"They" say that times of transition are when life can be the most stressful. Job changes, moving, having a baby, etc. force you out of your normal routine and get your adrenal glands kicking out adrenaline. Many people seek as stress free of life as possible. Others thrive on it and even create it for fun. As followers of Christ, the Bible says that we should use these times to grow in our faith and to deepen our dependence on God. Our family is in the middle of some pretty crazy changes right now. As a chief surgery resident in Grand Rapids, MI I'll be finishing my training in June and starting my career in July. Our family has made plans to go to Kenya for two years starting in the summer/fall of 2013. And, we just had our fourth child. Little Tucker Henry entered the world on March 15th as the fourth Mitchell boy, and the events following his birth shook us to the core. Erin developed a severe postpartum infection causing septic shock and necessitating an emergent hysterectomy. She was in the hospital for 23 days and is continuing to recover. She was on the verge of death, but because of the power of prayer and God's grace and mercy she is still with us today.
Because of all these events we decided to start a blog. Many people received the email updates and enjoyed reading the lessons we were learning while going through a very tough time. In the posts to follow we'll try to recap the events, the lessons learned, and keep those interested updated on Erin's progress. We will also blog about our preparations for Kenya and the surgical ministry we hope to have at Tenwek Hospital.
In I Samuel 7 the prophet Samuel and the Israelites found themselves under attack by the Philistines. Samuel prayed to the Lord and He protected the Israelites during this trial. After the Israelite victory, the Bible records: "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying 'Thus far the Lord has helped us'" (1 Samuel 7:12). The Blog will also serve as a collection of Ebenezers for us, remembering how God has helped us in times of need. When we look back and see the many Mounds of Stones we will remember that God is good...all the time.
Mounds of Stone - Going where God leads, learning along the way.
Yeah! You started a blog. Love you all and can't wait to read.
ReplyDeleteHi Erin & Family: I have been reading your emails (courtesy of Katie P.) and praying for you these past few weeks! I'm glad you are all home and on the road to recovery! Maybe I'll see you at the park this summer :)
ReplyDeleteKatie T.
awesome. love the mounds of stone idea...it's so important to intentionally see what God has done for us. if you haven't read it, and because you have TONS of time...read 1000 Gifts. it will change your life and is so perfect for what you are going through.
ReplyDeletebecca kipe
A family pic, of all SIX Mitchell's taken at HOME! What a blessing, so thankful for God's sustaining hand in your lives these past several weeks. Thanks for your example of faithfulness on the good and the bad.
ReplyDeleteJenn K.
Glad to see you've started a blog! Looking forward to keeping up with your Kenya plans!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to taking this journey with you through your blog. What a great way to see God's loving hand guiding you, as you write your life's experiences.
ReplyDelete