- the skill, concern and care of the staff of the Sheffield Children's Hospital staff: surgeons, doctors, nurses, play specialists, physiotherapists, etc. We keep saying thank you to them!
- our God's gift of peace and an assurance that He will work out His purposes for His glory and also our overall good. Phoebe has been so strong and brave through this in an extraordinary way. Thank you, Lord!
- the many prayers of people around the world and for many expressions of practical concern, including the many meals supplied (and the freezer is full) and other acts of kindness. Thank you too!
In the first few days it seemed odd that people could be carrying on as normal when our lives had been so impacted by Phoebe's illness. Yet as we stand back we realise that the events we are experiencing are being repeated again and again in the UK and other countries. We are not unique. So the love and prayers we are receiving is all the more remarkable, when there are many others in need to love and care for too. Added to this, we are very conscious that in many countries, such as Madagascar, the sort of care that Phoebe is receiving is beyond the dreams of the doctors let alone the patients.
This morning Marcus was reading from Psalm 71, including these words:
"For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth." (verse 5) and "Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvellous deeds." (verse 17)
Our testimony is that the God who we first knew aged 11 and 12 is also the God who now sustains us at 60 and 61.
