Can You Spot the Difference?

As you all know, Javen has an underdeveloped pituitary gland, which inhibits his body from growing. Thanks to God and scientists, there is a hormone which mimics what the pituitary puts out, and Javen has been able to grow during the last 6 months or so. When I was looking for a picture for comparison, I found this one. The difference is so great...I can't believe the change. My poor, sweet child.

He has gone through so much peer ridicule and negativity, it is only by the grace of God that he is the sweet, kind child he is today. He is still sometimes insecure in certain situations. He is sometimes uncomfortable wearing a bathing suit, or anything that he has to pull off over his head, for fear of flashing his belly. But he is slowly learning, he is God's child. He is good the way he is. He is loved. He is cherished. He is wonderfully made.

This experience has been amazing for all of us. One of my strengths is "connectedness", and that is seeing how all things, though seemingly individual, are connected in some way. Javen is a great example of that. His name, first of all, and the derivation from the Bible. When nurses, doctors, or others ask him about his name, he explains where it comes from and the lineage behind it (the first born grandson of Noah, through Japheth). That usually leads to a conversation about how he is well mannered, to him praising God for his goodness, even through this storm.

This is a season of joy, and I would like you all to share in it with us. Javen is growing into a confident young boy, and we are thrilled with his progress. Please continue praying that his pituitary gland will grow to a normal size and take over so that he will not have to be on hormones throughout his growing years.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he cause His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May he lift us His countenance upon you and give you peace. (derived from Numbers 6:24-26)