patients and are spread so
thin, you have to make your loved one a priority to them. Needless to
say, yesterday afternoon was rough. He is resting now. Thank you for
believing.
Carla

Day 2

Watching Jonathan finally sleep for the first time.  Tremendous pain. Bleeding factor levels very low. Adjusting that. Can't get pain under control so going to do a 3 day nerve block. Will prob be in hospital all week. He's in the thick of it. His is a life filled with excruciating pain and completely indescribable joy. Working back towards the laughter.      

Carla

The Details of the Surgery

Hi Everyone,

From the time they wheeled Jonathan away to the time docs came to
talk to us was 11 hours. It's been 13 hours since I've seen him so
far. He's still in recovery

The surgeons had to completely reform his bones because they were
deformed and muscles, cut out his elbow, cut his muscle out, drill
holes in his bones and rethread his muscle back to his bone, drill a
tunnel through the center of the upper part of his bone and lower and
insert rods to hold the new elbow in and try to preserve the nerves.
The doctors and nurses came out completely exhausted.

I don't know how one person can take so much pain.

Love you all. Thank you for standing with us.

Carla, Jonathan and Family

11 hour prep / surgery

Ok, Jonathan is out of surgery. It's been 11 hours. We still haven't
seen him. It was a VERY invasive and complicated surgery. It will be a
very long and painful recovery. Don't even know how to begin to tell
you what they had to do. Thank you for praying! Keep it up!
Carla

How to Pray

For those of you who haven't caught this yet, Jonathan is having his elbow replaced completely this Friday morning, December 11th. It's an attempt to spare his arm from amputation. The surgery will probably be long and begin very early in the morning at Tulane. He will be in the hospital 5-7 days. The biggest requests are: that his bleeding would stay minimal, that the cement will set well within his bone to hold the replacement, that there would not be any infections, that the nursing staff would take proper care of him and that his pain would stay minimal. These types of surgeries and recoveries tend to be extremely long and painful for hemophiliacs. 

Also, while Jonathan's business will remain in Mandeville, we have moved our family to Baton Rouge. This is a huge transition for our family in the midst of his next surgery. While he is in the hospital we will be trying to unpack our new house. 

Thank you so much for bathing us in prayer. 

Love you,
Carla

Carla

Surgery

So this Friday is the big day. Jonathan's elbow will be cut out and a
metal one will be put in. Jonathan watched this surgery being done on
someone else online. Ouch!!! I know that God is with us, still my
stomach is in knots.... Trying to take as many deep breaths as
possible and remember the nearness of God. Please pray. Please believe
with us. Please ask as many people as you possibly can to remember us.
Carla

Address Correction

I originally wrote the wrong city for our new address!  SO SORRY.  Please note the address correction.  Thank you!

Jonathan and Carla James
38187 Monticello Dr.
Prairieville, LA 70769

Moving

Happy Thanksgiving!!

By now many of you know that we are moving to Baton Rouge.

However, your response may be similar to mine... "WHATTTT?"

As many of you know, we have been seeking God for direction for a long time. Well, a couple of months ago we got some direction, quick and bold! I had a dream I was sitting with Pastor Dino Rizzo (Pastor of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge), and I was telling him that God told me we were to plant a church in three years and we were supposed to come and learn everything we could from him in preparation. I instantly woke up and was freaked out, to say the least: surprised at the timing but not surprised that God knows all of the passions of my heart. The Lord began to speak to me very clearly that this is His heart for us, and we should act on in NOW.

As most of you remember quite well, I was still in a wheelchair 95% of the time when I had this dream. I went back and forth with the Lord after this dream, as if I was in disbelief. I said "Lord, I'm just trying to figure out how to walk! What do you mean you want me to plant a church?". It was like the Lord said "I'm going to take care of that, but I've got something foryou to do!"

Carla and the kids were out of town visiting her ill grandmother during this time and I wasn't sure I wanted to share this with anyone - especially before I talked with her about it. However, I ended up talking to Pastor Dave Degarmo to hear his thoughts on it (thinking he was going to say I was nuts), but he was excited! He encouraged me in it, and said He thought it sounded like God! It was amazing, but honestly frustrated me in some ways, because NOW I was accountable for it AND I had to move forward.

That weekend, my sister invited me to see her re-baptized at Healing Place in Baton Rouge. I was reluctant to go, but thought that I would take the opportunity to support her and feel it out. While sitting in service, I couldn't hear a word Pastor Dino was saying. All I could hear was, "you have to tell him!" over and over in my head. I thought to myself, "There is no way! I'm in a wheelchair, He will be gone by the time I could get to him anyway, etc". My sister, not knowing anything, sent a note down the aisle to me that said, "You need to get to Dino!" then looks at me and shrugs her shoulders!

At this point I'm feeling the pressure.

After service was over, I stayed in the worship center just because I couldn't leave. Before I knew it there was only a handful of people left in the sanctuary and Dino looked at me and said "Hey man, how are you!". I wanted to say, "I feel like throwing up, thank you! How are you?". But, before I knew it I was sputtering out some words that sounded vaguely like the dream I had and what I felt God was showing me.... in a wheelchair. He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said he remembered being in bible college and feeling the weight and burden of people. He said that if you would have looked at his life then, it just didn't add up, but if you look at it now, it makes all the sense in the world. Everyone understands now, because he WAS and IS made to carry the burden for people.

It gets better....

That was Saturday night! I went to church the next day in Mandeville, and cried my eyes out like a little girl. It was an encouraging service, but lets just say, I was the only one "bauling like a baby"! When service was over, a group of wonderful people surrounded me and started praying. Most of them were praying for healing, however they had NO idea of the weight of what the healing they were praying for could mean. I thanked them all and left church. I went home and prayed some more, then realized that a lot had happened and I had not even told Carla yet! Keep in mind, we talk about EVERYTHING, immediately whenever possible! We hardly have a day we don't talk about what all has happened or what the Lord is saying to us by the end of that day. But in the craziness of it all, I had forgotten to tell her about all of this!

I wasn't sure what her reaction would be. I was sure she was desperately wanted rest in our home. We have been under intense pressure with surgeries, the new baby and now a very ill grandmother! After I told her, she simply said, "Let's Go!", I said "Well....... lets see how this next year goes and we will start to move in that direction. By that time I will be healing more and hopefully walking again." Her response... "Well, we could do that..... but that wouldn't be obedience!"

My wife... WOW!

One of the lessons God has really been teaching us over the past 5 years or so is that "Delayed obedience, is disobedience!" Unfortunately (pun intended), my wife MUST follow every rule to the T! She began to encourage me that if this was the Lord speaking, that we needed to act now and not delay, EVEN if it is hard! She was willing to put her money where her mouth was too, because this meant a WHOLE LOT of work and stress for her. But, she was SO committed to following the leading of the Lord, that as confirmation came she was more than willing to pay ANY price to follow!

What about what I think?

I still hadn't bought into this whole idea of us moving now! I mean, after all, I'm not making any money, we can't get housing if I'm not making any money, I can't walk..... There were a lot of concerns to overcome! We continued seeking counsel. I talked to Pastor Dave again, and he was still in agreement. Then I talked with Pastor Steve, who I thought for sure wouldn't be supportive because of our natural circumstances. I was WRONG! He was excited! Excited? This is supposed to be the part where he brought up all of the objections I'd been thinking in my head. He said he was excited and that he wasn't sure how it would work out either, but encouraged me to keep pressing into it and let God work out the details. Then he dropped the bomb... "I think you should go NOW! Don't wait, Get over there and start building!"

Almost Done...

I then reconnected with Pastor Dino and he wanted us to connect with some of the other pastors at Healing Place to talk through some logistics. I met with them and we discussed all the different logistics and dreams within what God was speaking to us. They received us like true family! It was a true testament to what the Family of God is like! I was sure I would be rejected or at least encouraged to consider delaying until I got out of the wheelchair! Not these Guys! They said, "lets keep believing and see what God will do! He is the ultimate creative being. Lets see how we can let God be creative in this!"

Surgery...

In the middle of it all, We got word that I had to have surgery by the end of the year. My right elbow has gone too far in its deterioration process and if I want to have a chance at keeping my right arm, I have to have surgery now.

House hunting/renting/selling... Bad Timing...

If you haven't noticed we are in the worst housing market in a VERY long time. We own our house in Mandeville and didn't think we could possibly sell or rent. But, in faith, we started looking in Baton Rouge anyway! I decided that we would try to move before surgery on December 11th. Lofty goal, but if God was going to pull it all together, we might as well go for the gold! We still didn't have anyone to rent our house, but we decided to start packing anyway. No house to go to, no one to rent our house - until last Thursday. We got a call from someone who was looking to rent in our area. They loved the house, but wanted to move by the 1st of December....

God Is So Good, AND NEVER late!!!

We found a house 5 minutes from Healing place on Saturday and one week later we had a lease agreement on our house! We signed the contract and by a COMPLETE miracle and kindness of dear friends, we were packed up and ready to go the very next weekend.

The story will go on...

We still don't know how we are going to make it! We still aren't sure where our income is going to come from. We still don't know how we will handle all of the challenges ahead. But we do know that God is with us! We do know that He will provide! We do know that this is an adventure that we won't have a chance to live again, and we don't want to miss out!

This is only part of a God story, so hang on and stay with us. There's more to come!

Our new address:

38187 Monticello Dr.

Prairieville, LA 70769

Jonathan James

Walking and the Next Step

Wow, Jonathan is walking!!!  What a crazy road it's been.  So, many of you are probably wondering if he went to rehab?  Well.......     its a long story, but if you know Jonathan its a simple one - he did it on his own.  That's right, folks, the Powerhouse Himself rehabbed himself.  BIG SMILE.  He's amazing, not that you all need ME to tell you that.  He is still using the wheelchair and a cane periodically, but he forces himself to walk as much as he can.  Thank you, Jesus!

Next fews steps.  It's a lot to swallow, especially after just a couple of weeks of watching Jonathan walk, but it is time to face the next step: his elbow.  Many of you know we have been praying SO hard that our doctor in New Orleans would have a change of heart and be willing to take on Jonathan's arm right away.  Up to this point, he has not been willing to, instead wanting to perform an additional heel surgery on J's other heel.  HOWEVER, Jonathan met with this same doctor this week, deciding he would lay it all out on the table and insist on having his elbow surgery first.  Well, he didn't have to.  After the xrays were complete and discussion began, Jonathan's doctor said, "Well, we are going to have to replace your elbow immediately."  The only two options are amputation or complete elbow replacement - to be done in 5 weeks.  There is not enough bone left in Jonathan's arm to fuse it again.  For us, this is amazing and such an answer to so many of you praying.  It means that he will be able to use his arm again!  It is also very sobering and has already brought with it many tears.  Even after the incisions heal and bleeding stops, he won't be able to use his arm for a whole year. While he still feels pain from this past surgery, it is decreasing.  Another surgery so soon means he will begin the process all over again.  With four children under the age of six, including a now four month old baby, it's a lot to think about, both for Jonathan and for me.

The questions come:  How can we do this?  How will I (Carla) be able to bear the weight of it?  How will I (Jonathan) go through all of this so soon again, make a living, be a daddy and everything else?  We have no answers.....   We have no idea how it will all work, how it will all happen.....  We know God is good.  We know WHO we belong to.  And we know that no matter how much weight and pressure presses against us, the same God who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us and daily gives us all we need.  Right now, that's all we need to know.  Jonathan and I recently went on a trip to a Hemophilia Convention.  I can't tell you how many times people asked us if we were on our honeymoon, saying, "You seem so in love....."  After hearing our story and that we have been married 8 years and have four children under age 6, all jaws in the room dropped.  We found it quite funny.  We said, "When we got married we decided that when things got hard we would have two choices:  we could either blame each other and run from each other, or we could grab arms, love each other and run through the struggles together.  We made a pact that we would stand by one another and it's made all the difference in the world."  That pact continues to stay true even on the hardest of days when the world seems to be spinning around us.  That same unconditional love, God goes out of His way to show us, will keep us.......

Surgery is tenatively scheduled for the first or second week of December.  We will keep you posted.  Thank you for your love, prayers and support.  You are all amazing.

Bennefit Concert....

We are so excited to announce that some amazing friends of ours have gone way out of their way to pull together a great benefit concert for our behalf TOMORROW night near Hammond, LA. I am sorry this is such late notice! Our intent was to post this a week or so ago here on our blog, but in the craziness of it all, forgot too. So we hope that this doesn't reach you too late! However if You are able to join us, we would love to see you all. Here are more details...

There will be a night of music to benefit Jonathan James on September 18 beginning at 7pm at Cornerstone Church in Amite. If you don't know, Jonathan is a good friend to many of us and is battling a rare form of hemophilia. We are hoping to raise funds necessary to offset his growing medical expenses. We are asking for your support and assistance both financially and by helping us get the word out about this event.

It is going to be a night filled with tons of music, worship, and giving. You don't want to miss it.

Scheduled to appear:

Laramie Stevens,
Ben Davis
Ben Manuel
Shanna Barberio
John Hughes
Todd Shockely
Jivka Jeleva
Dillon Morse and the Polyester Ramblers
Out of Brokeness
Crispin Schroeder
Matt Marrs
Heather Ballard

12 BANDS!! It is gonna be AWESOME!

DO NOT FORGET TO INVITE ALL OF YOuR FRIENDS!!!

There have been a few inquiries about where to send donations if you are unable attend. All tax deductible donations should go to:

Make Checks Payable to: Hope for Hemophilia
PO Box 2584
Mandeville, LA, 70470
OR...
now happyjamesgang.blogspot.com is accepting credit and debit.

Also, we are accepting donations large and small at the event.

We hope to see you Friday, September 18th at Cornerstone Church in Amite, (I-55 North to Amite, exit right on Highway 16, left at second red light, Cornerstone is across from Winn-Dixie), doors open at 6pm, the concert starts at 7pm. A donation of ten dollars is requested at the door, however, if you are unable to attend, tax deductible donations may be made to the Hope for Hemophilia Foundation. See the happyjamesgang.blogspot.com or call Ben Manuel at 985-351-7342 for more information.

More Stuff...

This morning was one of those days where you wake up and are completely not prepared for what is about to happen.

Carla's grandmother, who she is VERY close too, has been ill and was rushed to the Hospital a few days ago due to a seizure. They thought she was doing better and sent her home. She then was rushed back by ambulance during the night due to extreme hemorrhaging and is now is in ICU. She is frail and they don't believe she will make it very much longer.

Carla has felt that she needed to go and see her for the past three weeks but we have not been able to afford the tickets to go as they cost approximately $3500 for the family to go. She had even told her dad last week that she felt that something was going to happen soon and she believed her grandmother wasn't going to be around much longer. As soon as this happened this morning she and I both felt that it was important for her to go and be with her if at all possible. Her family said they would help with the plane tickets if she could come, so she found a flight this after noon and her and the four kids left today. They will be there for a couple of weeks.

This presents a couple of dilemma's. I am able to drive myself from point A to point B, but I am not able to load myself in and out of the car. This presents a difficult scenario over the next few weeks. I will be needing extra help to get loaded and to go to doctor appointments. If this is something you would like to help with please let me know. Also, this is going to be an even larger strain on our finances in multiple ways.

Please pray that God would give Carla the words to speak to her Grandmother during this difficult time with the family. They have a very special relationship and I expect for God to use Carla during these next few days to speak life in a way that she can hear. My prayer for her is that she would be able to bring peace to chaos and life to despair. As I told her earlier today, She is like the Levites who Carried the "Arch of the Covenant" to the people. She is Literally carrying the Manifest presence of God with her.

Please pray that He would protect them and keep them safe as they have a long and trying trip ahead of them! Also pray that it will Carla will have an extra dose of Grace, and patients. It takes approximately 12 hours flying, then 2 1/2 hours driving to get to their home town. They are only 20 minutes from Canada. Doing that with two adults is one thing, but making that trip with four children under the age of 6 could drive anyone crazy. Carla is an amazing woman! Brave, confident, and full of the Peace and Power of God, and I have no doubt that she will be fine, but I also know that the enemy will test all of that in her.

Please pray that God will give her grandmother a painless and peaceful experience. We have prayed that God would help her to not be in pain or suffer during this time in any way.

We believe that this is the right thing for Carla to do and the right place for her to be, the next thing is for the provision to follow. So we covet your prayers!

Thank you for standing with us!

The James'

Staying Engaged

My newest revelation is: everyone knows pain; not everyone knows love. We live in a fallen world, so we all face pain, hardship, sorrow, difficulty - its a common thread throughout humanity, but we do NOT all know love, happiness, joy in the midst of that pain. Its funny how the phrase "it's only a season" works two ways. There are many days that reminding myself, "it is what it is (Andrea Haines' famous line)..... and it won't last forever" have helped me through the rough spots. But more often than that, remembering while there ARE really rough moments, there are equally as may beautiful moments, most of which I would miss if I just "checked out" and closed my eyes hoping for the "season" to pass. I don't want to miss this season. There is a country song (sorry for those greatly opposed to it) <> that says "..... I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance...." I'm grateful to know love. I'm grateful to get the chance to experience motherhood, being a soulmate and clinging to the Lord, even when it's hard.

August James Gang Update

Hello Everyone!

We are so sorry it's been so long since our last update. Pleaes forgive us! The days seem to fly by without our permission!!! Our newest arrival, Isaac Benjamin is now nine weeks old and such a gem. The older kids adore him. We can't begin to describe how blessed we are - four beautiful and amazing kids.... Wow.

We have so much to share. We will try to be concise without leaving out important details.

Since our last update:

Another HUGE question has been answered: why the rapid deterioration of Jonathan's bones all of a sudden????? Hemophiliacs take clotting factor intravenously to help replace what their bodies don't make. For most people this treatment should be half gone in about 12 hours. Well, after extensive testing it has been discovered that Jonathan's body metabolizes this replacement twice as fast!!!! This would explain why, although he was taking "shots" four days a week, he was continuing to bleed into his joints and his body was responding almost as though he had had no treatment at all. He will now take treatments everyday. Truly, he needs a miracle in his body. I was praying for him the other night and felt so challenged by God to trust Him for GREAT things. While I am thankful for modern day medicine, it is truly not our source, nor are our doctors, our Makers. It's easy when you have to see doctors SO much to begin relying on them for your wellness. I know God is ABLE to do great things. I know He is WILLING to do great things. I know He has PROMISED to do great things. The question is: will I BELIEVE Him? We cannot even begin to express our gratitude for you standing with us - believing with us and even FOR us when we have struggled to believe.....


How is Jonathan now? It is soon time to try to walk! What???? Yes, it is time. In order for that to happen, the plan is for Jonathan to be admitted into a physical rehabilitation facility in New Orleans where he will stay for one week to one month or however long it takes him to begin walking to some degree. We expect this to all take place at the end of September. Jonathan can't walk on crutches anymore or use a walker. His elbow has deteriorated so much that he cannot bear weight on it. He will require daily help from physical therapists and parallel bars. While the thought of him being gone that long is the last thing either of us wants, it is the next step. We won't be saying goodbye to the wheelchair forever as his other ankle still needs so much repair, but this is definitely a step forward. The therapy will be very painful for Jonathan, so please pray. We will keep you posted when all of this transpires.

Jonathan went to Houston last month to get a second opinion about his elbow. He has to wear a brace to keep it at a 90 degree angle at all times (which is his normal range of motion) in order to keep it from breaking. The kids LOVE to wrestle him and love on him and it has become increasingly risky and tremendously painful to not have it stabilized. Even shaking a few hands is painful. Just as we thought, it is beyond saving - he will have to have it completely replaced sometime in the next few months. Stay tuned for the updates on that - a very complicated scenario.....

Jonathan has also begun working again as much as he can, which is extremely minimal but his faithfulness and determination amaze me. He's so brilliant and never gives less than all. I load him up in the van with his wheelchair, he drives himself to work where his assistant unloads him, he pours himself out - pain and all, then comes back home to be amazing husband and daddy of four. How many of us want to try that one? While he is working, his compensation is complicated, as it is for anyone who runs their own business. Showing up to work doesn't necessarily mean getting a paycheck. I know it goes without saying, but we continue to covet your prayers for our family's financial provision. We still have a very long road ahead of us.

Our sewage situation was resolved - Thank you to Cal and Brandi Shoemake and her dad, Frank, from Lakeside Plumbing.... what a blessing....

Thank you again for all of your amazing friendship, love, encouragement, support, sacrafice and ultimately for believing. Your actions speak so loud....

To make tax deductible donations for those of you who have inquired, you can make checks or money orders payable to Hope for Hemophilia, PO Box 2584, Mandeville, LA 70470. This is the foundation that has been set up on our behalf and in the future will be used on behalf of our vision for a great life for hemophiliacs. It has been amazing to see how many people have given - even those we have never met.

We will definitely be in touch more often. If you would like to email us directly, you may:

Jonathan: jdjinvest@gmail.com
Carla: carlakennedyjames@gmail.com

Love from all of us!

Jonathan, Carla, Hannah, Ezra, Isabella and Isaac James

Hard Few Days...

Its been a hard few days!

We are so blessed by our bundle of joy! Isaac is full of life and yet very laid back. He is definitely as laid back if not more than Isabella. We are really enjoying getting to know our new gift!

Monday 11:00 AM

We have had some tough news over the past few days though. My mom came in town to help with Carla and the new baby, which has been a HUGE blessing! Thanks mom! She even brought her own house (motorhome). We asked a friend to come over to help set it up so it could be wired into our house direct. He did that and also hooked up the sewage as well, so that she wouldn't have to dump it every few days! (Thanks Jonathan Banano!)

But, in the process he found out that ALL of the pipes under our house (Toilet, sinks, tub) are leaking directly under the house! He dug a little further and found that there was NO outflow at all going to the septic. It is completely flooded under the house and there is a severe sewage smell coming from under the house. Basically we are sitting on top of a out door sewage plant!!! He tried to fix, but was at a complete loss of what to do!

Unfortunately, as most of you know, we are living completely on Faith with our finances. With that said, we don't have the resources to have someone come out to fix it. It sounds like this is a MAJOR cost and we are doing everything we can to get someone out to come and look at it. We have a couple of people who have said they may be able to come by this week to examine, but there isn't anyone who we have found yet who can actually fix this week!

4:30PM

Carla calls from the hospital and says that they are going to release her and the baby from the hospital. We were excited except that we had just found out that we are not living in a safe or sanitary environment!

It gets better... I had sent my dad up to the hospital with the infant car seat. I didn't think to check it before it left, but apparently the seat belt harnesses had been removed to be cleaned (you know where this is going). When they got ready to release Carla and baby from the hospital I was at home with my left foot bleeding from the chaos from the morning discovery and my father in law had left to go to the store to pick up something to fix the air conditioner in the house (which was also not working properly).

Carla calls and lets me know that they won't let her or the baby leave the hospital because the Car seat doesn't have any seat belts. So, I get on the phone calling around frantically to try to get someone who can go buy a car seat and pick up my wife and new baby! Thankfully my dear friend Derrick Gill comes to the rescue and was able to get over there in about 25 minutes! Whew!

Then Tuesday...

I had a follow up doctor appointment with my surgeon who did my ankle surgery. He had to do x-rays of everything including my ankle to see how everything is doing.

I have been having quite a bit of pain with the front part of my left foot (bleeding, swelling,burning, etc). He was always confused when I would explain this because this is not the part heoperated on and he thought I was just having some weird pain radiating from the surgery on the heal. Well, he was wrong! Apparently it has been bleeding and now the front part of my foot has had hemophiliac arthritis set it and start deteriorating that area of the foot.

He then did a follow up x-ray on my right elbow and found that my arm bone going from my shoulder to my elbow joint has eaten a hole through the bottom of my elbow joint and the bone in gone through the joint! He explained that this has never happened to his knowledge and that he would report this to medical community as a new phenomenon! Of course I would once again be the pioneer or "guinea pig"

I have to walk on crutches to get into our bathroom due to the fact that it is not handicap accessible! This, over the past three months or so, has caused my left wrist to start bleeding again. So it has been difficult over the past few weeks to transfer from the couch to the wheelchair, from the wheelchair to the bed, and very painful to walk on crutches. He did x-rays on that as well and found that it has started the deterioration process. Fun!

Wednesday

We woke up this morning and were reminded that His Mercy is new this morning! (Lamentations 3:22-23)

We were also reminded that "The Lord IS MY portion... therefore I hope in Him!" (Lam 3:24)

Psalms 40:

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;

And He inclined to me and heard my cry.2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD.4 How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You.
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.
11 You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
17 Since I am afflicted and needy,
Let the Lord be mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God.
I am not sure how we are going to pay for having our house fixed! I don't know how I am going to be able to provide for my family! I am uncertain on how God is going to provide for my physical deterioration and downturn! I am not sure how we are going to navigate the rough waters ahead... BUT, I do know that God is with us! We have chosen to "HOPE IN HIM"!
Please pray for us that God would pour out his abundant grace on us, that He would supply all of our needs according to His supply, not ours? Please pray that He would send help quickly? We are completely trusting in Him!
If you are able to help us financially, you can send a tax deductible contribution to PO BOX 2584, Mandeville, LA 70470, to "Hope for Hemophilia".
Thank you for standing with us, praying for us, and giving to us! Your support spiritually, emotionally, and tangibly has reminded us that we are not alone!
We love you all!

Where Does It Stop?

I know my amazing husband will have a greater perspective to share soon, but tonight, for me the world is bittersweet as a dear friend so appropriately put. Today we have a beautiful, healthy, new baby boy and are experiencing one of the greatest joys God could ever give. There are no words to describe what it's like. But today I feel the sorrow for my husband of watching his body "come apart" We got a really tough report from Jonathan's surgeon today. The front of his foot is continuously bleeding and has now begun deteriorating, his elbow which we have been praying for, for some time now, has a hole through it and he fears losing that arm all together and his one good wrist has developed arthritis as well due to the hemophilia.... Overwhelming to say the least, but even more, for me heartbreaking to watch the love of my life suffer. We have seen such a sudden developement of rapid deterioration in his body since January. It's been so mind boggling. We have fought it, we have prayed, we have cried and tonight.... I just want to know when it will stop. To watch the strength of a man be so tested and to watch him fight to see the joy of life in it all changes me daily.... I am ruined for the ordinary mindset and yet my heart breaks. As always, we covet your friendship and your seeking of God's hand and heart in it all......

New Addition to the James Home...

Today was a glorious day, where we welcomed our newest addition to our family!

Isaac Benjamin James was born around 7:45 AM this morning at 9lbs, 10oz, and 19in long. He is perfectly healthy little man! He is very quite, for an infant, very peaceful and we are already enjoying him!

Carla...

Carla had a lengthy surgery as there were complications related to her ongoing issues. The doctor did as much as he could do to fix her up and by the time it was over, he had done about three or four surgeries in one! It was quite amazing! Needless to say, Today our family is complete!

She is doing better and recovering well. She is at St Tammany Hospital in room 344 and will be there until Tuesday.

Thank you so much for your prayers!!! Please keep them up, we still have a tough number of months ahead of us! But, we are believing for increased strength and supernatural provision!

God's Grace is sufficient! (2Cor 12:9)

While the doctor was trying to deliver Isaac, he discovered that she was at a "significantly" higher risk of uterine rupture! He was caught off guard by this as were we. In a lot of cases, if a woman's uterus ruptures during advanced stages in pregnancy she may have as little as 4 minutes to save both the mother and the baby's life. IF that had happened, I could not have loaded her up in the car, and driven her to the hospital in time, given my current state. We also would not have had time to call someone to pick her up, either friend or ambulance. We could have lost both Carla and baby! BUT GOD...

I think it is amazing how God so often protects us from danger that we are not even aware of! God saved us from something so tragic today, and yet we were not even aware that it was near (neither were the experts).

It also makes me very aware of how often our current state or circumstance is all consuming and when it is a very difficult circumstance we often ask things like "Could things ever get worse...?". If you know our situation (if not you can read older posts in this blog and get a good idea of what we are going through), you could look at it as "That is such an extreme place... How could you possibly go through that". But no matter what the circumstance, Hard is hard! Whatever the circumstance. I think it can be easy for us all, when we are going through stuff, to look at our circumstances and say that. But I wonder, what if we are asking the wrong question?

What if we asked "What is it that God is keeping me from today?" or "What is it that God is working on my behalf on today?"

Be Thankful in all things... (1Th 5:18)

When James said "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials..." in James chapter 1, could it be that he was speaking from the perspective "What is God protecting you from"? If you go back and read all of Chapter 1 of James with the idea that James may have been speaking from that experience and perspective, it puts a whole new light to WHY he may have said things like "be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath..." (James 1:19), or "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials..." (1:2).

Why be thankful IN the middle of all things? I believe one reason is because of things like what we experienced today. You never know what God is working on, on your behalf! You don't know what He is protecting you from! Read Ps 5:11. Apparently all those who put their trust in him... He defends! WOW!

Its hard to trust what you don't see if you are bitter and have a bad attitude about what is in front of you. Its hard to trust when the biggest concern of your mind is "Why me?" or "Why won't you...?"

Today...

Today, there is nothing to complain about. I could give you a list of things that were not ideal today. BUT, what I learned about what God protected us from over the past months... trumped it all! My only response to that knowledge was to worship, thank the Lord (sincerely), and be humbled by His sufficiency!

I'm not sure I've walked out the past 6 months without complaining or with having the best attitude, but I know that during the next six months I will be more grateful and mindful, not of what God is doing on my behalf, but simply that He IS doing something on my behalf. That He is defending me, while I trust Him, even if I can't see what's going on around me!

Just because I was unable to see the baby being formed in Carla's tummy, doesn't mean that a wonderful life is being masterfully created right under my nose... I simply have to wait to hold it, to enjoy it, and to reap it when the time is right!

Thank you for helping us and growing with us!!!

We love you all!

You may send tax deductible donations to:

"Hope for Hemophilia"

PO Box 2584

Mandeville, LA 70470

Or make a deposit at any

Capital One Bank

acct # 2081669328

June Health Update...

June is already here! Wow!

God has been good, as always! We have been amazed, encouraged, exhausted, loved, helped, hurt, hindered, and lifted up!

Physical healing can be a circus...

Its always amazing to see how God works. Over the past month we have had some of the most difficult days yet, and somehow there has been grace to meet us there. About three weeks ago, I fell on my foot that I just had surgery on. After the pretty intense pain subsided, I didn't think much of it, other than hoping I didn't do any permanent damage. A few days later we realized that another hematoma had formed on the front part of my foot. This was somewhat discouraging as part of the delay in my ability to walk has been a hematoma on my heel that wouldn't go away. My doctor has not been willing to allow me to walk until it had completely absorbed. Unfortunately the first one still has not absorbed and now I have another one... What next?

Well, yesterday we decided that we were going to go out for lunch. You have to understand that is a very big undertaking in our world at the moment. I still can't drive or have my foot un-elevated and Carla, at 9 months pregnant, has to load and unload me and the wheelchair. But we were determined... cabin fever and all! On my way to get the one shoe I can actually wear and with my 16 month old, Isabella in my lap, my left foot (surgery foot) got caught between the wheelchair and my dresser. Ouch... Needless to say, we didn't get out yesterday. My ankle swelled up to about the size of a softball and I was in pretty severe pain for the rest of the day. Maybe we should start a reality show....

Dreams Fulfilled...

I think the most frustrating part for me is that I was hoping to be at least in a walking cast by now and taking some baby steps. Proverbs 13:12 says "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life."

So, that covers the "Hope deferred.." part, but here is the "tree of life..." part.

"When desire comes..."

Most of you are aware that Carla and I have written music for many years and it has been a deep, deep desire in our heart to share our songs and minister. It has been a dream of mine for more than 10 years to record an album and distribute our music. We have believed that most of the music God has given us would be an encouragement and truly minister to those who would listen. Last year God spoke to us about getting our music together and to start recording a CD. We went to the studio of a close friend and started out of obedience. We were able to get my guitar parts and some vocals down. However, I started having problems with my elbow even then and had to take about an hour break in between each song. At that time I had no idea what was to come. I got a band of amazing guys together and started rehearsing the music to finish the project. We had one rehearsal, with four more to follow before getting into the studio. That was the second week in December. We took a break for Christmas and New years.

The week after new years, I had a severe bleed in my chest cavity and ended up in the hospital and have been in and out of the hospital ever since. I have had ankle surgery that I am still recovering from, and my elbow has accelerated in deterioration to the point of my being in danger of losing it. We had no idea that we would not be able to get back into the studio to complete the CD project. My prayer since then has been "Lord, I don't know why you told me to begin this CD, but if that's as far as it goes I am grateful You have taught me obedience."

That's just the beginning! Pastor Aaron came over to our house about 4 weeks ago and shared that he felt like God had put our music and completing our album on his heart. He felt like God had shown him it could be a way to raise money for us! I explained to him how I would love to see that happen, but I wasn't in a state to even get into the studio much less coordinate rehearsals, and/or all of the other administrative stuff it takes to get such a project completed. He said in his very loving way, "That's not what I'm asking. I am simply asking if you mind if I pursue it?". I said, "If you have the faith for that, run with it, but I just don't at this time!" He said, "That's okay, let me see what I can do".

He called back the next day and said he had found a producer who was willing to take it on for a severely discounted rate due to our situation. I laughed when he told me how much it was going to cost. "Discounted or not", I said, "I'm not sure how I'm going to pay our house note right now, much less pay for a CD." He said in his very passionate, loving way, "That's okay. I have the faith for it. I believe this is a God thing. All I'm asking is, are you okay with it?". Once again I just had to laugh. I told him that I loved the idea, and I couldn't have asked for someone better to try to care for and run with my dream!

Later that week he called back and said, "I think we've got it all worked out." He wanted me to call the producer, who I had never heard of before, but I spoke with him and found a bio on him and was blown away! He has worked on everything from American Idol projects to television shows and most recently, Dove award winning CCM artists like Brandon Heath. Once I got to know who this was, I couldn't believe what was taking place.

I was so humbled by what God was doing! I felt like God was saying "You (Jonathan) just wait right there. Let me run with this dream that I put in your heart to begin with, and let me see to it that it is fulfilled." I also felt like the Lord was reminding me that because this dream was His first, it was MORE important to Him that it was fulfilled, than it was even to me. That was a little hard to understand, since I've wanted it so bad in the past.

It is just like God to wait until I am completely unable to do anything in my own strength - literally - to fulfill the dream He started so long ago. This way ONLY He can be glorified! He is truly the Alpha AND the Omega! He is the Starter and the Finisher! We so often get frustrated with the "in-between" and yet that is the exact place where we were intended to be. We get so frustrated with the unknown, and yet that is where we are most dependant. We are so wrapped up in trying to determine when and how we are going to "pull off" this dream that is in our heart, when God fills us in on the dream simply to keep us in the loop, not for us to control it! He is simply letting us know hints of what He is doing.

What if we were able to just listen without assumption or expectation? What if we were able to obey without trying to lead God, but let Him truly lead us? I think we would have more joy, more peace, more trust, and less anxiety, less fear, and less disappointment! That sure wouldn't be bad. Even medical studies have shown that if we were to live like that we would live longer, more fulfilled lives. My obedience to begin recording months ago without any idea how it would all come together, ended up being the bones and foundation of what will be used to now complete the project.

Needless to say we are excited and yet still unable to do anything about it really! Funny place to be in! The CD won't be completed and available for purchase until later this year but we are very excited.

The start of a bigger vision...

In the process of all of this Sal Lee and some other friends got together and started a Foundation for our benefit. They established this as a way to help raise money for our family during this time of paying bills without income. We have been blown away by the generosity of their time and effort! It took quite a bit to get it all set up, but it is now in place.

The name of the Foundation is "Hope for Hemophilia" and if you would like to help, you can send a tax-deductible donation to "Hope for Hemophilia" at P.O. Box 2584, Mandeville, LA 70470. If you have questions or concerns you may contact Sal Lee directly at lee.salvador@gmail.com or 504.296.4800. He is more than willing to get you any documentation or information you may have questions about.

We are also very excited about this as one of our dreams is to be able to raise enough money over time to be able to help other people who suffer from hemophilia, and their families with financial support for surgeries and through their recoveries. We so desire to bring as much hope as we have been given. Our vision for this is huge - pretty lofty goals being that we haven't even accepted the first penny yet! Our dreams are big and our God is able!

Where we are and what comes next...

Carla says she is 10 months pregnant, but we are on the home stretch now! She is having the baby come rain or shine next week on June 12th! We are very excited! Carla will be at St Tammany Parish hospital for five days recovering from surgery with the baby. After that she will be on limited bed rest for a time, then on with the road to recovery for both of us!

We have been so blessed by all of you who have been so faithful to bring meals, to help with housework, to love on our kids and so much more! It has been wonderful to get to know many of you for the first time and others just to have your bright faces here to encourage us so frequently! We have been blessed beyond measure and are so grateful for your help and support!

Please continue to pray for us! We need extra grace for Carla during these next few weeks. Please pray for our kids, too. I believe they have been able to handle all of this so well and I am so very proud of them! However, I see the wear and tear on them too! Our prayer for them has been that they would have much stability and security even though they are with so many different people and places.

We would like to address a question many of you have asked. "Have you considered seeking financial help from the government for people with disabilities? Why not just go on social security disability?" Great question. It is one we have thought through, prayed about, researched and even attempted to apply for. In order for me to be accepted for government programs, I would have to quit my job first. Due to the absolute necessity of treatment for my illness, I have to be a part of a really great group health insurance policy which can only be obtained through the employment of large companies. I cannot go a single day without treatment. In addition, it is currently taking a minimum of three months (often longer) to be considered for approval for these government programs and many very needing families have been turned down. Even though our circumstances are extreme right now, we do anticipate much more normalcy in the future. We hope this brings a little bit more clarity.

Please continue to pray for financial resources for us! God has miraculously sustained us during this time and we have been so overwhelmed by your support! We are truly humbled at how many people God has used in this area from so many different places that we never expected! We are going to have some extra expenses with the baby being born in almost every area of our budget. If you would like to help financially and would like a tax deduction, you can call Sal Lee at 504.296.4800 or make a deposit to the Hope for Hemophilia Foundation at any Chase Bank or Edward Jones location. If you would like to or are able to make a monthly commitment for this season, they are able set up a ACH draft for you.

I am a firm believer in finishing what you begin. Six years ago, I opened an Edward Jones Financial Investment office. My doctor has agreed to allow me to work a couple of hours per week from home as I can. This is my next pursuit. Having a business that requires face to face contact on a regular basis is definitely complicated by my situation, but I am determined to be faithful even where I am at. I work strictly on commission. While I do not receive any income unless I am actively pouring myself into my business, it is in my heart to be faithful in sustaining what is in my hand and in being available to clients.

If you have read this far in, you know by now this has been a fairly long update, but it is only a fraction of what God is doing in our heart. I believe much of what God will do in us, and through us over the next 25 years, will be greatly affected by what we have lived out with you in these past months. Even though we have gone through great pain and discomfort, there has been a sense of great destiny. So what that means, I don't fully know. But I do know that the experiences that God has allowed us to have will be used to be a resource to lead others. Our hope is that though these months, weeks, days, and moments have been uncomfortable and downright painful, that God will use every last drop of it for His purpose!

Our prayer is that God's glory truly be revealed in our weakness! One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 23:4 "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me...". The point wasn't that he walked through the valley of the shadow of death or that he wasn't afraid, rather that God was with him! When all is said and done, our hope is that when everyone looks at our circumstance people can say just that. "Even though they have been through so much, God is clearly with them!"

We love you all!

New shirts for Father's Day or for Anyday!

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Fell again...

Well yes, I fell... again! Not bad, but bad enough to cause more bleeding internally! 

We had some amazing friends that came over last night and wanted us (Carla & I) to go on a date. Being that we haven't actually been on a date for Four months or so we agreed that was a GREAT idea! Carla was really concerned about the way I was feeling physically and weather or not I could handle going out. Funny thing was, I was worried about weather or not she could handle it! She has been over-extending herself daily and I wasn't sure if this was the wised choice for her or not. But, it was so long since we have had a babysitter, that I wasn't about to pass up this generous opportunity! 

Times like these just aren't the same these days. Don't get me wrong we had a very good time, but they are very different then our past romantic adventures. We hated to spend the money because things have been so tight, but its been about four months since our last date and it was a good idea. We went to Sake Cafe since that is one of Carla's favorite places to eat. They have a roll called the "Covington Roll" that is not on the menu and is COMPLETELY different than anything else in town. Its a little bigger than a silver dollar, very little rice, crawfish, snow crab, and a whole lot of other goodness, AND very light crunchy ever so slightly and delicately fried on the outside (not heavy like normal fried rolls. Not even as thick as a normal tempura... very light). Only problem is that is about the "only" roll that's good there. So you have to go just for that roll. Carla craves it, but we hardly ever go. So, we went there to get that and it was SUCH  a treat! 

Then we tried to decide where we were going to go from there. By this time my ankle was hurting and Carla was in pain too, but there was NO way we were going home yet! So we thought about going to the movies since it was something that we could do without walking or exerting energy, but neither one of us felt like we could sit in a theater for a couple of hours. There is only so many ways you can prop up your ankles, and having them down that whole time was definitely out of the question! So we did what every other couple in St Tammany parish does on their date nights... we went to Target! We needed a couple things for the baby AND they had a cart. Can't just shop anywhere, because Carla can't walk very far either at this point. So, Target it was!

We got their and Carla got in her scooter, and I was in mine! What a pair! By this time, I was running out of steam, but even though we were in wheel chairs, we were going to keep moving forward, enjoy our time together, and try to be as normal as possible (whatever that is). I splurged and got a coffee (I felt like I was on vacation!), and she made a "B" line for the house wares section. Two things we NEVER get to do with kids, not that we get to do them period, because we can't get to the store much anyway! Then we met back up and had a couple of deep meaningful conversations along the way, and we then closed them down. We wanted to make sure we said goodnight to all those hardworking people that stock our shelves and keep our shopping experiences clean and happy! 

Then we were convinced that we were going to make the most of this evening since it may be another 6 months before we get to do it again (it is so hard to find babysitters for three, I am not looking forward to trying to find someone for four kids). Anyway, we left there and by the time we got in the car it was about 10:30pm. We realized that our clock was ticking and since EVERYTHING in St Tammany parish closes at 10:00pm except Chili's and Copeland's, we only had 30 minutes to go somewhere else for desert. So, we start heading toward Chili's because the last three times we went to Copeland's, which was a while ago, we said we would never go back. Bad service, poor food preparation. And don't get me wrong, I love some of their dishes, especially their cheesecake, but sometimes you just have to cut the cord! Anyway, by the time we got to Chili's it was already 10:45 and you don't want to go to Chili's right when they are closing! Big mistake! Let's just say, three bouts of food poisoning, and all about the time they were closing! 

So, we decided to do what every good American would do in our predicament, and go through the drive through at Wendy's and get frosties and park at the lakefront! Of course we didn't get out because it is such a hassle to load and unload the wheelchair for Carla at this stage of the pregnancy. Not to mention that I could have gotten out, but then she couldn't have walked, so we just sat in the car, me in the back seat (because I have to keep my foot elevated), and her in the front, eating frosties with our windows down. It was really nice! We talked for probably about an hour. But somewhere in that hour I was so consumed in our "uninterrupted" conversations (and parents, you know exactly what I mean), that I had not realized that my pain was getting worse and worse very quickly. It seemed that all of a sudden my left foot started swelling up really big and started hurting something terrible. We realized that I was almost out of medicine so we rushed over to the 24 hour Walgreen's (thank you God for 24 hour Walgreen's) and got medicine. But by this time I was hurting so bad my other leg was shaking uncontrollably. 

We got home and came inside and I was headed straight to bed while Carla was unloading the other stuff, and I leaned over to get a pillow off the couch to take with me, and I fell. I fell half way, not all the way, out of my chair. The worst part was I caught myself with my left (surgery) ankle. NOT FUN!!! So, then it REALLY started swelling and started bleeding internally very quickly. I very quickly got in bed, and took a shot. But, as you could imagine, I couldn't get to sleep, because of the pain, until around 4:00am. 

I really had a hard time after that not being angry! I really wanted to be really angry! I was already frustrated that I couldn't have a normal date with my wife, along with all the other "special" situation stuff that we have to deal with, and then I fell! I knew that this meant that it was going to take even longer to heal, possibly another hematoma, and delay me walking even more! Carla calls me the "eternal optimist", but at that moment I REALLY didn't "feel" very optimistic. As a matter of fact, my honest thoughts started to go to "how can I just cut off my left leg, and then my right arm. Get it over with! I'll have two less limbs, and be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life, but at least I won't always be in pain..." Then Somewhere in there I stopped myself and just started praying! Its amazing how, no matter how angry you are the peace of God CAN surpass all understanding. 

There is no point in being frustrated and angry! There is only enough time to be grateful and look forward to better days ahead and believe that what the enemy would like to use to kill, steal, and destroy me... the Lord wants to use for my good! The only way that we will receive full benefit of the "Good" the Lord wants to do in us in the timing He wants to do it in, is if we are quick to forgive, repent, and listen! Lord help me to do so!

Carla has two weeks and two days left before her C Section! Praise God! 

Please pray for extra peace, joy, and grace through these last days!

Jonathan's Dr Appointment...

Yesterday I had another post-opp checkup. 

It seemed to be a relatively good visit over all. The swelling around my ankle had reduced enough for them to remove the stitches. They also removed the picc line that I had been using to give myself infusions daily (back to the old faithful vein and needle routine every other day). I was glad to get both removed! X-rays looked much better than two weeks before. That is probably where the majority of the pain was coming from. 

He put a temporary splint on it to keep it still and protected.

My pain has generally been more manageable over the past three days of so. That has been a real blessing, although as soon as I get off my pain medicine regimen, I realize that I am still in quite a bit of pain, its just manageable. 

He said that I still have a hematoma on the bottom of my heal and that it has improved, but still will take more time to heal before I am able to assert pressure on it. He told me that I have to continue keeping it elevated above my heart. He wants me to wait another month before coming back to see him, so it will be at least that long before I will be able to take first steps. We were hoping that I would be able to start taking first steps prior to the baby coming, but we are certain now that I will not be able to take any steps before the baby comes!

Please pray that the pain would continue to subside and that God would cause my whole ankle to heal very quickly! Please pray that God would supernaturally cause my right elbow to heal and be regenerated! It is still causing me pain daily and I am very concerned as to its future as stated in previous posts. 

Thank you for your continued prayers and standing with us during a time when we can't stand on our own! 

Carla's Dr Appointment today...

Carla had another Doctor appointment today. Apparently her  blood pressure was very high and she never has high blood pressure! The doctor told her that it was obvious that she has not been able to rest enough. 

She had another appointment scheduled immediately afterward and he made her skip it and come home immediately to lay down and rest. He said that if she were to have the baby now, it would be too early and the baby would have to stay in the hospital for an additional 3 weeks. 

We are praying that God would help her blood pressure to reduce and that she would be able to rest! It is very difficult for her to rest right now due to my health still being so limited and her having to attend to my needs as well as the kids.

She may need increased support with the kids and basic needs over the next three weeks. If you are interested in helping, please email Wendi Tuminello at doctorwendi@hotmail.com.

Please continue to pray for more Grace! Especially for the kids during this time, but also for Carla. She is in so much pain!

We love you all!

No Baby Yet

So, we went to the hospital per doctor's orders and they ran a series of tests and determined everything was okay.  No baby yet :)  Darn, but glad.  34 weeks is a little bit early.  I am running a fever today so we will just keep an eye on that.  Thanks for praying....

May Health Update...

Its time for the may update, and I everything has been such a whirlwind I'm not sure where to start, but here goes...

First of all we want to say "thank you"! Everyone who has helped out has been such a major blessing and help and we are so grateful for all you have done! We are still so humbled by how much you have surrounded us and are helping us through this difficult time. We have been so blessed by all the people who have come over to bring meals, clean, help with the kids, yard work, and just stop by to visit. 

Carla has progressed much further in the pregnancy and is 34 weeks along. The doctor has established a delivery date at 38 weeks. This means that we only have 4 weeks to go before Isaac Benjamin James is here to greet the world! Carla's health is fair. She is having severe contractions daily and with activity they form a rhythm. Last week we thought we were going to have to go to the hospital several different times. One day Carla fell, while trying to clean, and was certain that her water broke shortly after. We thought for sure we would be going in, but nothing happened. Then the next evening she started having hard contractions 5 minutes apart. That lasted for about 3 hours and we were preparing to go in when they stopped. However, one hour later, they started up again... 5 minutes apart. Thankfully they stopped after another two hours, or so. Carla is in tremendous pain each day and is really ready to have the baby, but wants to carry full-term if at all possible. Please pray that God would help her with the pain and her endurance through this process And that she would be able to carry to the end. There is a slight chance that her water may have broke last night and the doctor has requested us to come to the hospital today, so pray that God's will would be done!

My health has definitely amplified the issues. Carla is still having to care for me for just about every need. She is still giving me treatments every two hours, even through the night! This obviously doesn't allow her to rest. As you can imagine rest is one of the biggest things she needs, so please pray for Grace! Also the dinamic of having a newborn, and my care at the same time is something we have not quite figured out how to navigate.

Last week I was having a tremendous amount of pain in my left ankle. More than what was expected by the doctor. So the doctor called and had me go to the emergency room on Wednesday. He met us there, examined my foot and found that I had a hematoma on the bottom of my foot where the screws are located in the heal. He said that unfortunately this could take two months or more to absorb into the ankle. This is unfortunate for me because I can't walk on it until this is completely healed. Although the wound itself is healing well from surgery this hematoma is a source of constant ongoing pain. Unfortunately, it hurts often through the pain meds as well. 

We met with him again yesterday and we were supposed to start the process for being released to go back to work. However due to this hematoma, my foot must be elevated above my heart around the clock. If I lower it for more than 15 minutes or so, it simply starts to bleed even more and become much worse. As a result he will not release me to return to work at this time and is unlikely to release me before the hematoma is completely healed. 

This is VERY difficult because it makes things more and more complicated being away my job and my office. If I don't return by next week, they have the right to replace my position! I will technically still be employed for another three months, however, I may return to a situation where I have to start all over (if they have a position open). Many of my clients have been VERY loyal and gracious and are mostly willing to follow me anywhere, however I feel bad that they are having to wait for me during this time, AND that they are in such limbo as well! Please pray for the protection over them as well as the favor and grace with my employer. We simply need more time...

We NEED your urgent prayers on this issue. Please pray for favor with my supervisors! Please pray that God will not allow them to take my office and clients from me! Please pray that God will provide for us financially during this time as we are not receiving any income! And most of all, Please pray that His Will, will be done! Our dependence is COMPLETELY on God!

We definitely need to try everything we can to keep my employment! Even though I am not receiving an income right now, my medical insurance alone is of the most vital importance! My medical bills alone right now are running OVER $200,000 PER MONTH right now. This is just for me to survive! Without this treatment, this process would be fatal! 

"When if rains it pours"!
When we met with the doctor recently he informed me that my right elbow has ramped up its rate of deterioration significantly. I have had problems and surgeries on my right elbow in the past, however this has become such a problem that it is now hurting on a daily basis. Keep in mind that I am still taking a significant amount of pain medication related to my ankle recovery. After reviewing the x-ray's he established that I have less than 1/8" left of bone in my elbow. The doctor said that it is still deteriorating and he is very concerned that it will just break at ANY moment. Yesterday I got a brace for it and hopefully that will help hold it together so it won't just randomly break.

The answer to this is that I can have a "Total elbow replacement" done. However I have to FULLY recover from this surgery AND have surgery on my Right ankle and fully recover from that FIRST. Then I can have the total elbow replacement done. 

This was news that I definitely did not want to hear! We were hoping that day would be far away and that we would not need to have more surgeries for a while. However, according to the doctors we need to proceed with this as soon as possible in order to keep my right arm. Obviously, I want to keep my right arm if at all possible, therefore we want to do everything possible to keep that hope alive. 

PLEASE pray that God will stop this process of deterioration? Please pray that God will help me with the pain? Please pray that God will completely heal me of this situation all together? 

We still need help in almost EVERY area! Wendi Tuminello has been so gracious to volunteer to help schedule help with meals, cleaning, yard work, and child care. If you are interested in helping in any of these areas please email her at doctorwendi@hotmail.com.

We are in desperate need for God to do something amazing! Please stand with us, believe with us, pray with us, that God will do something amazing!

Thank you for your faithfulness to standing with us! Your prayers and support are keeping us during this very difficult time!

We love you all!
Headed to the hospital...

The James'

New T-Shirts

Check out our line of T-shirts and hats all designed by Jonathan James. All profits go to support the James family so please feel free to purchase directly from the web site!

We love feed back so let us know what you think.