Dear friends,
I want to thank you for your prayers and the love you constantly pour out to our family. Our journey is not yet smoothing out, but instead getting rockier for now. Earlier this afternoon we had the visit of the Infectious Diseases doctors who brought a bad report on Jonathan’s health. The report was later confirmed and further explained to us by the Dermatology doctor who is the expert on this case. They believe that Jonathan has developed an extremely dangerous, even life threatening allergic reaction called DRESS Syndrome. This is a severe reaction to medications that involves several systems in the body. The characteristic rash with swelling and fever is just one of them. Jonathan is also showing abnormal liver function and inflammation of the lymph nodes. All consistent with DRESS. The reaction is not easy to diagnose or to treat. Especially because it’s not easy to determine what specific medication is causing it. Right now the doctor’s strongest lead is Vancomycin. The situation gets complicated because we are only in the middle of treatment for Jonathan’s osteomyelitis (bone infection). And because he is taking anticonvulsive drugs as part of his brain tumor follow up. So we can no just stop all medications to only focus on DRESS.
The treatment for this new situation is a long term use of steroids. But there is a specific way to give those to prevent further problems. So, in conclusion this is not easy, nor short term. For now, we will remain in the hospital until diagnosis and treatment are well established.
I need to confess that hearing these news just got me hard. It is very difficult to see Jonathan hurting. It is hard to grasp the gravity of this illness without feeling scared.
We need to be dependent on God. We need to keep trusting Him. His nature, His love, and His purpose don’t change. He remains being good, He still cares for us, He still wants to use our lives.
Please continue to pray. Pray for healing and patience for Jonathan. Pray for wisdom and discernment for our doctors. Pray that God will use this to shape our children’s faith. Pray for our parents and closer friends as they support us. Pray that I will be a true helper for my husband. Pray for opportunities to share the Truth to a world whose hurts without Christ are without hope. And pray for everything else that the Spirit prompts you to pray as you walk with us on this journey.
Eyes on the Unseen 
Our family is praying for you all….and anything we can do for you all, please don’t hesitate to call. Mary Ryan would love to play with Danny one day…
Suttons
praying with you.
So sorry to hear of this new and dangerous development. Praying for you all. Thank you for keeping us updated on what is happening so we can pray effectively. Know that you are not alone. There are many, many people praying for your family and sending their love.
In this together,
Emily, for the whole Rice family
We are so burdened for you. Praying and trusting. You are correct- He is good!
Mark and Cindy
I echo the sentiments of Mark and Cindy. I will pray even more consistently and intentionally for all of you.
Michelle
Querida Karla, hoy me estremece la noticia pero seguimos confiando en el Hacedor de Maravillas. El Ministerio Hispano esta con ustedes en oración. Creemos que el Padre tiene un plan detrás de todo esto y sea como fuere El también tiene en sus manos la vida de Jonathan, la tuya y la de tus niños. Pedimos a Dios mucha fortaleza para ti y además sabiduría, una para seguir al lado de tu esposo y ayudarlo y la otra para tratar con tus hijos este momento. Los médico son el instrumento de Dios para tratar el problema, y para El no hay nada que pueda ser eso, un problema. Les amamos y luchamos en oración al lado de ustedes. Bendiciones.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go,for to You I lift up my soul.”
Karla, how hard this news is. May God enable you to see today’s circumstances through His eyes, so that your heart is comforted and your fears miraculously removed. How much He loves you and Jonathan and the children . . . May He enable you to rest in Him today like a little child.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Praying for His Peace for you and your family.
Our family is praying with you during this very difficult time.
Psalm 121!
Trusting Him
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise–
In God I trust and am not afraid.” (Psalm 53:6)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
My dear friends, how burdened is my heart and spirit for you as you undergo this trial of affliction. My prayers are lifted for you day and night, not only for healing, but for strength, faith, and endurance. The enemy would delight in undermining your faith and filling you with fear. Resist him with all your might and with the power of the Holy One who undergirds you. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. I hold you in my heart as each agonizing minute passes. I pray you are filled with light as you are loved and lifted by so many brothers and sisters. Blessings always.
I wanted you to know that I have been praying for you. Your story already is a testament to who God is and I praying for you constantly.
It is okay to be scared….who wouldn’t be. God never promises us an easy journey, just a soft landing….in the arms of Jesus. Scarlett and I are praying for you and the family and look forward to seeing you all soon. God Bless. Blair & Scarlett.