We had such a good time with the Logue side of the family in New York. Six of the nine Logue siblings and their families were able to get together for Christmas. We played games, worked on a couple of puzzles in spurts, and ate lots of yummy food. One night as we got into the van at Ben’s mom’s house, Joyanna said, Grandma’s house…friends”. She was referring to her cousins that had been so kind to her while playing at grandma’s house even though they are all older. I thought that was so sweet. I said, “Yes, they are friends but they are actually your cousins. Cousins are friends.” Then all the way to the house we were staying in, Joyanna and Ethan said, “Cousins…friends.”
We also got to see the people at Buckley Road Baptist Church in Liverpool, NY where Ben’s mom attends and Grace Baptist Church in Bowling Green, KY on the way back. These people have been such a huge blessing to our family. I know most of them are praying for us regularly and that is a huge encouragement to my soul.
Philip started school on Monday. Then he and Joyanna both went to an epileptologist appointment on Tuesday. Nothing much has changed so it was just a regular follow up. We have the freedom to tweak some medicines as we communicate with their doctor but we will leave everything the same for now. Philip returned to school on Wednesday and finished out the week. His congestion is better now that we are decidedly into winter. He hasn't thrown up for over three weeks. Such a blessing! His sleep was kind of thrown off by the trip but we've learned how to adjust some things and help him sleep better. We're realizing this will probably be a continual battle from now on for him. We really just take each day at a time, sometimes each hour at a time, making decisions as we go. Please pray we have the wisdom provided only by the Holy Spirit to make each decision.
I noticed Philip’s bottom front tooth was loose last Saturday. Ben was able to pull it out easily this past Tuesday. It didn’t seem to bother Philip at all. The one next to it is already loose and will be coming out in a few days. He turned 6 and his teeth decided to get out. I’ll admit I have struggled with this milestone. It’s easy to forget when Philip is not developmentally progressing, his body is still performing some of the normal functions. Losing your first tooth is usually an exciting adventure. Kids are so proud to lose a tooth and it marks that you’re not a baby anymore. Seeing something so normal happen is such a vivid reminder that my son is not normal. There are times along the way when I have to grieve these little things. I don’t feel bad about grieving those, though. It’s all part of the journey. There’s still an abiding peace throughout each mile.
Next week, Heartland Baptist Bible College (Ben’s employer) is hosting a Church Planting Conference. This meeting is specifically designed to help men who are starting new churches all around the nation. Pastors and individuals are able to give money to help these men and the churches they represent. The preaching and fellowship are almost as important as the money that comes in. I cannot go to all the services but I will get to go to a couple. The others I hope to watch on the livestream from the college. Ben’s brother and his family and sister and her family will be here for the meetings. This is two of the siblings who did not get to be at his mom’s for Christmas so it will be good to see them and spend some time together. Hopefully all the local Logues (4) can gather with us while Andy and Wendy are here and then 6 of the nine will be together again. My brother will also be in town for the meeting so I hope to see his family. Things are busy for these conferences but it is still nice to see friends and family if only for a few hours.
Well, that’s all for now. I’ll leave you with the chorus to this powerful song that has often been an encouragement to me:
God makes no mistakes.
He knows the path you take.
He brought you this far in life’s way;
He’ll never let you down.
God makes no mistakes.