News from July 2008 Monday, July 21, 2008, 9:00 a.m. We had problems with our computer before we left home, so I apologize that the previous update took so long. I tried to get it out before we left and our email was down. This is the first chance I could get to the computer. We are now in Pennsylvania. It is so beautiful here and we are having a great time. We have been to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia. We went yesterday to Longwood Gardens which is an amazing estate of hundreds of acres of beautiful grounds and flowers. We were also there to see a spectacular fireworks show. We have never seen anything like this. There were fountains with colored lights that were timed to an orchestra playing Rachmaninoff, and the fireworks going right above our heads. It was a wonderful experience for us all. We also spent a day at the local pool that is just up the street from our friend’s house. We have been to the library to check out children friendly books on all the sights that we will be seeing and to brush up on our history. I am loving the historical significance that is all around us. It is humid but not unbearable and Micah is coping well with the heat and humidity so far. Please continue to pray, God is answering. Micah has had a few episodes of pain since we have been here. Before we left we ran some urine tests to check his kidneys and make sure there was no infection. Everything looked normal. Please pray specifically for wisdom for both us and the doctors to figure out what is causing his pain. It could be neurological and unexplainable. Several of the other children with MPEI are on constant pain meds and some parents are unsure of the source of the pain. We also have an appointment on Monday July 28th with Dr. Marsh at CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). Please pray that this will be a productive meeting time. We are hoping to gather more information about MPEI, others with this diagnosis and what research has been or is being done. We would love to be apart of any research and be able to help others that come behind us. I met a woman when we were in line for our Independence Hall tour that has a daughter with a brain disorder. They were in the area for an annual conference for families with children with that disorder. Doctors and Therapists come to educate parents and learn from each other. Parents learn and are able to connect with other families. I would love to see something like this happen with MPEI. Maybe God will use us to get something started. Keep Praying! We are going to Lancaster County tomorrow. That is Amish Country. We are looking forward to it. We got a great book from the Library that tells about the Amish and Mennonite communities that live there. There is much to admire about their way of life and desire to live out their faith in every aspect of life. On Wednesday we will be heading to New York for a few days. If you need to contact us you can try on Kelly’s email (kellypatchin@newharborchurch.com) Love and prayers to all! Monday, July 14, 2008, 12:00 p.m. We just back from a week at Lake Havasu with my parents and had a wonderful time. We so enjoyed good concentrated time with Grandma and Grandpa. Even though it was well over 100 degrees almost every day, Micah did great. Thank you all for praying. I know more than anything else, we can attribute his tolerance to out gracious God and the prayers of his faithful people. That has truly been my biggest concern with our vacation plans. Now I feel more at peace as we prepare to go to the East Coast where it is also hot and humid. We leave tomorrow to go Pennsylvania. We will be going to the sites there and then also touring through New York, Washington D.C. and Williamsburg, Virginia. We will be meeting with the doctor in Philadelphia to discuss his research and participating in further research of MPEI. We appreciate your continued prayers specifically for Micah to tolerate the heat and change in climate and routine. Please pray for our safety and continued rest and restoration especially for Kelly. We are so appreciative to our church family for making this sabbatical possible and we are always humbled by your faithful prayers. God is answering! Please be in prayer for two of the other precious children with MPEI. There is another Micah who is at the hospital with pneumonia in both lungs. He is also having problems with dehydration. They live in Alaska in a small town and he is being airlifted today to a bigger hospital. Please be in prayer for Micah and his family as he is in critical condition. This family is believers; pray that they will know the peace of God that transcends all understanding. Please pray for Niamh as she too is in critical condition. She has been sedated for two weeks now and continues to have spasms all over her body. This family as far as I know, does not know our Lord Jesus. Micah just turned 2 this month and Niamh just turned 4. Kelly’s dad got to come home from the rehabilitation center on Friday. Praise God! There were many rocky moments and he is still not completely healthy, but he is glad to be home. Thank you for your prayers. You could continue to pray for healing and for mental and emotional stability. Please pray for Kelly’s mom to have strength and support as she is now the sole care giver. God’s richest blessings to you. We will probably not post again till mid August when we return home, unless we have a urgent prayer request.