Kidney News

Today we had yet another ultra sound. Waiting for this scan has been the hardest so far. I trust that the Lord is knitting my little babies together and I know He has a plan for their lives, I just have a hard time being in the dark when it comes to their health. It really is amazing how much I love these two little ones and I have never even met them.
Today we were very blessed to have a very nice ultrasound tech (we haven't really had a bad one yet). This time we knew that we were looking for the cysts on the right kidney so as soon as we got there she was very good about answering our questions.
This is his left kidney. It looks good and free of cysts.

This is his right kidney. All the black circles are the cysts that are taking over his kidneys.

Bad news is he has what is known as a multi-cystic kidney. This means the kidney is unable to function like it should.
The good news is his left kidney has NO cysts which means it is functioning just fine and it working doubly as hard to make sure he has fluid. And his fluid is measuring great as well as his weight. He is 2lb 9oz.
So whats the plan?? We are now going to meet with a pediatric urologist to see what steps will need to be taken once he is born. According to what we have been reading he could have it surgically removed, or we can have it monitored it with ultra sounds to see if it shrinks away into nothingness (since it doesn't function) and to make sure that it doesn't develop tumors. My plan is to make some calls tomorrow to see how we will be seeing.
Some other high points- The are both in the 45% in terms of weight. I love that they are growing well but it makes me more uncomfortable. 4 weeks ago I was measuring 27 and this time I am measuring 32 so needless to say I HAVE POPPED! I just posted some belly pictures so I will spare you of having to look at more. But I do have some pictures of the kids.
Baby Boy face

Baby boy profile (he has his arm up over his head)

Baby girl face

Baby girl profile (she also has her arm over her head)

After the high risk we drove over to our regular OB. After waiting an hour, we had 5 minutes to talk to the doctor. Because both babies are still breech he made it very clear that it is going to be a c-section. I have slowly been coming to that realization but to hear him say it made it all very real. It honestly scares me. I have never had a c-section, neither of my sisters have had one, and I don't know very many women who have had a c-section. Since it seems to be inevitable that I am going to have to have a c-section, I might as well deliver closer to home then driving to no mans land PA. More doctors, more waiting, more ultrasounds.... Such is life being pregnant with twins.

tracking the twins thus far

Seeing that I am now 28 weeks, I should probably fill you all in on what has happen so far.
August- One day I fell asleep at 6pm so I thought to be safe I should take a pregnancy test. SURPRISE!!! I'm pregnant.

September- Go to the shore with my family and tell them by making shirts with a 1 for joshua, a 2 for Finn, and a 3 for me.
September 21st- We have our ultra sound and....Surprise it's twins.

October- another ultra sound. Both babies look good and have strong heart beats.

Me at 14 weeks

November- We switch to a new OB practice in Montgomery county PA. It's a little bit of a drive but they have two doctors who are trained to deliver breech and two untrained... so we have a 50/50 chance at being able to deliver naturally like we want.
Me at 20 weeks

December we find out "it's a boy and it's a girl"!!!!! For the first time I was right. I had been thinking it was one of each. It's nice to think about having a little girl who will (hopefully) be loved and protected by her three brothers. After letting the good news sink in, the high risk doctor comes in and tells us that the little boy has a two-vessel cord. What that means is that he is not getting as much blood flow as the little girl which can result in slower growth of organs (heart, lungs, kidney's) which can cause low birth weight or other medical complications. So they sent us to CHOP to have a fetal echo cardiogram just to get everything checked out. That experience is a different story for another day, but we did find out that everything looks good. His organs are growing fine and they didn't see any issues with the heart. They will double check his heart when he is born but other then that there is no other follow up needed. PTL!
The end of December- We go back to the high risk (because of having twins I get ultra sounds every four weeks) get to hear the good news again that the two- vessel cord has not effected him. Now comes something else. When they were looking at his Right Kidney they saw that he had developed some cysts which could mean- absolutely nothing because they will go away or on the flip side it could effect the function of his kidney and we would have to see a pediatric urologist to see what steps need to be taken when he is born. At this point there is nothing I can do but wait and see. We have another ultra sound on Thursday and we will get to see if they have gone away or gotten bigger. Since getting this news, I have had to come to a lot of hard realizations. I have been so overcome by the thought of having two little ones in my home, I never really focused on what could really happen. Will they both be ok? Will I come home with one, two, any babies or will they have to be in a NICU? What kind of special medical attention are they going to need after they are born? ect. I am sad to say that my worries have gotten the best of me. I find myself becoming over whelmed with the "what if's" of it all.
January- me at 25 weeks

And now on Thursday we go back to the high risk to find out about how his kidney is doing. I am thankful that we have an early appointment and we get the results right then and there. We might have to wait in the room for an hour for the doctor (again another story for a different day) but at least we (should) have some answers.
Now that you are all caught up, I will hopefully be able to post updates more often so you all can see my humongous belly. I also want to check with Josh and make sure it's cool if we tell everyone the names.

Wishing...

So this morning at 5:30 am I am getting ready to get into the shower when I looked into my bedroom and I saw the clothes sitting in front of my closet waiting to be hung, and the basket of towels waiting to be put away, and the pile of closed that have collected in front of the laundry basket. Being annoyed at myself for letting it get that far I found myself wishing there was a laundry fairy. That got me thinking... "what are other things I wish for?" There have been countless times when I have said "I wish..." Some being more realistic then others. I wish I had better hair; I wish I could lose weight faster; I wish I could go away for the weekend; I wish I could tell that person what I really thought; I wish Joshua would cut that tooth already; I wish my husband... I wish I had a house; I wish I had a million dollars. You get the picture. I think this is all something we are guilty of. But let me ask you one thing... What is the good in wishing? What good comes from it? What frustrations come from it? So as I was standing in my nice hot shower I decided that I was never going to wish ever again. And here is why. I have decided that everything that I would WISH for is something I can PRAY for. Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
It would be nice if there was a laundry fairy but instead I can be thankful that I have clothes and pray that I have then energy and diligence to get it done. I could wish that I had a million dollars, but instead I can be thankful that I have a job and be a good steward of the money. I wish my husband... instead I can be thankful that I have a loving a loyal husband and pray about whatever issue is there.
So here is my challenge for you... when you feel yourself wishing for something first find find something to be thankful for and then pray about whatever it is you are wishing for. Desire the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Whats been going on in Zambia

The team has been doing amazing things. I almost feel bad writing about it because I know I will be unable to really put into words how amazing it has been for them. I get goose bumps just thinking about the lives that they get to touch and the fact that their lives will never be the same. So far they have visited an orphanage where they were able to do evangelism through songs, evangacubes, and balloons. The kids loved having them there and were so grateful for what the team was doing. They also got to have a full day of ministry in Makanda.. This was a rural area, with thatched roof cottages, no running water or electricity, and all the people make their own living by growing bannas, and selling them on the main road, not too far from their villages.they said it was definite culture shock. Josh preached on 1 John 1.. it was difficult with a translator, but he believe it was effective.
They have also been able to have some down time and sight seeing. Josh posted a hilarious video of the killing a spider. If you are friends with Josh you can see it on his facebook page. They also had the chance to go to a market place where (in josh's words) were able to get souvenirs at a good price.
This week they are heading to Victoria falls. I know I can't wait to see pictures of God's beautiful creation.
If you are praying for the team, please keep in mind that they are hitting the half way point. They have all been together for a while in tight quarters and personalities can start to clash and nerves can get stretched thin. Please pray that they can keep the lines of communication open and that they can remember why they are there.
Thanks for checking in.

A Face with the name

Brad, Madison, Arline, Josh, Fridah (front in the red shirt) Tyler, Brady, and Tim.

Sunday July 18th and following

In the words of Kip from "Napoleon Dynamite"--"Yes I love technology not as much as you you see. Yes I love technology. Always and forever." Why do I share this with you? Because this morning while I was getting ready for church, I received a Skype call from Josh. There is an internet cafe where they will be able to access their group e-mail (wcfzambiateam@gmail.com), hope on facebook, and skype with their families. Lord willing, next Sunday they will be able to Skype us while we are in the church service.
One thing the students did in preparation for this was back yard bible clubs. They did three different weeks at three different location. They taught the kids songs, games, and lots of verses. They were able to share the gospel by using evengacubes, making the colored bracelets, and doing face painting. These skills are going to be put to good use as they will be going to Vine Orphanage for Children Evangelism on the 20th, on the 21st meet with the orphans of the church on the 21st, and then on the 22nd they will be going to Chismo Drop off Center where they will get to do more evangelism.
Please pray for the team as this is going to be a huge culture shock for them. These students might think that they know a lot about the world but they are about to be in for a rude awakening. This will be big for Josh and Arline as well. This is not something they would ever see here in Winnemucca. Tim and Fridah are from there so they might be a little more "use to it" but it still can be hard to see. Please pray that the gospel is preached boldly and clearly. Also please pray that the hearts of the team will be open to the blessings that this community can give to them.

July 16th. Departure day

A lot of you already know that Josh has been planning a trip to Zambia for a little less than a year. Some of you may have even got support letters asking for your prayers. God has been good and answered those prayers. Originally I was planning on going on the trip but then we found out in March that we would be expecting our second child in November and my doctor did not think it would not be a good idea if I went. This was very bitter sweet. I loved going to Africa when I was in high school and have had the desire to return one day. But at the same time I LOVE being a mom and don't know if I could leave Joshua behind for such a long period of time and I did not want to but baby #2 in danger.
Now, the time as come. After many hours of service, several Sunday meetings, hundreds of prayers, and thousands of dollars, they are ready to go. This morning the team and some of the family member met at church to get all the paper work in order, get the bags weighted and to load the bus. Once everything was checked and rechecked it was time to pray and say goodbye. This was very hard for me. I am not used to being the one who is left behind. I have always been Josh's right hand man when it comes to trips. I help control the crowed, try and think ahead to help alleviate stress, and try to encourage him when things don't go as they are suppose to. When I knew I wasn't going crazy. But like I said before I know that it is best for me to stay behind and be one of the prayer warriors for the team.
I ask that you join me in this and pray for them. Here is the list of the people who are going on the trip.
Josh Maxwell
The Adults:
Tim Banda
Fridah Banda
Arline Gomz
The Youth:
Brad Pearce
Tyler Duran
Brady Riley
Madison Waldie
I will be posting a blog every few days so you all can be updated on what they are doing and how you can continually pray for them. (If you read this off facebook it may be a few days behind. For a more accurate timeline go to my blog page to check for updates)
Today they made the very long drive to San Francisco and their flight will be departing at 10:24 PM (west coast time). They will be landing in New York (JFK) at 7 am east coast time on July 17th. From JFK they will depart at 11:15 and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa and arrive at 8:40 am on July the 18th. (This will flight will take 15 1/2 hours in the air) Then at 10:50 am the team will depart and plan to arrive at Lusaka, Zambia at 12:30 pm (3:30 Winnemucca time) Once they get in they will get settled in the house where they are staying and then off to a welcome service.
For now please pray for safety and sanity (haha). This group is going to be stuck in Airports and planes for many days. Pray that they are kept safe and that they can use this time to bond and relax. Also pray that their bodies will adjust well to the time change. Please also be praying for the family's that have been left behind. This is the longest amount of time that Josh and I will be apart and I am already feeling lonely knowing that I will not be able to talk to him everyday.
If you would like to contact the team you may do so by writing them an e-mail. It is an address the entire group can access. wcfzambiateam@gmail.com
I will do my best to let you all know what they will be up to while they are there. Thank you in advance for all your prayer and support.