1 Cor. 3:5

"Our power and ability and sufficiency are from God."  I claim this verse tonight as we embark on the next chapter of Lance's life, his recovery, and the unfolding of God's plan through us.  I was drawn to this verse in a book by Major W. Ian Thomas received as a gift from Sarah Ott.  This gift and the visits from Sarah and her friends have been very special.  Yesterday she and Ben visited us in Lance's room and we said our good-byes - as we conclude the current treatment program here at the Shepherd Center.

The week has been busy here in Atlanta and back in Vanceburg as tomorrow is travel day for Lance.  He has finished the coma prep program; it was actually extended a couple of weeks as the doctors and staff thought he was "close" to emerging.  I have learned that "close" can be quite elusive and disappointing.  We knew and accepted at the outset, that the "wake-up" steps that were to be attempted here may not bring us to the point of full consciousness for Lance.  The program has been wonderfully rendered by topnotch professionals, but Lance is still not awake, as Chelcee explained so well in a previous blog.(Is Lance Awake?)  We also came to Atlanta knowing that, if this happened, we would be bringing Lance home for the next stage.  This next stage has a less clear time frame,  but one should count on weeks to months.  This part of his recovery will include placing him in a familiar environment with lots of rest.  There can and should be visitors; we will ask that visitors realize that short visit times with Lance will be best and that different days will have different circumstances.

We have said good-byes and thank-yous to so many at the Shepherd Center this week.  All of them say, "We will see you back soon".  This is very encouraging and there are many success stories that describe how the "wake-up" occurs several weeks/months after leaving the hospital.  We will continue to pray that this is Lance's future.  Last night Lance, Gena, and I spent the night in a transitional apartment designed to give comfort and training to families as they prepare to bring patient to the home setting.  All went well; we feel very fortunate that training/careers from the past will prove helpful for this next stage.  Thanks to all of you as you offer so much encouragement and help.  Your prayers and God's provision will carry us through this chapter of the vigil.  I know He has a plan; we just have to wait for Him to display His power.  Waiting is tough, especially for us who are short on patience.

So tomorrow at 10:00 AM, the ambulance is to load Lance for the 455 mile  ride to Vanceburg.  We all need good sleep tonight.  This stage has many emotions flooding our system.  There is some anxiety about caring for him.  There is nervousness about where this stage leads.  There are those who think hope is gone, while, there are those that believe God is waiting for the right moment to perform His miracle.  As we wrestle with these and many more, here is a beautiful truth to remember.  God knows our thoughts, our hearts, every tear we shed.  Sarah reminded Lance through prayer, that God understood his thoughts even though he could not verbally express them. God knows yours and mine as well.  I just want to remember the verse that describes the source of our power, our ability, our sufficiency.  As we travel I-75 north, the road is clearly marked.  If we decide to make a turn, GPS systems and maps can direct us.  On the paths that we must walk through life, we sometimes find ourselves in areas unfamiliar.  Lance is on an unmarked, rocky, and mountainous path right now (perhaps similar to passes he observed on the Nicene Way).  I know Lance must feel comfort knowing that God is the guide on this journey.  I know I do.

-John