AWESOME GIRL

I haven't done good at posting notes, because most of the time I'm not feeling good about where we are at. But each time we get another bend in the road - Rachael steps up and is full of love and strength!
This weekend we will have 18 Students to our house for the 30 hr Famine. It will be a great time and a wonderful distraction from life.
Next Wednesday Rach has another EEG (24 hr test) and we will begin the Genetic testing. Please keep us in your prayers as we pursue answers!

What Is Next for Rachael

Rach and I saw her doctor last week Tuesday. The EEG report showed significant seizure activity and her heart is still having arythmic concerns. Today, 4/6, she will be having an MRI done at the 68th street center and seeing the Ped-Neurologist on 4/13. Continued prayers for her safety and that we (along with the doctors) are able to make the right decisions.

Rach Saw the Doctor

Dear friends,
Well, we were able to see Rachael's primary doctor yesterday. We got some answers and many more questions. Yesterday was a very rough day for me - I just wasn't able to write on the blog. Dr Talmo was able to give us more information in regards to the ER report she received and we talked about the results of the EEG done a week in a half ago.
The EEG was abnormal and showed seizure activity in the right side during waking tests and during the hyperventilation activity. It indicates she has a lowered seizure threshold and we definatly need to continue to move forward. We are working at getting an appointment with a Pediatric Neurologist and an MRI.
In addition, the EKG they did in the hospital showed high junctional rhythmic problem, which Dr Talmo was able to clearly detect during her evaluation of Rachael. We send in Rach's heart monitor on Thursday so we will contact the Heart Specialist next week if we don't hear from them right away.
Yes, we are doing okay. I'll admitt that I'm angry, sad, and frustrated. This was NOT my desire for any of our kids. The doctor did say this doesn't look like the same type of seizures I'm dealing with and I didn't give it to her. That's just not what it feels like right now. Rach is doing good. Of course she doesn't want to worry me. We've had a few tears, especially with stories of how people and children have been praying for her recently (thank you Sam). It is such a blessing to know we are not walking through this alone! "Thy rod and staff - they comfort me."
Please pray that Rachael stays safe at school, with friends and during her outings. Pray also that we are able to get into the neurologist very soon.
Thanks for caring enough to check out blog -
Blessings, Cheryl & the Smith Gang

Smith Update

Hello. Just a quick family update. There is no word yet on Rachael and what caused the seizures. We hope to hear more next week as she goes to her doctor. No new episodes though and thats good. Ben had his Dynavox testing at UofM today and that went great. He charmed and impressed the ladies that tested him with his sweetness and technical savy. Trully a chip off the old block. Nate is in charge of this Sundays music at VOH and Rachael will be playing also, maybe on the electric guitar. My brother Craig will be on the drums and I am a roadie this week so it is the Smith Family Singers. Cheryl is doing well. Church wise this is a busy time of the year. My job is steady, next week looks lite, but that's next week. I can't wait until turkey season cause I know how much you all love my cool stories of haunted forests and giant birds. Until then...play nice, Randy.

The Guatemala Song - by Rachael

When Rachael got back from Guatemala she spent some time alone and wrote this song. Enjoy!

The Guatemala Song

We went on a plane to a different place
And found God’s mercy and embrace
The people we meet and came to find
Showed us God’s love of a different kind

(Chorus)
Act justly, love mercy
Walk humbly with our God
Act justly, love mercy
Walk humbly with our God

We drove through the town in our big white vans
The chicken bus drivers didn’t have a chance
Behind the wheels were Don, Scott & Dave
The craziest drivers since Nascar was created

(Chorus)

We built some houses, made some walls
God impacted more than we ever thought
The trip got better each and every day
Everyone agrees and would say

(Chorus)

Rachael's Health

Dear Friends and Family,

We totally had a scare this week Tuesday and covet your prayers for Rachael.

Tuesday morning I had just put Ben on the bus and was at the computer working on an email for his teacher. Rach was at the table eating. She got up and was rinsing her bowl and cup (such a good girl) when I heard a big boom. I turned and my first thought was "Where did Rachael go?" I stood up and realized that she was totally on the floor. She looked like someone should have been trying to catch her. I don't think she tried to catch herself at all. I ran over. Her eyes were fixed and dilated in a strange stare. I took her upper body and tried to cradle her when she started to shake. My heart lept out of my chest. After about 10-15 seconds she stopped and then started to come around. She was scared and cried a little. Nate was still here and tried to help me with her.

We had to wait for awhile for the doctors office to open and they sent us to the ER. We were there for the whole day. The cat scan came back clear. The doctor said, "she has a beautiful brain" no tumors, lesions, clots, etc. That was very good news. Her blood work came back good with no concerns. The doctor ordered an EKG which came back with a 'suspicious result'. When we finally left the hospital we had to go to the West MI Heart Center to have Rach fitted for a heart halter monitor. She needs to wear it for 30 days when she is awake, sleeping, etc.

We believe she had her first seizure on Feb 13. The one Tuesday was her second. Then last night (3/5) she had another episode. For now she is restricted from driving and we are making sure that friends or family are always around.

Next steps - March 17 they have scheduled her for an EEG at Spectrum and then we see from the results for what is next.

Most of you know that I have a seizure disorder as well as some other health concerns. I have always been okay with it being me and being thankful the kids were healthy. This has become a scary time. We are tring very hard to trust God and leave her in his hands - but this is not what I want for her.

Please keep Rachael in your prayers through out the days and nights, for her safety, that the doctors are able to figure out what is going on and that God would completely heal her.

Day of Testing for Ben

We are getting ready to wake up Benji for a day of testing at the DeVos Children's Hospital. We need to be there at 9:15am. Benji can't eat or drink - so we are waiting till the last minute to wake him. The proceedure is scheduled for 10am. The pediatric sedation team is ready for him - we pray that Benji is cooperative and that his heart stays strong!
Ben is having an ABR (Auditory Brain Stem Response) Test done. It is to measure what sounds are getting through his ears to his brain. It is not a difficult test but he needs to lie totally still. That is why they are sedating him. Our prayers are that his heart does good under sedation and that he doesn't fight when they are putting him under.
Hope to be home early this afternoon - Thanks for your prayers!

Enjoy this Video by Rachael

Rachael created this video highlighting her trip. Enjoy!

Music by Brandon Heath, 'Give Me Your Eyes'

A gringo here, a gringo there. . .

Hey Everyone!

I'm finally back from my trip, and what a trip it was. I've had so many great experiences in the short time that I was away. I will try to recap as much as possible, but that will be extremely challenging to say the least.

First I would like to thank you ALL for the love, encouragement, support, and especially prayers. The week was filled with many ups and the occasional downs. [thankfully more ups] I have had so many amazing experiences this week, but I would love to share my main highs of the week, and hopefully give you at least an incling of what I have experienced.

My first day at the village, I forgot all of my Spanish, but as the day went on, I came to find how patient the kids who I hung out with were. By the end of the day, I had learned more Spanish then in all of my Spanish classes combined. The really touching moment came when I went to one of the houses that we were building at. My new buddy Jordan and I offered to paint the girls nails, and they told their grandma in a very excited way. A few minutes later the grandma brought out the only two chairs they had and a small table so Jordan and I could paint the girls nails. It reminded me of the story when Jesus' feet were washed with priceless perfume.. the chairs were given to us by a family with very little, to us with so much.

Another moving experience happened on Sunday night. We had a bunch of people from Dainel and Millie's church over for supper and a time of worship. After supper we went to the upstairs of the Mission house and sang. It would work out in a way of a verse being sung in English, then the other in Spanish. It was beautiful to say the very least. A group if people from different walks of life, different cultures, and different languages.. all worshiping God in the same room.

"All the nations will be gathered before him"- Matthew 25:32

The orphanage is what I would consider a home away from home. I met a girl there that has dramatically impacted my life. Her name is Hannah, and she had a disability called brittle bone disease. She learned to speak three languages by the age of 6 just by listening to conversations. I visited Love the Child Orphanage on 2 occasions. The first time I did talk to her to much, but the next visit, I spent about an our painting, then the next 2-3 talking to her non-stop. What impacted me so much about her is how much joy she is filled with for as much as God has put on her plate. Her mom gave up her and her brother to the Orphanage to give them the proper care for their disability. Still she never complained about the discomfortt of the disease, or the fact of living at the orphanage. Instead she talked of places she wanted to go to like Disney World, and her love of Nate Ellens (a guy on the trip). I can honestly say that I love her like a sister, and if I had the chance I would bring her to Disney World in a heart beat. I cried when I had to tell her goodbye, as we gave each other Eskimo kisses, and many many hugs and snuggles. Goodbye would have been such a harsh word to say, so "I'll see you next year" was the best thing I could think of. Even if I don't go with the Moline Team next year, I will most defiantly keep my promise and see her again.

I know that many of you reading this, read that my grandma was very sick on Wednesday, and what a difficult plummet to a great week it was. Being the warrior she is, she pulled through and recovered enough to go home with us on Thursday morning.

I've learned so much more about everyone this week then ever before, especially my family. My grandma's strength, my Uncle's composure and caring spirit, and also Elise's attentiveness to my on-going questions with my severe culture shock, and scheduling of the trip. Thanks!

I know that I have taken a little bit of everyone from this trip, and I'm eternally gratefully for all that everyone has done for me to make this trip a great experience to have. I have made it a goal to make this a "vision trip" instead of a mission trip, and to do as much as I can for the people around me, and to show the same kindness and selflessness as the people from Guatemala showed me.

"Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God"

~Rachael Smith

18 Hours of Travel

About midnight the mission team made the decision to have Grandma travel home with them. Pray for the 40 people traveling together. Pray for Rachael as she flies for the second time in her life. Pay for safety as they re-enter USA and make the plane transfer in TX. And for the 18 hours they will be traveling today. Special prayers for my mother-in-law who was VERY sick yesterday and will be traveling all day today.
Thanks!

Prayer Request from Guatemala

Well, If you get this before I get home, or a call from aunt sue, Grandma is really sick. She is majorly dehydrated, and has been sick and throwing up all day. There is a chance that her and uncle jerry will stay for a day or two at the local clinic. Elise is having a hard time dealing with the fact that we can't stay. I am being the strong tower right now, so please pray for the Family. we will be heading home soon.
Love you guys,and I can't wait to see you guys!~Roach

Additional Information: This is Susan (Randy's sister). I just hung up with uncle jerry. He said they gave mom a shot about 7 oclock their time and so far she's kept down 1/2 - 1 cup fluids. That is a good sign. Plus she's thinking clearer...making sense. She's at the mission house resting. They are going to call me back around 11 their time (midnite ours) to give an update and probably will decide then if she will be well enough to travel tomorrow. I'm going to call Dad now...I've been holding off until this latest update. So far then, things are starting to look a bit better....keep praying. Luff, Susan

Rachael's Sunday in Guatemala

Aw. I miss Mrs. Macintosh.
Church was amazing! Its a lot like ours, but a lot more singing and a shorter message. Its awesome. The pastor from Moline preached but it was good. Very fitting.
I got all of my shopping done at the market!! You guys will love the stuff.
The weather was amazing today, about 75, with a nice breeze.
Thanks for keeping me updated.
Love ~Roach

Saturday in Guatemala

Unbelievably I was just able to spend 10 minutes in an online conversation with Rachael. It was SO AWESOME! Below you will find her email to Randy. Thanks for following her journey with us and for your prayers on her behalf! - Cheryl

Hello again Everyone!
Yes, I've been bitten by the travel bug. Today we went to the Orphanage, and I fell in love with a baby girl named Mercy. She was the most adorable girl ever. We painted the dinning room there, and part of the nursery. The Orphanage was humungous! I took alot of pictures with a little help from my new amigas! Two girls used my camera and took pictures of EVERYTHING! It was cute, then me, Jordan, and the girls jumped on the trampoline.
Today we have guests for supper so that'll be fun. [we have guests every nite] Its really fun. Love you daddy! mommy! Benji!! Natiepoooooo! [pero y gato]
Adios!~Roachie
P.S. The Moline blog will be updated again tonite!

Friday in Guatamala

Rachael –
Dad said “COOL” when I told him about the store.
He talked to Mark this morning and the I-pod is yours!!!
LOVE you,
Mom

HEY GUYS!
We went into the village today! and... I KNOW SPANISH AGAIN!! I'm so thrilled. Oh, and this morning we set our clocks an hour early, so we were up at 5:30 thinking it was 6:30. But anywho, the village was amazing. I made a bunch of new buddies, and tomorrow we will be going to the Orphanage [hopfully]. The blog has been updated, so you guys can check that out. Hey Nate! How was your day at school? Miss me?
Adios!-Roachie
P.S. I'M THRILLED ABOUT THE IPOD!!! YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW!!! THANKS DAD, AND GUY FROM WORK! I LOVE YOU ALL!

Friday Email from Rachael

GOOD MORNING SMITH FAMILY!Today our clocks were set for michigan time! So It is 6 o clock, and we don't have breakfast until 7. HI BEN! HAHA NATE! I slept like a rock last night, considering I slept an hour in a totall of 30 hours. SOOO nothing extremely new, but once again, we will be going to the village.I request prayer for transportation!!! Luckily we have an awesome driver [he's pro] {[truckdriver]} So,, we are in good hands. But seriously, we drive at about 60 in the little winding roads, its km but still way fast, its crazy!
Love you guys, and have a nice day!
~Roachie
p.s.Dad, you know the crazy dancing drug guy in the mexico episode in No Reservations? I saw that store!!!!!

Be sure to check out the Moline CRC Mission blog located at the right for team updates and comments.

Rachael's Email

Got an email from Rachael -

"HEY FAMILY!
My phone has no reception, so its not like I'm trying to ignore you. It is a glorious 70 degrees today, with a gentle breeze. The mission house that we are staying at is considered a mansion, and its beautiful! We have an amazing view of the town below, considering us being nestled upon a hill. Tomorrow we will be doing a bible study at the village, and the guys will begin building. I love you guys SOOOO MUCH!
Love,Roachie!"

Thanks for the prayers!!!

She is Off to Guatemala

Well, believe it or not - we left Rachael at Moline CRC with a huge group last night. Yes, we actually let her go. I know there are a few of you that thought I wouldn't be able to do it - it was close! I checked this morning and her flight left at 6:10am out of Detroit (only 10 minutes late). She was a little nervous but way more excited when we dropped her off. There was a room full of people - and a number of them promised not to leave her there. It is amazing how close Guatemala is in today's travel. They will arrive in Huston about 8:10am - then back on at 9:30 am arriving in Guatemala at 12:30. AMAZING!

The picture is of Grandma Smith, Rachael & Cousin Elise.

Thanks for the prayers! I'll let you know if we hear from her!

Today My World Gets Bigger

Today is pretty significant in the life of the Smith Family!!! Many of you know - some might not - Rachael will be getting on a bus tonight at 11:30, traveling to Detroit, getting on her fist plane - and flying off to Guatemala. She is going there on a mission trip with Moline CRC. You can find a link to their blog on the right side of this screen. I have been totally good with this new adventure until today - when the rubber hits the road!!! Brings a new meaning to 'my baby is flying the nest'!!! Of course we are asking you to keep her and the 39 other people with her in your thoughts and prayers for the next week. They are scheduled to return next Thursday (1/22). There is an email she wrote and we sent to friends and family - if you would like to see it just email me or publish a comment and we will send it your way!

In addition - we had a very funny thing happen yesterday. Anyone who knows our oldest son, Nate, knows he has had long hair for about 3 1/2 years. Monday he got it cut. Like really cut. And it now requires a little styling. Yesterday morning Rachael came out of the bathroom laughing and said "Mom, I almost pooped my pants!" - well of course I asked why! She said, "I was in the bathroom and Nate knocked on the door and asked me for the hair-spray!" That was enough for us to both start laughing hysterically! Nate typically takes a shower, throws his head side to side, sprits his pits, and he is ready for the day. Hairspray - I guess you have to know him!

Thanks for reading our blog today! Remember Rach in your prayers - AND ME! Hopefully we let her go and don't totally change our minds tonight.

Blessings in your week! Love, Cheryl

Everyday we are blessed to get a note home from Ben's teacher Andy telling us what he did that day. Yesterday his note read, "Shannon (an adult classroom aid) gave Ben $1.25 and asked him to go get her a Dr Pepper out of the machine - and he did!" The machine they refer to is down a couple of hallways and in the lunch room. He totally completed the task by himself. This was a wonderful reminder that Benji is in the school and with the people he is supose to be with.

THANKS to all the wonderful staff at Hillside Learning Center for what they do each day and for LOVING Benji so much!

New in 2009

As a family we are seeing a lot changes for our family in 2009. It is amazing how just a few short years ago Randy and I were having diaper changing races. Now the kids are off having their own lives!!!

New things happening:

Rachael is LEAVING for Guatemala next week. Yeah - little Rach is 16 and going to a third world country with her Grandma Smith and Moline CRC. They leave next Wednesday (1/14) at 11:30pm. They will be gone until 1/22. Pray for her safety and the health and welfare of the team she is going with. I've included their blog on the side so you can check in on them or add them to your feed.

Nate is mentally finishing his Senior year of high school. He has a few months to go but admits he's ready to be done. He has been accepted at Kuyper College in GR. Now begins the process of figuring out how we will be paying for it! Both Nate and Rachael have applied to SON-Life Camp for summer positions - we'll keep you posted on that! It will really make our summer look different if it is just Ben, Randy and I - ~~~

Benji is off to school today and we are looking at his educational plan being redone again (has to be done each year). It is always a process and I usually hate it. That is one of the 'have tos' of life.

Randy is very slow at work. The economy has certainly caught up with Mark Maker Co. He has yet to work a full day this week. Although we are thankful that he has a job!

Me - its a good day.

We hope to do better on the blog in 2009. Enjoy the pic of the family! New Christmas pajama bottoms for everyone. Oh - the new guy in the bottom is 'Bear'. He came to our family in September.