Vacation News

Monday, June 28
It has been a while since I have updated everyone on Tyler. Hopefully everyone was aware that the family has taken a 3 week vacation to get away, make good memories, visit family and friends in Arizona and California.

Their journey began on June 16th when they flew from Memphis to Los Angles, California. They stayed there for about 5 days in a hotel. They visited friends and they went to Disneyland (and Sarah lost her camera). Tyler did great and has been feeling good. He can walk much better and without much help. The weather was wonderful and they enjoyed their time in LA.

They left LA on Saturday and drove to Tuscon, Arizona, where they lived for several years. They have been there since, staying with their good friends, Lesley and Greg Sasse. Their son Tyler, and our Tyler went to elementary school together and they have been great friends ever since. It has been very hot in Arizona as it should be, it's summertime! They have been blessed though. They have done some pretty amazing things and every time they have planned an event, God has arranged a cooler day. Some of the fun things they have enjoyed include: a picnic in the mountains at Push Ridge Riding stables. The kids went fishing and caught 1 fish and a lot of crayfish. Another day they took a horse drawn hay ride through the dessert and Sarah treated her AZ friends to a southern meal, pulled pork sandwiches and sweet tea. It was a real treat for them. They also went on a tour of a cave at Colossal Caves. Unfortunately they didn't realize there were so many steps (364 to be exact) and it was tough on Tyler. He made it through though. They also had fun as gemstone sleuths at the caves. Water runs down through channels and the kids used mesh plates to sift through the sand to find gems, crystals and fools gold. They have truly enjoyed their time with their friends and Sarah's sisters.

They will return by car tomorrow to Los Angeles stopping in Palm Springs to have dinner with Sarah's grandmother. They will pick up Glen (Sarah's dad) at the airport and check into the Hilton in Los Angeles for the remainder of their vacation. This next week includes meeting a lot of old friends at Knotts Berry farm, going to the beach and a big 4th of July celebration and reunion with alot of Glen's side of the family (the Akiyama's). The family will fly back to Memphis on July 7th.

Tyler has felt good while they have been there. They did have a scare a week after they arrived. His leg started swelling and turning red. He had a fever of 99.9 so Sarah called St. Jude! St. Jude said to watch him closely and take him to the hospital if it rises above 100.3. Charles slept with Tyler that night and they prayed hard that God would work a miracle on Tyler so that they could remain on vacation and he wouldn't have to go to the hospital. The next morning Tyler woke up, his fever was gone and the swelling was gone. Isn't our God so good!!!!!!!

There are several specific prayers we have for the family: Pray for Tyler to remain healthy on this trip. Pray Tyler will gain weight as he has grown and needs to add some pounds. He is 5 foot 9 and weighs only 96 pounds. His body is frail and he needs a hefty appetite to put those pounds on. Pray for Sarah and Charles to feel God's peace and not to be fearful. They need freedom from that spirit of fear and the unknown. Pray for Charles and Sarah's extended family. They desire for them to know the Lord and for their hearts to be changed and for God to work miracles in their hearts. Pray for safety as they drive tomorrow and fly home. Pray God will bless them during the remainder of their vacation. Mostly pray for a miracle to happen in Tyler's life. For him to be cancer free and completely healed and healthy again. He will have a chest ct scan and other tests on July 14th. They are very anxious about these tests.

I am certain there is power in prayer and there is power in persistent prayer. Keep them flowing upwards to heaven for Tyler and his family who we love so much.

Stay close,Kim